Kim Jang-gyeom, a member of the People Power Party, on the 18th proposed an amendment to the Labor Standards Act (Anna Oh Prevention Act) that would recognize freelancers as victims amid allegations that the late MBC freelancer weathercaster Oh, Yo-anna faced workplace harassment during her life.

Kim Jang-gyeom, a Commissioner of the People Power Party, is questioning at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee's audit held at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon on Oct. 17, 2024. /Courtesy of News1

The key aspect of this amendment is the expanded recognition of victims of workplace harassment. The current law specifies 'workers' as the target of workplace harassment prevention, while the amendment broadens the scope of protection to 'anyone in the workplace.' A new clause also states that recognition as a victim of workplace harassment does not require being a 'worker.' As a result, it allows freelancers like Oh, Yo-anna to be recognized as victims regardless of their employment status.

Additionally, the definition of recognized victims has been clarified from 'physical and mental distress exceeding appropriate limits in the workplace' to 'continuous or repetitive physical and mental distress.'

The amendment also introduced an obligation to report workplace harassment. Furthermore, the investigative committee for workplace harassment will include personnel recommended by the victims as well as individuals recommended or dispatched by the Ministry of Employment and Labor at a certain proportion. This aims to ensure that the victim's opinions are more actively reflected in the investigation process.

It also includes practical support measures for victims. By utilizing the public service obligations of the Legal Aid Corporation and certified labor consultants, the burden on victims will be alleviated at the country's expense, and psychological counseling support will be provided to aid in their recovery.

To prevent misuse due to relaxed requirements, the amendment includes a clause allowing the investigative committee to discipline reporters if false reports are proven.

Kim noted, 'I proposed the legislation so that various types of workers can work in a safe and respected work environment, and if they suffer harm, they can quickly restore their situation through prompt action.'


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