MBC weathercaster the late Oh Yo-anna's death-related workplace harassment allegation damages lawsuit could not proceed with the examination of witnesses.
On June 16 the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 48 held the fifth hearing in the case.
That day the examination of witnesses requested by the bereaved family and the defendant side was scheduled but the procedure could not proceed because the selected witnesses did not appear.
Earlier the bereaved family had requested a total of three people as witnesses including two weathercasters identified as perpetrators, and the defendant side had requested the weather team PD who had professional contact with the deceased as a witness.
According to the court some witnesses had indicated in advance they would not attend and service of the attendance summons was not smoothly carried out for the two weathercasters identified as perpetrators. Accordingly all scheduled examinations of witnesses were postponed.
The court said it will review procedures to secure future witness attendance. It also noted that fines could be imposed if there is an unexcused absence at the next hearing. The next hearing was set for June 18.
Meanwhile the late Oh Yo-anna died at age 28 on Sept. 28, 2024. Afterwards allegations arose that she had been subjected to workplace harassment by colleagues and the bereaved family filed a damages suit seeking 510 million won against the individuals involved. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) determined through a special labor inspection that there were actions that could be regarded as harassment.
Also MBC and the bereaved family held a joint press conference last October and President Ahn Hyeong-joon officially apologized for the workplace harassment issues raised by the family. MBC awarded the deceased an honorary employee certificate and signed a settlement agreement with the bereaved family.
[Photo] SNS
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