Magazine
A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
Interview by Domira
Photo by Bae Gang-soo, Hair by Director Kim Soo-mi at Aate Beauty Salon, Makeup by Cheon Bo-mi Makeup Artist
The evening before the scheduled photo shoot and interview, the overcast skies finally released a downpour. The next day, early on a Saturday morning, we commenced a full day of outdoor shoots in Manhattan's Korea Town, Soho, and Coney Island. Ambitiously, we planned to capture the cover for the June issue of Mom & I in Manhattan, but alas, my weather app predicted 'morning rain' and 'clouds all day.'
In the world of magazine production, the highlight is undoubtedly the 'interview.' Meeting celebrities, engaging with successful entrepreneurs, and encountering diverse artists one would otherwise never meet, sharing life's dreams as if with old friends, offer an extraordinary opportunity to experience unique lives vicariously. Setting up and conducting interviews requires significant unseen effort and energy. Aligning schedules and maintaining a harmonious atmosphere amidst many participants often leaves one feeling anxious beforehand.
Our interviewee is SBS Golf Channel's "Goddess of Golf," announcer Hong Min-jeong. Being an SBS announcer inherently presupposes beauty and intelligence. Concerns arose over potential diva-like behavior, but, as it turned out, these worries were completely dispelled.
From early morning until evening, throughout 12 hours of shooting and interviews, Hong Min-jeong maintained a sunny disposition, actively participating and even accommodating difficult circumstances, such as changing outfits in the car. Her positive energy seemed to lift even the gloomy skies to reveal bright sunshine. We invite you to join this delightful interview experience.
"Hello, I am announcer Hong Min-jeong, currently hosting the evening 6 o'clock news, 'News FM,' at New York Radio Korea. I've been in New York for about two and a half years. I started broadcasting in 2011 on the SBS Golf Channel in Korea. Although many know me from the Golf Channel, I've worked longer as a freelancer, participating as a reporter for KBS's long-running program '6 O'Clock My Hometown' and KBS2TV's 'Morning.' I have also hosted real estate programs for about three years and have given lectures at various institutions."
"In December 2014, I got married, and joined my husband when he pursued his master's at NYU. Although I was hesitant to leave my rising career, parental advice persuaded me to relocate to New York together, putting my career on pause."
"I always vaguely aspired to be an announcer but never dared to try due to my parents’ practicality. Initially, I worked as a casino dealer after graduating from Kyung Hee University with a degree in hotel management. However, feeling unfulfilled led me to prepare for the announcer exam while working. Ironically, the only channel at the casino was the Golf Channel, and soon an opportunity arose, marking my entry into SBS after only six months of preparation."
"As a KBS reporter, I gained significant experience. Our shoots often start at dawn for overnight trips, and despite having scripts, fieldwork rarely follows them. Embracing unpredictability taught me that in broadcasting, there is generally 'no second chance.' Success becomes a learning opportunity."
"When I was a senior in high school, I gained considerable weight but lost 10kg in three months in college and have maintained it since. Though I don’t have a specific routine, I prefer walking and moderate, frequent meals. While I enjoy yoga, playing golf less frequently in the States is primarily due to transportation challenges."
"I host 'News FM,' a live one-hour news summary at 6 p.m., offering essential information to Korean-speaking audiences in America. It is a responsibility I hold with pride. Looking forward, I plan to launch a YouTube channel introducing New York life to Korean audiences. I am also exploring ways to contribute positively as a Korean living abroad. Please feel free to share any ideas with me!"
