A freelance weathercaster previously suspected of workplace harassment against the late MBC weathercaster Oh Yo-anna has been given a pathway to reinstatement at MBC.

On the 24th, the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission upheld the unfair dismissal relief application filed by Choi Ari, who formerly worked as an MBC weathercaster.

The labor commission recognized Choi as an employee under the Labor Standards Act and ruled that MBC's termination of her contract constituted unfair dismissal.

Choi was hired through MBC's open recruitment for weathercasters in 2018 and worked by repeatedly renewing one-year freelance service contracts.

After a special labor inspection in May of last year confirmed workplace harassment against Oh, MBC terminated its contract with one weathercaster identified as a perpetrator. In February of this year, the network also ended contracts with other existing weathercasters identified as perpetrators by Oh's bereaved family, including Choi.

Claiming that MBC effectively dismissed her by no longer assigning her broadcast schedules, Choi filed for relief with the labor commission in May.

The core issue was whether Choi, though nominally a freelance contractor, functionally qualified as an employee.

The labor commission recognized Choi's status as an employee.

It accepted Choi's claims that she attended designated production meetings every afternoon and received specific instructions regarding screen composition from team leaders and others.

MBC's argument that these actions constituted management necessary for broadcast production rather than command and supervision was dismissed.

This ruling contrasts with the Ministry of Employment and Labor's special labor inspection last year, which did not recognize Oh as an employee.

An MBC official stated, "This ruling is completely opposite to the results of the labor office's special labor inspection, causing confusion in labor management," adding, "We will decide on our response after reviewing the written verdict."

Choi stated that she has never harassed anyone, adding, "I hope MBC accepts this ruling and swiftly reinstates me to my original position."

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Dain | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News