25.05.20.Today News : Man Arrested with Weapon Near Democratic Party HQ / MBC Apologizes 8 Months After Oh Yo-anna’s Death

1. Man Arrested with Weapon Near Democratic Party HQ

• Man in his 30s found with knife and BB gun just 100 meters from party HQ; police investigating motive

Just two weeks ahead of the presidential election, a man was arrested near the Democratic Party's central headquarters in Yeouido for carrying weapons. The incident, which took place only 100 meters from the party building, has heightened tensions within political circles and led to calls for stronger security measures to prevent similar events.

Man in his 30s arrested for wandering near Democratic Party headquarters with a BB gun

On the morning of May 20 at approximately 11:26 a.m., Yeongdeungpo Police in Seoul arrested a man in his 30s near the Democratic Party’s central headquarters in Yeouido. He was apprehended on charges of carrying a weapon in a public place. At the time of his arrest, the man had a 10-centimeter knife and a gas-powered BB gun in his bag.

The suspect was seen wandering suspiciously around 100 meters from the party building. Police officers approached him for a stop-and-search, during which they discovered the weapons and made an immediate arrest. After confirming his identity, the police began an investigation.

According to police, the man did not attempt to enter the building or threaten anyone in the vicinity. However, given the timing so close to the election, concerns are being raised about the potential for political violence or threats.

Authorities are currently examining the man’s motives, potential political intentions, and mental health status. A police official from the Yeongdeungpo precinct stated, “Although there is no evidence of a concrete plan at this time, possession of weapons in a public area is a serious matter.”

This incident follows a series of threats targeting political figures, further underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance around party offices and improved security for politicians during the election period.

One-line summary : A man was arrested near the Democratic Party HQ with weapons just before the election, and police are investigating his motives.

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2. MBC Apologizes 8 Months After Oh Yo-anna’s Death

• Labor ministry confirms workplace bullying at MBC; broadcaster vows organizational reform and freelancer protection

Eight months after the death of freelance weathercaster Oh Yo-anna, the Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that she was subjected to workplace bullying at MBC. In response, the network issued a formal apology and pledged to overhaul its organizational culture, sparking renewed debate over the treatment of freelance and non-regular workers in the media industry.

MBC has officially apologized for the death of the late Oyoanna, eight months after her death.

On May 19, MBC aired a formal apology on its flagship program “News Desk” acknowledging the workplace bullying of the late Oh Yo-anna. Oh, who passed away in September last year, was found to have experienced harassment within the organization, as confirmed by the labor ministry’s special investigation.

News anchor Jo Hyun-yong stated during the broadcast, “We accept the Ministry’s conclusion with utmost seriousness. We will take appropriate measures against those involved and commit to improving our organizational culture.” He added that MBC would appoint a new “coexistence coordinator” to allow both freelancers and non-regular workers to report and resolve conflicts more effectively.

MBC also mentioned that it was conducting a legal review of the employment status of freelancers and promised to take proper action soon. Jo concluded the segment by expressing condolences: “We sincerely apologize once again to the bereaved family. May she rest in peace.”

The Ministry of Employment and Labor’s investigation confirmed that Oh was indeed a victim of workplace harassment. However, since she was not legally classified as a worker under the Labor Standards Act, MBC officials cannot be prosecuted for violations of labor law.

The segment also featured a statement from Oh’s mother, Jang Yeon-mi, who criticized the decision not to recognize her daughter as a worker. “She was hired through public recruitment and worked like a regular employee with a freelance contract. How can she not be considered a worker?” she said.

This case has reignited public discussion around the protection of freelancers and non-regular employees, particularly in the media industry, and is expected to accelerate demands for institutional reforms and stronger anti-harassment policies.

One-line summary : Eight months after Oh Yo-anna’s death, MBC officially apologized and acknowledged internal harassment.