Family of the late Anna Yoo expresses outrage: "Suicide note mentions confidential details... It is offensive" [Direct Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The family of the late MBC weathercaster Go Yo-anna, who gained attention for workplace harassment issues after her sudden death, expressed renewed anger at the defendant's claims while following the damages lawsuit filed against the weathercaster identified as the perpetrator.

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 48 (Presiding Judge Kim Do-gyun) held the fifth argument session on the 16th regarding the wrongful death compensation lawsuit related to workplace harassment of the late Oh Yo-anna. Lawyers from both sides and family members of the late Oh Yo-anna attended the session.

On this day, the judge, who is facing the lawsuit anew 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. Previously, 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 absent from their residences.

Subsequently, the defense side stated that the weather team PD they had requested would appear at the next hearing, while the family side indicated that another weather caster they had requested appeared 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."

Shortly after the arguments, the deceased's mother and older brother, among others, conveyed their position to StarNews, expressing some displeasure regarding the content mentioned by the defense side that day.

They stated that it was inappropriate to disclose parts that should not have been disclosed in response to the questions raised by the defense, and emphasized that although these matters were mentioned during the trial, the act of disclosing them could influence the proceedings. The deceased's mother said, "It has been uncomfortable since the previous trial that the manipulation of the suicide note was mentioned and that doubts are continuously raised in this manner. It feels as if they are trying to find something to pin on us. These actions have caused us pain, and there are two or three instances where promises were not kept."

The family of the late Oh Yo-an-na submitted witness applications last October 2025 against three individuals, including two weathercasters identified as perpetrators of workplace harassment against the late Oh Yo-an-na. 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 on the witness stand."

Subsequently, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 48 (Presiding Judge Kim Do-gyun) heard both parties' opinions regarding the selection of witnesses at the fourth argument session on January regarding the fourth lawsuit for damages related to workplace harassment of the late Oh Yo-anna. The bereaved family maintained their position that testimony from the three applicants is necessary. On the other hand, Party A requested the weather team PD who worked with the deceased at the time as a witness, stating, "We applied for this witness because they had frequent work exchanges with the deceased and remember 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 plaintiff witnesses and one defendant witness. 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 Oyoanna passed away at the age of 28 in September 2024. The obituary was made public in December 2024, three months after the deceased's death. Subsequently, allegations emerged that the deceased had been subjected to workplace harassment by colleagues during her lifetime.

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

The Ministry of Employment and Labor also formed a special labor inspection team in February 2025 in collaboration with the Seoul Local Office of Employment and Labor and the Seoul Western Branch, launching a special labor inspection against MBC. While concluding that the weather presenter does not qualify as an employee, the ministry determined that there were acts constituting harassment. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's recognition of workplace harassment occurred 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, improvement measures are already underway. We will reconfirm and address any deficiencies in light of this announcement 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 addressed immediately. Regardless of employment form, we will improve the system to allow reporting with guaranteed anonymity when colleagues become aware of such issues." It further stated, "Regarding the determination of worker status for some freelancers, we will conduct a legal review and implement appropriate measures as soon as possible." It also conveyed, "We sincerely apologize once again to the family of the late Oh Yo-an for this tragic incident."

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

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*This content was translated by AI.