“Jeon Hyun-moo harshly criticizes new female announcer… ‘Stop trying to look pretty’ a sharp direct comment”

Former announcer Jeon Hyun-moo criticized junior announcer Heo Yoo-won’s pronunciation issues harshly. On the December 1 broadcast of KBS 2TV’s ‘Boss Ears Are Donkey Ears’ (Hereinafter ‘Donkey Ears’) episode 283, the KBS 50th rookie announcers’ news live evaluation session took place, with Heo Yoo-won’s pronunciation and attitude at the center of controversy.

Heo Yoo-won was highly anticipated due to her background as a weathercaster. However, criticisms followed as she read the news script, particularly regarding her pronunciation. Senior announcers criticized her, saying, “She hardly moves her upper lip,” and “The pronunciation is unclear because she doesn’t open her mouth enough.”

The pronunciation issue of Heo Yoo-won was further highlighted through the script reading screen. Jeon Hyun-moo reacted with laughter, asking, “Has your upper lip been stung by a bee? Why doesn’t it move?” However, he continued with sharp critiques. He said, “If the upper lip doesn’t move, the pronunciation cannot be accurate,” firmly questioning her basic qualifications as an announcer like this.

On-site pronunciation corrections were attempted, but Heo Yoo-won’s pronunciation did not easily improve. She particularly struggled with basic pronunciation distinction, such as replacing ‘O’ sounds with ‘Yo.’ Observing this, Jeon Hyun-moo and the seniors commented, “At this point, it makes us wonder if we selected the wrong announcer.”

In addition to the pronunciation issue, Heo Yoo-won’s appearance and attitude were also criticized. Senior Eom Ji-in said, “It seems like Heo Yoo-won is trying to appear cute while delivering the news,” adding, “With circle lenses on, her eyes looked more pronounced, which might be too attention-grabbing for the news.”

This statement immediately sparked controversy. When Kim Sook counter-questioned, “Isn’t wearing circle lenses a personal freedom?” Eom Ji-in retorted, “Of course it is, but the viewers might take issue with eye movements looking different,” emphasizing the attitude of a news presenter. She added, “Actions intended to look cute and pretty could leave a negative impression on viewers along with pronunciation issues.”

Regarding this, Park Myung-soo commented, “Viewers are so conservative. If they make an issue out of this, it’s really dirty and frustrating,” expressing his frustration. However, Director Lee Jae-hong advised Heo Yoo-won, saying, “You are enough pretty by appearance, so focus on pronunciation correction,” and “Make sure to bring back the finished pronunciation homework.”

This broadcast served as a reminder of the importance of skill and attitude for Heo Yoo-won. The criticisms from the seniors were not just simple reproach but a direction on how to grow as a junior announcer. Jeon Hyun-moo emphasized, “Pronunciation is the life of an announcer. Continuous effort is necessary for accurate pronunciation.”

After the broadcast, viewers had mixed reactions. Some viewers commented, “The seniors’ criticism was too harsh,” “She’s still new, pushing too much seems unfair,” while others commented, “Pronunciation and attitude are fundamentals for an announcer. Criticism is deserved,” “Luckily, she has the chance to improve now.”

Meanwhile, Heo Yoo-won, through her personal SNS after the broadcast, conveyed her resolution, saying, “I will improve my shortcomings based on the feedback from my seniors,” and “I will strive to show a better self.”

Heo Yoo-won, although burdened with pronunciation and attitude tasks from this broadcast, left open the possibility of using it as an opportunity for growth. The critiques from Jeon Hyun-moo and other seniors were harsh, but they reiterated the basic virtues that need to be equipped as an announcer. It remains to be seen if she can display a stage of growth based on the advice from her seniors.