Lee Ha-jung
Overview
Lee Ha-jung (이하정, born July 14, 1978) is a South Korean broadcaster and former KBS announcer. She joined KBS in 2001 through the 27th open recruitment and hosted major programs such as "KBS News 9". In 2011, she married actor Jung Joon-ho (정준호), which became a hot topic, and she later built public recognition by appearing in parenting variety shows and cultural programs. She is currently working as a freelance broadcaster, sharing her experiences through books and lectures.
Main Content
Early Life and Joining KBS
Lee Ha-jung was born in Seoul and graduated from Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. During her college years, she dreamed of becoming an announcer and prepared for broadcasters' open recruitment. In 2001, she passed the 27th KBS open recruitment. She later served as the weekend anchor of "KBS News 9", KBS's flagship news program, and earned recognition for her news hosting skills.
Broadcasting Career
During her time as a KBS announcer, Lee Ha-jung appeared in various entertainment and cultural programs in addition to news and current affairs programs. She especially built a friendly image by taking active hosting roles in "Experience Life Field" (체험 삶의 현장) and "Family Entertainment" (가족오락관). Even after leaving the company in 2011, she solidified her standing as a broadcaster by hosting numerous programs on SBS, MBC, and others.
Marriage and Family
In 2011, Lee Ha-jung married actor Jung Joon-ho after a year of dating. The two reportedly met during her time as a KBS announcer. They have one son and one daughter. Lee Ha-jung appeared in the parenting variety program "My Child's Boyfriend" (내 아이의 남자친구) and showed a working mother's life. The couple is considered one of the most famous couples in broadcasting and entertainment circles.
Books and Lectures
Lee Ha-jung has published essays containing her experiences as an announcer and parenting stories. Her representative books include "I Want to Speak Like an Announcer" (아나운서처럼 말하고 싶다) and "Parenting Is a Science" (육아는 과학이다). These books received a great response from office workers and parents, and she has also been actively giving lectures based on them. In particular, her lectures on speaking and communication have become content that draws attention from companies and schools.
Recent Activities
In the 2020s, Lee Ha-jung has been expanding her activities on digital platforms such as YouTube and podcasts rather than TV programs. She communicates on her YouTube channel on various topics including parenting, personal finance, and self-development, and she also appears on several current affairs and cultural programs as a panelist.
Latest Trends
As of 2024, Lee Ha-jung is expanding her scope from freelance broadcaster into content creator. In 2024, her YouTube channel surpassed 300,000 subscribers, drawing attention mainly for content on "parenting" and "speaking as a former announcer". In 2025, she was cast as the main MC of a newly launched talk show on a comprehensive programming channel and resumed her activities. In addition, her essays have been republished and are still loved by readers. Through lectures on "work-family balance", Lee Ha-jung has established herself as a role model for working mothers in South Korea.
Related Topics
- [[Jung Joon-ho]]
- [[KBS announcer]]
- [[Parenting variety show]]
- [[South Korean broadcasters]]