Mother of Former MBC Weathercaster Ends 27-Day Hunger Strike After Reaching Agreement; MBC to Issue Official Apology

Jang Yeon-mi, the mother of late former MBC weathercaster Oh Yo-anna, has ended her prolonged hunger strike after reaching a preliminary agreement with MBC, the broadcasting company. Civic groups Ending Credit and Workplace Gabjil 119 announced on the 5th that Jang had agreed to end her 27-day-long hunger strike following talks between the bereaved family and MBC, and has been admitted to Green Hospital in Jungnang-gu, Seoul.

Jang began her protest in front of MBC headquarters on September 8, demanding an official apology from the company, measures to prevent recurrence, and the restoration of her daughter's honor. In response, MBC has pledged to hold a public press conference with the bereaved family on the 15th, where the company will formally apologize to the late Oh Yo-anna and award her an honorary employee certificate, along with announcing preventative measures against similar incidents.

The memorial space established at MBC’s headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, will remain open until September 15, 2026, marking the second anniversary of Oh Yo-anna’s passing. Additionally, MBC plans to abolish the existing weathercaster positions—provided this causes no disadvantage to current staff—and shift to hiring full-time meteorological and climate specialists.

Oh Yo-anna passed away last September at the age of 28. Allegations subsequently emerged that she had suffered workplace harassment by senior MBC weathercasters. An investigative committee was convened within MBC, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched a special labor inspection.

In its May report, the Ministry acknowledged acts of harassment against Oh, but concluded that relevant workplace harassment regulations could not be enforced, as Oh was not legally recognized as an employee under the Labor Standards Act.

MBC responded by expressing grave concerns over the findings and pledged to adopt preventive measures and take appropriate action against those involved. Subsequently, the company terminated its contract with weathercaster “A,” who was cited as a perpetrator in the case.

The bereaved family has protested the Ministry’s decision, demanding an official apology and statement regarding recurrence prevention from MBC President Ahn Hyung-joon, the conferral of an honorary employee certificate, the establishment of a permanent memorial, regular employment for weathercasters, and a full investigation into the company’s non-regular freelance workforce.

Note: “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, Yonhap News, Oh Yo-anna SNS