Pioneering female DJ Im Guk-hee, former MBC announcer, dies at 88

Im Guk-hee, a pioneering figure in Korean broadcasting and widely regarded as the first female late-night radio DJ, has died at the age of 88. Her passing was announced on May 4th by the Korea Announcers Club.

Born in 1938, Im began her broadcasting career as an announcer at Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) in 1961. She later moved to Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in 1964. At MBC, she became a beloved voice for listeners through her roles as a DJ on "Midnight Music Letter" (1964-1972) and "Women's Salon with Im Guk-hee" (1975-1988). The latter program was renamed "Women's Era" after her departure and continues to this day.

Im Guk-hee carved out a new path for women in broadcasting during an era when female announcers were discouraged from appearing on air during late-night hours. Reflecting on "Midnight Music Letter" in a 2015 interview with Kookmin Ilbo, she recalled, "At the time, it was taboo for female announcers to broadcast before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., but I was the first to break that. I think my soothing narration effectively conveyed the sad and happy love stories of young people."

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At the time, it was taboo for female announcers to broadcast before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., but I was the first to break that. I think my soothing narration effectively conveyed the sad and happy love stories of young people.

She also shared her dedication to "Women's Salon," stating, "I studied so much for that show. I read over 200 books a year. I often visited used bookstores in Cheonggyecheon to find books related to women. Of course, I also devoured newspapers and magazines. If I found an interesting expression or adjective, I immediately used it on air."

Im served as a board member of the Korea Communications Standards Commission from 2003 to 2006 and was the 8th president of the Korea Announcers Club from 2015 to 2019. In recognition of her significant contributions to MBC radio for over two decades, she received the broadcaster's "Golden Mouse" award in 2014. She is survived by her daughter and son. The funeral will be held at Samsung Seoul Hospital on May 6th.

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I studied so much for that show. I read over 200 books a year. I often visited used bookstores in Cheonggyecheon to find books related to women. Of course, I also devoured newspapers and magazines. If I found an interesting expression or adjective, I immediately used it on air.