MBC's new program 'The Speakers' has made a stunning debut, signaling a successful launch with its first broadcast.
During the premiere on the 27th, legendary anchor Baek Ji-yeon returned to her roots at MBC after nine years, receiving an enthusiastic reception from both viewers and the audience. The chemistry between Baek and MC Oh Eun-young, who are alumni of Yonsei University, created a warm and lively atmosphere. Baek reminisced about her days in school, while Oh humorously recalled how Baek was famously known as the 'Brooke Shields of Yonsei' during their time.
In her talk, Baek Ji-yeon shared heartfelt stories under the theme of 'Ultimately, Those Who Achieve' and recounted her experiences as MBC’s first and youngest female anchor. She explained that, despite securing the top position in a public audition shortly after her five-month tenure, she faced harsh realities from a department head who offered little encouragement. However, she emphasized the support of her mentors, vowing not to let them down as she navigated her early career.
When discussing the greatest source of responsibility in her life, Baek revealed her profound connection to her mother, tearing up when her name appeared on stage. The emotional moment marked the first time she shed tears on air in her 36-year career, reflecting on promises made as the youngest of four sisters. Baek expressed her commitment to becoming a daughter that her mother could be proud of, resonating deeply with the audience.
Furthermore, Baek Ji-yeon shared the struggles of being a single mother, explaining that her choice to anchor morning news stemmed from a desire to spend more time with her son. She recounted poignant moments of leaving for work in the early hours while listening for her son's cries at the door. In a touching declaration to her now-adult son, she conveyed her unwavering maternal support, which contributed to a peak viewership rating of 3.7%, capturing the hearts of the audience measured by Nielsen Korea.
As a speaker, Oh Eun-young discussed the definition of 'achieving' and encouraged the audience by stating that merely doing one’s best is a significant accomplishment. She candidly shared her own setbacks, revealing how discouraging comments about women in her field challenged her choices. Ultimately, she stressed that to be someone who achieves, one must look within themselves for strength and inspiration.