[People Met Through Books] "Fancy words are easily forgotten, but kind words bring about change"

Tempted to Say Cool Things on Air
The Important Thing Is 'Sincerity'... Publishing a Book with That Heart
Kind Words Are Not Just Gentle... They Must Contain Consideration

Announcer Lee Jae-eun, who joined MBC through the 2012 public recruitment, has been working with "words" for 12 years. From sports broadcasting to radio and cultural programs, she has been standing in front of viewers as the weekday evening anchor of News Desk since 2018. Over a long time, she has conveyed all matters of the world through words and met many people. She spoke to diverse people from all walks of life and conveyed their words to the viewers. The words she encountered were varied. Some words were splendid, others were intense. They were enough to be deeply imprinted in memory. However, such words were easily forgotten and did not become a force to move people's hearts. Rather, it was kind words that led to change. The words of those who spoke warmly with kind eyes remained longer in memory than those who spoke eloquently and smartly. As a result, she reached the conclusion that what moves others' hearts is not smart words but kind words. She put this realization into a book. Why we should use kind words, how kind words affect self-esteem recovery, and how to use kind words are blended with personal experiences in the book titled Kind Words Beat Smart Words (The Quest). We asked announcer Lee Jae-eun, who advocates the value of words like a gift that makes those around us happy, about the warmth of words.

- As an announcer, you deliver ‘proper words.’ Has your journey with words been smooth?

▲ Although I have been working with words for over 10 years, words are still the most difficult. Choosing expressions appropriate for the moment, speaking words that can help the other person, and conveying my thoughts accurately and clearly without being swayed by emotions are really not easy. I always think about whether my words might hurt or discomfort someone, or if I am speaking influenced by my mood or emotions at that time. From meeting various people through broadcasting, I realized that a kind, warm, and sincere word moves people’s hearts more than smart or logical words. I also sometimes feel the temptation to speak entertainingly, impressively, or stylishly in broadcasts or among people. But the most important thing is sincerity. I wrote the book with that heart.

- You majored in Media and Communication and Broadcasting and Video Studies in college. It seems your goal was clear from then.

▲ I have dreamed of becoming an announcer for quite a long time. As a child, I was deeply moved by watching and listening to Oprah Winfrey, a world-renowned talk show host. I wanted to listen to the stories of marginalized people and be their voice, which led me to dream of becoming a journalist. My conviction grew stronger as I entered a related department. I have been fortunate to work in various broadcasting fields, including sports broadcasting, radio DJ, current affairs and cultural programs, and now news. Although the fields and genres differ, I have always tried not to lose my initial heart and sense of mission, believing that if I keep going with that heart, I will achieve my dream someday. While it is a blessing to be an influential person who changes the world with a single word like Oprah Winfrey, I also think it is wonderful enough to comfort, encourage, and support those around me with small and trivial words. I try to be someone who speaks kindly and warmly with empathy. (laughs)

- You have been hosting ‘News Desk’ for several years. You must have accumulated a lot of fatigue bearing the weight of words.

▲ As my career has grown through various broadcasts, I feel the weight of words more deeply. I strongly feel that my words can have a big or small impact on someone’s life. It is even more so now that I am hosting the news. I study hard and take care of myself. Since catching a cold would be a big problem, I take good care of my throat. People often ask me the secret to my tireless energy, and it is simply not skipping meals. I eat a lot deliciously and live my day energetically with that energy. Nothing beats a good meal. (laughs) I also always try to live an orderly life. I start my day earlier than others, do QT (Quiet Time) daily, and write a gratitude journal. I often spend time alone. Even a brief moment during a busy day to organize my thoughts and calm my mind is essential. I also deal with creeping negative thoughts by myself. I believe that through the screen and my voice, people’s hearts, thoughts, and even character are conveyed. This is why I work hard to be a person with good thoughts, good words, and good character.

- You also run a personal YouTube channel.

