KBS has appointed the first news anchor in South Korea with a hearing impairment. On May 7, KBS revealed that Noh Hee Ji had been chosen as the 8th anchor with a disability. Noh Hee Ji commenced hosting the 'Lifestyle News' segment on News 12 that same day.

Despite being born with a severe congenital hearing impairment, Noh Hee Ji has made remarkable progress in her communication and speech skills through consistent effort, including speech therapy, to the extent that many do not realize her disability. She expressed her desire to inspire viewers and change societal prejudices against individuals with disabilities.

Since her childhood, Noh Hee Ji practiced pronunciation techniques by using chopsticks to feel subtle vibrations. During broadcasts, she has to set her in-ear monitor volume to the maximum just to hear, requiring her to practice more than other anchors. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I have come to understand that a disability cannot hinder progress,” emphasizing her goal to empower others to believe in their abilities.

As a public broadcaster, KBS has been selecting anchors with disabilities since 2011 to promote an inclusive and discrimination-free society. Noh Hee Ji is the first news anchor with a hearing impairment to be chosen.

Additionally, the show 'Heart Pairing' has broken its own popularity records for seven consecutive weeks, gaining viral fame.