In a historic milestone for inclusivity in media, KBS has announced the appointment of Noh Hee Ji as South Korea’s first hearing-impaired news anchor.
The public broadcaster announced on May 5 that Noh Hee Ji has become the eighth anchor with a disability in its history, and she began her official duties as the host of the lifestyle news segment on ‘KBS News 12’ on May 7.
“As a member of KBS, a public broadcaster, I want to be an anchor who can give hope to viewers. I want to contribute to changing society’s prejudice toward disability,” Noh Hee Ji shared.
Despite living with a severe hearing impairment, Noh Hee Ji has defied expectations through years of dedication and perseverance. With intensive speech therapy, she has honed her speech and communication skills to such a degree that many often overlook her disability.
Her journey to becoming an anchor has been truly remarkable. Since childhood, Noh Hee Ji has practiced pronunciation by placing chopsticks in her mouth, a technique that helped her detect subtle vibrations and improve her vocal clarity. During live broadcasts, she must turn her in-ear monitor to maximum volume to communicate with producers, requiring significantly more effort and preparation than her colleagues.
Reflecting on her experience, Noh shared, “I’ve realized that disability can never be a barrier,” and expressed her commitment to helping others believe in their own potential.
KBS, South Korea’s national public broadcaster, began appointing anchors with disabilities in 2011 as part of its ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusivity, and representation in media. Noh Hee Ji, however, makes history as the first anchor with a hearing impairment to hold the role. Her groundbreaking appointment is being hailed as a significant step forward in challenging societal prejudices and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the country.
As Noh Hee Ji takes the spotlight, she not only delivers the news but also sends a powerful message: barriers can be broken, and representation matters.
Written by: MANSHA CHAUHAN
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