Roh Hee-ji says she hopes to help shift social prejudices and become a source of hope for others
The country's first-ever deaf news presenter went on air at noon Wednesday, presenting the life news segment of "KBS News 12."
Roh Hee-ji, 26, was selected through the state broadcaster's recruitment program for anchors with disabilities, which has been running since 2011. She is the eighth person with a disability to take on an anchor role at KBS, following in the footsteps of Lee Chang-hoon, the broadcaster’s first anchor with low vision.
In a press release, Roh expressed her hopes for the role.
“As a member of the public broadcaster KBS, I want to become a news anchor who gives hope to viewers. I also hope to help change societal prejudices against people with disabilities.”
Born with a severe hearing impairment, Roh has spent years building her communication and speech skills through extensive speech therapy and practice, so much so that many people no longer notice her disability, according to KBS.
One unique practice she adopted was holding a chopstick in her mouth to detect subtle speech vibrations, helping her refine her pronunciation.
To become a professional anchor, KBS also revealed that Roh has undergone extensive training to effectively communicate with newsroom producers through an in-ear device during broadcasts. According to KBS, despite turning the volume to the maximum, Roh can only faintly hear the producers' instructions and cues.
Reflecting on her journey, Roh shared, “I’ve realized that disability can never be a barrier. I no longer let my disability define the limits of my life.”
She added that her motivation for applying to KBS was to inspire others.
“I came to realize that I could be someone who helps shift social prejudices. I wanted the path I’ve walked to become a source of hope for someone else.”
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