KBS has appointed South Korea's first-ever news anchor with a hearing impairment. 

On May 7, KBS announced that Noh Hee Ji had been selected as the 8th anchor with a disability. On this day, Noh Hee Ji began hosting the 'Lifestyle News' segment on News 12.

Born with a severe congenital hearing impairment, Noh Hee Ji has significantly developed her communication and speech abilities through relentless efforts, including speech therapy, so much so that many people don’t recognize her disability. She shared, “I want to be an anchor who gives hope to viewers. I also hope to help change society’s prejudice against people with disabilities.”

Since childhood, Noh Hee Ji practiced pronunciation by holding chopsticks in her mouth to sense subtle vibrations. To communicate with producers during broadcasts, she must turn her in-ear monitor volume to the maximum just to barely hear, which means she’s had to practice far more than other anchors. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I’ve realized that disability can never be a barrier,” and added, “I want to help more people believe in their potential.”

KBS, as a public broadcaster, has been selecting anchors with disabilities since 2011 as part of its mission to build an inclusive and prejudice-free society. Noh Hee Ji is the first anchor with a hearing impairment to be selected.

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