Reality Show Lands Co-ed Dream Job
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Choi Eu-jung, winner of the cable reality show ``Her Beautiful Challenge: Announcer,'' says she has achieved her dream, but admits she didn't know what she was doing.
``I'd always wanted to be an announcer, but frankly, I was scared. I didn't think I had what it took to become one,'' Choi told The Korea Times a few days after her win.
News anchors are one of the most desired jobs among young female university students. Requiring looks and brains, the process of becoming an announcer is one of the hardest and most competitive in the country. The cable network Olive, banking on its success with reality shows, teamed up with former news anchor Paek Ji-yeon to launch the program in June.
``During college, I wanted to be a professor but then thought it would be much better if I could share knowledge with viewers by appearing on television,'' Choi said.
The program drew more than 2,000 contestants. Now the director of a famous speech and news anchor institute, Paek said she would not let make-up fool her. She had the contestants come to interviews in white T-shirts, plain jeans and no makeup.
``Everyone knows Paek has a very keen eye in almost every subject," Choi said. "She's very sharp, but she's very warm too. We went through a very difficult and competitive situation, but she was like a mother to us. A very strict mother.''
Many announcers are also known to lean toward entertainment instead of delivering hard news, inviting criticism.
``I think it's more than just a trend. Announcers also need a way to express themselves. I think the problem is that no specific line divides them from entertainers. People don't like announcers who just appear on show programs, and who eventually lose their identity. Balance is important,'' she said.
On suggestions for aspiring announcers, Choi blushed in saying she is the one who needs more experience.
``I think I'm in no position to give advice to others, but I think being passionate is important," Choi said. "One task in the program was for us to climb a 22-story building and start reporting right at the top. It was so painful and made me ask if I really wanted to do this. Is it worth all this work and trouble? Passion will help you through and that is what I learned from this competition.''
The next Olive challenge show will seek to the best stylist. The program airs Mondays at midnight.