Radio Newbie.

Contrary to expectations that it would disappear by summer, the coronavirus is still stubbornly clinging to our daily lives. The combination of office work and telecommuting is said to continue until July. Thanks to this, the number of days I spend bright hours at home has increased, and I’ve started listening to the radio frequently.

With news of this summer’s intense heat, I listen to Jung Eun-ji’s Gayo Gwangjang, which showers listeners with refreshing Americano gifticons and the nostalgic hit song ‘Ame Ame Ame Ame Americano~~’, and I spend my day also listening to Park Myeong-su’s impression contest, which features silly, chuckle-inducing sounds like ‘the sound of crushing a can with your mouth.’ Of course, when work is busy, the radio is just indifferent background noise, but I think the reason working from home is good is that I can easily immerse myself in simple daily routines, like listening to heartwarming stories from strangers between tasks, or preparing lunch just for myself.

This summer, the monsoon season seems to have arrived earlier than ever. From the night two days before July, the rain pours fiercely. After my evening workout, I take a refreshing shower, then stretch my tired body out on the sofa and turn on the radio. I listen to old pop songs played one by one by DJ Lee Sang-ho, with his gentle voice, followed by Yoo Ji-won’s “Bam-eul Ijeun Geudae-ege,” a show whose very name evokes emotion. I find myself listening intently to the stories people share, whispered by the DJ – absurd experiences at other people’s homes, or what kind of occupational habits unconsciously pop up in daily life – even though I’m not gaining any particularly useful or special knowledge.

For me, someone who gets a headache from staring at a smartphone for too long, who quit SNS over a year ago, and who finds writing and reading text more comfortable than video content, radio is the perfect medium and outlet. It’s okay to learn about what’s happening in the world a little later. I’m content with music accompanying diverse stories told by a single speaker, rather than communication that keeps only my eyes and hands busy. This radio world newbie looks forward to tomorrow.

Tomorrow, when I’m working from home, I’ll turn on the radio as soon as I open my eyes!