Comedian-turned-YouTuber Illzuata (real name Kim Joo Yeon) is facing criticism after defending MBC weathercaster Kim Ga Young in the ongoing controversy surrounding the late Oh Yoanna.
On January 31, a YouTube channel revealed a conversation with Oh Yoanna’s family, claiming that Kim Ga Young did not attend the late announcer’s funeral and was part of a controversial weathercaster group chat that slandered Oh Yoanna. The released chat logs, dated between December 2022 and January 2023, showed Kim Ga Young’s name and messages among five participants, including a well-known MBC weathercaster.
While the accuracy of these claims remains unverified, Illzuata’s past comments defending Kim Ga Young resurfaced, sparking a wave of backlash.
Oh Yoanna was reportedly a victim of workplace bullying, and as public attention grew, her MBC senior, Kim Ga Young, came under suspicion for her involvement. Some netizens began sharing lists of MBC weathercasters, trying to identify those responsible for the bullying.
In response, Illzuata, who had appeared with Kim Ga Young on SBS’s 'Kick a Goal,' commented, “Ga Young Unnie was deeply hurt at the time, feeling like she couldn’t protect Oh Yoanna. I met Oh Yoanna once during a training session, and she told me how much she liked and relied on Ga Young unnie.” She added, “Leaving such comments here is not what Oh Yoanna would have wanted. Though it may be overstepping, I worry about Ga Young unnie and also want to wish Oh Yoanna peace.” Illzuata also pointed out that Kim Ga Young worked on a different weekend team than Oh Yoanna, arguing for her innocence.
However, with the emergence of the alleged group chat, the public response has shifted dramatically.
The YouTube channel shared a message from Oh Yoanna's bereaved family stating, "Park Ha Myung and Choi Ah Ri came to Oh Yoanna's funeral. The two people who didn't show up were Lee Hyun Seung and Kim Ga Young." The family member further added, "Park Ha Myung and Choi Ah Ri openly bullied (Oh Yoanna) but Lee Hyun Seung and Kim Ga Young bullied her behind her back."
The YouTube channel also released the chat log where the alleged perpetrators, including Kim Ga Young, were slandering Oh Yoanna.
Following the latest revelation regarding the perpetrators, viewers flooded Illzuata’s latest video with criticism, stating, “Who are you to speak for the victim and defend the accused?” “You just provoked the bereaved family to reveal even more," “How dare you use the deceased to shield the alleged perpetrators?” and “Apologize immediately for disrespecting the victim’s family.”
Meanwhile, MBC has belatedly announced the formation of an investigative committee to uncover the truth behind Oh Yoanna’s death.
On January 31, MBC stated, “To determine the cause and truth behind Oh Yoanna’s passing, we will form an independent investigation committee led by external experts, including legal professionals. Department heads from internal HR and grievance resolution teams will also participate to ensure a thorough and objective review.”
The committee’s investigation is expected to begin in earnest early next week. MBC assured, “We have been conducting an internal review and will provide all collected materials to the committee for a smooth and swift investigation. We extend our condolences to the late Oh Yoanna and will do our utmost to uncover the facts and help the bereaved family find closure.”
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