Former JYP Trainee Oh Yo-anna’s Mother Breaks Down in Tears at Korean Parliament' Over Bullying Allegations

On April 18, the South Korean National Assembly held a special parliamentary session addressing the death of weathercaster Oh Yo-anna, amid ongoing suspicions of workplace bullying at broadcaster MBC. The inquiry was part of the 424th session of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee.

During the hearing, Rep. Kim Jang-kyum of the People Power Party said, “This session was convened in response to the public and the bereaved family's call to uncover the truth behind Oh Yo-anna’s tragic death and to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

He emphasized that the purpose was not only to seek truth but also to provide those accused—particularly MBC colleagues identified as alleged bullies—a chance to explain their side if they believed they were wrongly accused.

MBC Officials Absent from Key Hearing

Despite the gravity of the issue, most key MBC officials failed to attend, including weather team lead Hyun In-a and news director Park Beom-soo. Only MBC’s Head of Operations Park Min-a was present.

Rep. Kim criticized their absence. “Without their participation, uncovering the full truth will be much more difficult.”

Grieving Mother Speaks Through Tears

Oh Yo-anna’s mother, Jang Yeon-mi, also attended the hearing and tearfully addressed the committee. “Before my daughter passed, I knew she was suffering from severe stress, isolation, and bullying,” she said. “Please help uncover the truth, so that my daughter—who was taken from us so unfairly—can finally rest in peace.”

Oh Yo-anna passed away in September 2024, sparking widespread public concern after allegations surfaced that she had been bullied by colleagues at MBC. Four weathercasters have been named as alleged perpetrators, and her family is currently pursuing civil litigation against one of them.

Oh was known to the public not only as a weathercaster but also as a former JYP Entertainment idol trainee, and had appeared on the popular show You Quiz on the Block.

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