[26.02.09] MBC Ends Freelance Weathercaster System and Introduces Full-Time Specialists

MBC Ends Contracts with All Freelance Weathercasters, Shifts to Full-Time “Weather & Climate Specialist” System

📍Reform follows Oh Yo-anna case; existing weathercasters complete final broadcast

MBC has abolished its freelance weathercaster system and terminated contracts with all existing personnel. Following reforms after the death of the late Oh Yo-anna, the broadcaster plans to reorganize its weather reporting system by hiring full-time “Weather & Climate Specialists.”

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🔹 Final Broadcasts of Existing Weathercasters
According to the broadcasting industry on February 9, MBC weathercasts ended on the 8th.
Lee Hyun-seung, Kim Ga-young, Choi A-ri and Geum Chae-rim, who had worked as freelancers, all left the network.

MBC stated, “The existing weathercasters completed their final broadcast yesterday,” adding that “newly hired staff will begin broadcasting soon after practical training.” Their final forecast videos are currently posted on the network’s weather channel.

🔹 Abolition of Freelance System and Introduction of Full-Time Specialists
In September last year, marking the first anniversary of Oh Yo-anna’s death, MBC announced it would abolish the freelance system.

MBC explained, “We will hire full-time ‘Weather & Climate Specialists.’ The new role will not only deliver forecasts but also handle reporting, on-air appearances and content production to provide professional weather and climate information.”

Recruitment will be conducted through open hiring. Applicants must be:

■ majors in meteorology, climate or environment,
■ holders of related certifications,
■ or professionals with at least five years of related industry experience.
Existing freelance weathercasters may also apply.

MBC said it will disclose the hiring schedule and process to ensure fairness.

🔹 Geum Chae-rim’s Message
Geum Chae-rim, a colleague of Oh Yo-anna, shared her thoughts on social media on the 8th.

She said she had delivered forecasts with excitement for about five years and had no regrets because she did her best in every broadcast, including disaster alerts and early-morning programs.

However, she added that she felt sadness because “the job I loved is disappearing,” and hinted at a new beginning. She also revealed a plaque presented in the name of “MBC Weathercasters.”

🔹 Death of Oh Yo-anna and Workplace Bullying Allegations
Oh Yo-anna died in September 2024 at the age of 28, and the news became public in December. Allegations later emerged that she had suffered workplace bullying.

Her family filed a damages lawsuit against a senior weathercaster identified as A, accused of leading group harassment. The defendant denies the allegations.

The Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 48 held the fourth hearing and accepted three plaintiff witnesses including two announcers. Among defense witnesses, only a weather team producer was accepted. The next hearing is scheduled for April 16.

🔹 Labor Ministry Findings and Family Demands
A special labor inspection acknowledged internal harassment circumstances, but the Labor Standards Act provisions did not apply because she was not legally classified as an employee.

Afterward, her mother Jang Yeon-mi held a 27-day hunger strike in front of the MBC headquarters, demanding regular employment status for weathercasters and arguing that existing workers should not lose their jobs.

Nevertheless, MBC terminated contracts with all freelance weathercasters while establishing the new full-time position.

🔹 Future Plan
MBC plans to operate its weather reporting system with newly hired personnel. The move is expected to affect the broader freelance employment structure in the broadcasting industry.

One-line summary : MBC abolished its freelance weathercaster system and will replace it with full-time weather and climate specialists.