Why glamorous TV weathercasters are being replaced by meteorological analysts in Korea

Meteorological analyst Yoon Tae-gu / Captured from MBC Newsdesk YouTube channel

Korean broadcaster MBC has replaced its weathercaster format with a meteorological analyst, introducing expert Yoon Tae-gu during Tuesday’s broadcast of its flagship evening program “Newsdesk.”

“Starting today, I will deliver the weather on 'Newsdesk' as MBC’s meteorological analyst Yoon Tae-gu,” he said. “I will do my best to explain weather information in a way that is easy to understand and detailed for viewers.”

Yoon then delivered his first briefing, explaining a total lunar eclipse coinciding with Jeongwol Daeboreum, a traditional lunar holiday and outlining weather patterns expected the following day.

Yoon studied atmospheric science at Monash University in Australia and holds a national weather forecaster certification. He previously served as a meteorological officer in the Korean Air Force.

MBC President Ahn Hyung-joon apologizes to the family of late weathercaster Oh Yoanna at the broadcaster’s headquarters in Mapo District, Seoul, Oct. 15, 2025, following allegations of workplace harassment. Korea Times photo by Kang Ye-jin

The change comes after MBC announced it would eliminate its freelance weathercaster system and instead hire full-time meteorological and climate specialists, following the death of weathercaster Oh Yoanna last year.

Her death sparked controversy after allegations emerged that she had faced workplace harassment from colleagues.

The broadcaster came under renewed scrutiny in September, when Oh’s mother staged a hunger strike protest demanding accountability from MBC. The following month, MBC President Ahn Hyung-joon held a press conference with Oh’s bereaved family at the company’s headquarters, where the broadcaster issued an apology and presented the late weathercaster with an honorary employee certificate.

As the network transitions its weather segment from a presenter format to meteorological analysts, former weathercasters Geum Chae-rim, Lee Hyun-seung, Kim Ga-young and Choi A-ri saw their freelance contracts end.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.