South Korean TV presenter faced bullying and harassment before tragic death

The death of Oh Yoanna, a South Korean weather anchor for MBC TV, stunned the nation and unveiled a disturbing pattern of bullying and moral harassment behind the scenes at the broadcaster. At 28, she took her own life in September of the previous year, but it was not until 2025 that the details emerged, with a 17-page letter found on her phone and recordings exposing over two years of workplace humiliation. The case, spotlighted by Asian media in March, highlights a toxic culture within the Seoul-based Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and reignites discussions about worker protection in South Korea. Her family has filed a lawsuit against the colleagues named in the letter, submitting messages and audio as evidence. Meanwhile, MBC denies any formal complaints were made but has pledged to investigate, as society demands justice.

Oh Yoanna joined MBC in May 2021 after placing fifth in the 2019 Chunhyang beauty pageant and abandoning her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. She became a familiar face to viewers as the weather presenter on weekday and weekend programs. However, according to her letter, the bullying began in March 2022. She faced unjust accusations of disrespecting superiors, was called back after hours for reprimands, and endured insults from colleagues in group chats on the KakaoTalk app. A senior employee blamed her for mistakes she didn’t make, while another repeatedly scolded her over trivial matters. Her family claims these public abuses persisted for two years without apologies from those responsible.

The tragedy shook viewers and underscored the vulnerability of South Korea’s estimated 4 million-plus freelance workers. Recordings released by her family reveal Oh Yoanna seeking help from MBC staff, pleading for support against the harassment, but to no avail. As one of South Korea’s leading broadcasters with 16 regional studios nationwide, MBC now faces a reputational crisis. The government and lawmakers are scrambling to address workplace bullying, amplifying calls for systemic change in the wake of this preventable loss.

Moral harassment at MBC: the depths of Oh Yoanna’s suffering

The two years of abuse Oh Yoanna endured began shortly after she took on a prominent role at MBC. Her letter, retrieved from her phone, describes being labeled irresponsible and insulted despite fulfilling her duties. One superior suspended her or berated her after hours for minor reasons, while another publicly mocked her in KakaoTalk group chats. Recordings disclosed by her family capture her discussing her distress with MBC staff and requesting assistance, yet no action was taken to halt the torment.

The harassment extended beyond verbal attacks. Her letter recounts being summoned back to work after hours for unjustified reasons, exposing her to a hostile environment that eroded her self-worth. Her family asserts that these acts were openly repeated, with no accountability or apologies from the perpetrators. MBC’s failure to intervene worsened her plight, driving her to despair. The family has launched a lawsuit against the colleagues named in her letter, bolstered by text messages and audio evidence.

In response, MBC insists no formal complaints were lodged with its human resources department or managers. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to addressing bullying seriously and offered to launch an independent investigation if the family consents. However, this stance has drawn criticism, with many questioning why Oh Yoanna’s pleas went unheeded during her lifetime despite clear evidence of her attempts to seek help.

South Korean society reacts and workplace bullying statistics

Oh Yoanna’s death sparked widespread outrage across South Korea, amplified by social media and local press coverage. In March 2025, KBS and Channel A reported on the recordings and lawsuit details, igniting public fury. Known for its intense work culture, South Korean society began questioning the limits of workplace bullying and the lack of safeguards for freelancers, who fall outside the Labor Standards Act that protects only formal employees.

Recent studies indicate workplace bullying is a growing issue in the country. Data from 2023 shows that about 15% of South Korean workers have experienced some form of moral harassment, with higher rates among women and younger individuals. Freelancers like Oh Yoanna face heightened risks, as their dependence on contract renewals and fear of retaliation often silence their complaints. The government estimates over 880,000 people are engaged in on-demand work, reflecting a labor market increasingly marked by instability.

Under public pressure, the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched a special inspection of MBC in February 2025 to examine her working conditions and contract status. The incident’s gravity prompted the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to propose legislation extending anti-bullying protections to freelancers and self-employed workers, signaling a push for broader reform.

Oh Yoanna case timeline: from MBC debut to tragedy

Oh Yoanna’s tenure at MBC and the events leading to her death form a timeline of achievement overshadowed by anguish. Key moments include:

• May 2021: Joins MBC as a weather anchor after placing fifth in the 2019 Chunhyang pageant.
• March 2022: Bullying begins, as detailed in her letter, with insults and moral harassment from colleagues and superiors.
• September 2023: Takes her own life at 28, leaving behind a 17-page letter.
• January 2025: Her death is publicized, and the letter’s contents shock viewers.
• February 2025: Ministry of Labor initiates an MBC audit; government and PPP discuss new legislation.
• March 2025: Recordings and lawsuit gain media traction, intensifying pressure on MBC.

This timeline underscores how the harassment persisted for over two years without effective intervention, culminating in a tragedy that might have been averted. Her family presses forward with the lawsuit, seeking justice.

Workplace bullying’s toll: expert insights

The type of workplace bullying Oh Yoanna endured has devastating effects on victims’ mental and physical health. Experts note that persistent humiliation can lead to depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, suicide. Her letter paints a picture of isolation and hopelessness, worsened by MBC’s lack of support. Globally, studies estimate that around 1.5 million people suffer from ocular herpes annually, but workplace bullying is a silent epidemic impacting far more lives across various contexts.

South Korea’s hierarchical culture and performance-driven ethos amplify the issue. Freelancers in public-facing roles like Oh Yoanna’s are particularly vulnerable, as reporting abuse could end their careers. Her family’s lawsuit aims not only to hold individuals accountable but also to spotlight the need for systemic change in workplace dynamics.

Preventing workplace bullying: actionable steps

Preventing cases like Oh Yoanna’s requires practical and collective efforts. Experts and South Korean authorities suggest several measures to combat moral harassment at work:

• Team training: Equip managers and employees to recognize and stop abusive behavior.
• Anonymous reporting channels: Establish systems for victims to report issues without fear of reprisal.
• Expanded legislation: Extend the Labor Standards Act to cover freelancers and on-demand workers.
• Supportive culture: Foster workplaces prioritizing dialogue and psychological support.

These steps are under discussion in government and parliamentary circles, underscoring the urgency of protecting millions of vulnerable workers. Oh Yoanna’s case serves as a stark warning of the need for such reforms.

Public outcry and the investigation’s next steps

Following the Oh Yoanna case’s exposure, social media erupted with hashtags demanding justice and criticism of MBC’s initial response. In March 2025, MBC announced the formation of an independent committee, led by legal experts, to investigate the bullying allegations. The Ministry of Labor continues its audit, begun in February, scrutinizing contracts and work conditions at the broadcaster. The family’s lawsuit against the named colleagues progresses in court, supported by messages, recordings, and her letter.

Meanwhile, the PPP’s proposed legislation, introduced in February, could reach a vote by the end of 2025, offering a legal response to workplace bullying. The public closely watches, hoping Oh Yoanna’s death spurs meaningful change and accountability, while MBC grapples with restoring its credibility amid mounting scrutiny.