On June 26, 2025, Han Min-yong, the main anchor of JTBC's flagship news program "Newsroom," made a heartfelt announcement that has resonated widely across South Korea's media landscape. Through a candid post on her social media accounts, Han revealed that she is pregnant, sharing both her excitement and the unique challenges she faces as a pregnant news anchor in a country where such a sight remains uncommon.
Han Min-yong's announcement came with a touching video showing her preparing for a broadcast at the news desk. In the clip, she gently caresses her growing belly and takes deep breaths, a visual testament to the new chapter unfolding in her life. Accompanying the video, she wrote, "Many have asked, but it was awkward to reveal properly. Now, my belly has become a definite presence. I'm pregnant." This candid admission reflects both her personal joy and the subtle pressures of public life.
Her message struck a chord with many, as she acknowledged the flood of congratulations and inquiries she received via direct messages. "Many people congratulated and contacted me, but I couldn't reply to each one. I'm sorry, and thank you for your congratulations," she expressed, showing her appreciation for the support while also highlighting the overwhelming nature of such attention.
Despite her pregnancy, Han Min-yong emphasized her commitment to her career, stating, "Like most women who don't interrupt their careers due to pregnancy, I will continue to do the news as usual." However, she noted a significant difference this time: "The only difference is that my gradually growing belly will be shown to many viewers through TV." This acknowledgment points to a subtle cultural shift, as seeing a visibly pregnant anchor on Korean television is still a rarity.
Han was candid about the unfamiliarity and discomfort that come with this visibility. "A pregnant anchor might still seem unfamiliar in Korea," she said, adding, "I feel a bit awkward and strange about my changing appearance, and I worry that viewers might feel the same." Her openness invites viewers to embrace this change naturally, as she hopes, "I ask that my pregnancy be naturally accepted."
She also highlighted the supportive environment at JTBC, sharing that she is "doing the news in very good condition with the blessings and consideration of my JTBC colleagues." Her dedication remains unwavering, promising, "I will always do my best as I did before pregnancy, and I will see everyone in the newsroom soon."
Han Min-yong's journey in journalism began in 2013 at MBN, where she worked as a reporter before joining JTBC in 2017 as an experienced journalist. She took on the weekend "Newsroom" anchor role in 2018 and has been the weekday anchor since July 2023, steadily becoming one of the most recognized faces in South Korean news broadcasting.
Her personal life has been equally notable in the media sphere. In 2021, she married fellow JTBC reporter and anchor Kim Min-gwan, who hosts "This Angle Newsroom." Their partnership, both personal and professional, has been well regarded, and Han's pregnancy marks a joyful milestone for the couple as they prepare to welcome their first child.
The announcement has sparked conversations about the representation of pregnant women in the media and the broader workplace culture in South Korea. Traditionally, pregnancy has often been a period when women step back from their careers, but Han's decision to continue anchoring challenges these norms and could inspire a shift in societal attitudes.
Her visibility as a pregnant anchor on a major news program brings a new dimension to public perceptions of working mothers and the balancing act many women face. It also highlights the evolving role of women in media, where personal milestones intersect with professional responsibilities in the public eye.
Han's message resonates beyond her own story, touching on themes of acceptance, progress, and the normalization of pregnancy in professional settings. By sharing her experience openly, she not only celebrates her personal journey but also invites viewers and colleagues alike to embrace change with understanding and support.
As Han Min-yong continues to deliver the news with the same professionalism and dedication as before, her pregnancy stands as a symbol of resilience and evolving cultural norms within South Korea's media industry. Her announcement is more than a personal revelation; it is a subtle yet powerful statement about the possibilities for women balancing career and family in the modern era.
