Two individuals identified as perpetrators in the case of the late Anna Go, ultimately failed to appear, with authorities warning, "If they don't show up again, they will face a fine." [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Witness interrogations between the family of the late MBC weathercaster Go Yo-anna, who gained attention following her sudden death amid workplace harassment allegations, and the two weathercasters identified as perpetrators, have initially failed to take place.

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 48 (Presiding Judge Kim Do-gyun) held the fifth argument session on Tuesday regarding the wrongful death compensation lawsuit related to workplace harassment of the late Oh Yo-an-na. Lawyers from both sides and family members of the late Oh Yo-an-na attended the session.

On this day, the judge, who is facing a renewed lawsuit due to changes and renewals in the trial panel, referred to the witness examinations scheduled for today after consolidating the positions of both parties. However, none of the four witnesses selected appeared in court. Earlier, one weather caster submitted a non-appearance report on the 15th, and the weather team PD requested by the defense side had already conveyed their stance of non-appearance in March. Regarding the two weather casters identified as perpetrators, the court determined that service of the summons for appearance could not be completed due to reasons such as the recipients being unavailable.

Subsequently, the defense side stated that the weather team PD, who was requested by their side, has conveyed their intention to appear at the next hearing, while the family side's request for another weathercaster appears to require a closed-door trial.

Along with this, the court set the witness examination date for the 18th and stated, "Regarding the two weather casters who failed to appear, address correction procedures will be initiated, and if they fail to appear again, the imposition of a fine will also be considered."

The family of the late Anna Go has submitted witness applications against three individuals, including two weathercasters identified as perpetrators of workplace harassment against the late Anna Go in October 2025. A lawyer for the family told StarNews, "We have filed witness applications with the court, and it is our wish that all three individuals appear as witnesses."

Subsequently, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 48, presided over by Judge Kim Do-gyun, heard both parties' opinions regarding witness selection during the fourth trial session in January concerning the wrongful death compensation lawsuit related to workplace harassment of the late Oh Yo-anna. The family side maintained its position that testimony from the three applicants is necessary. On the other hand, Party A requested the weather team PD who worked alongside the deceased as a witness, stating, "We applied for this witness because they had frequent work exchanges with the deceased and are familiar with their work attitude and the relationship between the defendant and the deceased."

The court explained, "If both sides have no significant objections, we will accept three witnesses for the plaintiff and one witness for the defendant. Since this is a case where the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff and the plaintiff is unable to contact the witnesses, we will accept all of them; in return, we will also accept the defendant's witness."

The late Anna Go was 28 years old when she passed away in September 2024. The news of her death was made public in December 2024, three months after her passing. Subsequently, allegations emerged that she had been subjected to workplace harassment by her colleagues during her lifetime.

As the repercussions mounted, MBC formed a truth investigation committee four months after Oyo Anna's death, stating, "We have decided to establish a truth investigation committee led by external Jeon Mun-ga-reul (Chairman)." The broadcaster added, "We have conducted an internal investigation and plan to provide maximum support to ensure the truth is revealed swiftly. We will make every effort to uncover the accurate facts so that the bereaved family's pain may be healed."

The Ministry of Employment and Labor also formed a special labor inspection team in February 2025 in a joint operation with the Seoul Local Office of Employment and Labor and the Seoul Western Branch, launching a special labor inspection targeting MBC. While concluding that weather casters do not qualify as employees, the ministry determined that there were actions constituting workplace harassment. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's recognition of workplace harassment comes approximately eight months after the death of Oh Yo-an-na.

MBC issued an official statement saying, "We take the special labor inspection results from the Ministry of Employment and Labor very seriously," and expressed condolences to the late Oh Yo-anna and her family. The statement continued, "We will make every effort to prevent recurrence by establishing countermeasures, improving organizational culture, and prioritizing compliance with labor relations laws as the top management priority. We take the Ministry of Employment and Labor's judgment that 'bullying behavior occurred against the late Oh Yo-anna' very seriously and will immediately undertake efforts to improve organizational culture. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved." Additionally, the statement noted, "Based on the 'comprehensive organizational culture improvement plan' previously submitted to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, we are already implementing improvement measures. With this announcement as an opportunity, we will reconfirm and address any remaining shortcomings and continue to make necessary improvements."

MBC stated, "We will further improve and strengthen the system to address issues that may arise among freelancers and non-regular workers as quickly as possible. We will expand and reinforce the currently operating Clean Center so that harassment and difficulties can be reported and resolved immediately. Regardless of employment status, we will improve the system to allow anonymous reporting when colleagues become aware of such issues." It also stated, "Regarding the determination of worker status for some freelancers, we will conduct a legal review and implement appropriate measures as soon as possible." Additionally, it expressed, "We sincerely apologize once again to the family of Oh Yo-an for this tragic incident."

Subsequently, MBC decided to immediately terminate its contract with Mr. A, while it was reported that contracts were renewed with the other three individuals identified as perpetrators.

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*This content was translated by AI.