[Exclusive] Announcer Choi Dong-seok Leaves 'KBS News 9'... "Health Issues, Needs Rest"

Announcer Choi Dong-seok. Photo by KBS

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Choi Dong-seok, the anchor of KBS main news program 'News 9,' announced that he will step down due to health issues.

On the 22nd, Choi Dong-seok posted on his Instagram, "I have developed symptoms such as dizziness, autophony, and nystagmus caused by a problem in my ear," and added, "Following my doctor's recommendation to rest and stabilize, I plan to take a short medical leave and rest."

He explained, "Due to the eye twitching, I cannot see the teleprompter well and have to memorize a significant portion of the script. Also, hearing my own voice causes dizziness, so I judged that resting is the right decision to perform at my best," and stated, "'News 9' will be hosted by me only until this week."

Choi Dong-seok was appointed as the anchor of 'News 9' in November last year but announced his departure after seven months.

KBS also stated on the same day, "In the post-COVID-19 'New Normal' era, aiming to realize public broadcasting journalism, KBS has reorganized its news programs, focusing on selecting anchors with proven reporting skills and news delivery capabilities. The new anchors and revamped programs will be introduced to viewers starting from June 29 on Channel 1TV and July 6 on Channel 2TV."

Park No-won, who previously hosted 'News 7,' will take over as the new anchor following Choi Dong-seok.

Below is the full text of anchor Choi Dong-seok’s Instagram post.

Did you start your week energetically?

Last week, I visited the hospital and received a diagnosis.

I developed symptoms such as dizziness, autophony, and nystagmus caused by a problem in my ear.

My doctor recommended that I rest and stabilize for a while, so I plan to take a short medical leave and rest.

Due to the eye twitching, I cannot see the teleprompter well and have to memorize a significant portion of the script. Also, hearing my own voice causes dizziness, so I judged that resting is the right decision to perform at my best.

Therefore, I plan to host the 9 o’clock news only until this week.

I apologize for causing concern and will take good care of my health during my break.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.