▲ At first, I participated as a guest on the YouTube channel run by the announcer department. It was a vlog-style sharing of daily life, which was a bit burdensome, but I found it surprisingly fun as I did it. I was very grateful to hear that my daily life gave comfort, challenge, and encouragement to many people. That led me to create my own channel. I film and edit myself and consistently upload videos. That time is a great comfort to me. Since I deliver daily news of incidents and accidents, sometimes my heart feels heavy and difficult, but communicating with subscribers on YouTube gives me peace of mind. When I hosted radio before, I liked the feeling of close communication with listeners, and YouTube is similar. It feels like a reliable friend who cheers me on closely.

- The phrase ‘Kind words beat smart words’ seems to be steeped in many experiences. For example, you said in an interview that kind words are more memorable than eloquence. Is there someone who left a deep impression?

▲ I remember an interview during the Avengers team’s visit to Korea a few years ago. I interviewed Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Doctor Strange; Tom Holland, Spider-Man; Tom Hiddleston, Loki; and Pom Klementieff, Mantis. I was especially nervous and trembling. Hollywood actors’ visits have very tight schedules, so I worried a lot whether they would be too tired to properly do the interview or give sincere answers due to repeated interviews. But contrary to my worries, they welcomed me warmly like an old friend with bright expressions. Although they must have heard the questions countless times, they answered carefully as if hearing them for the first time. I was moved and amazed by how they kept eye contact and nodded continuously. When I couldn’t ask all the prepared questions due to time constraints, they even offered to continue the interview, allowing it to finish smoothly. It is not because they are famous actors, but because of their kind and warm consideration that they remain precious in my memory.

- Is kind speech possible in the news? If so, what would it look like?

▲ The kind words I think of are not necessarily soft or gentle words. They are words combined with a heart and attitude of consideration for the listener. I believe it is definitely possible in the news. I try to deliver the news using easy expressions that anyone can understand clearly. It is not about speaking with weight to look impressive or teaching the viewers, but explaining humbly and kindly. I study and think about whether there are easier expressions for the same phrase. I also carefully consider whether the anchor’s remarks contain any hateful or discriminatory meanings. In fact, my voice is higher and livelier than traditional news anchors. I once considered it a complex and tried to lower my voice to sound more weighty. But if it is not my own style, it doesn’t last long. Viewers also felt uncomfortable... Now, I try to do news that suits me and is true to myself. Some people say they like it because it is natural and comfortable even if it lacks weight.

- Words are intangible manifestations. Kind words must presuppose the internal kindness.

▲ Don’t we often habitually use negative words? Like “I’m annoyed,” “It’s ruined,” “I’m going crazy,” “I can’t do it”... Our mood often becomes words. Sometimes, in certain situations, we lose control and blurt out harsh words. People full of complaints and dissatisfaction not only express it in words but also in facial expressions, actions, and atmosphere, making those around them uncomfortable. Sometimes, these words are directed at oneself, like “Why am I like this?” “Why can’t I do better?” “Why am I different from others?” In such cases, I hope people start by speaking kind words to themselves. Not to be ashamed of being different from others or belittling oneself. In fact, I often blamed myself on the way home after doing the news. Thoughts like “Why did I do so badly?” “Why did I make a mistake?” “Can’t I do well even once?” made me very distressed. When I spoke warm and kind words to myself, acknowledging myself, things changed. Even if I differ from the world’s standards, am lacking, or clumsy, it is important to walk my path as I am. I believe that people who know how to speak warm words like “You’re doing well,” “You’re enough as you are,” “You look great just like this” to themselves can also convey warmth to others. Although imperfect, I also try to be someone who speaks kind words to myself and others. I hope the heart I put into the book is well conveyed to readers.

About Announcer Lee Jae-eun

She double-majored in Media and Communication and Broadcasting and Video Studies at Ewha Womans University. She joined MBC in 2012 and started with radio broadcasting, then moved on to sports broadcasting, current affairs programs, and now serves as the flagship announcer of MBC, hosting ‘News Desk.’