Chosun Ilbo recently interviewed Miss Deaf International winner Kim Ye Jin on her hard work in obtaining the coveted pageant title as well as her future plans.
Kim Ye Jin won the 'Miss & Mister Deaf International London 2014' pageant as the female representative. After a fierce competition between 35 contestants from 25 countries, the event announced their winners for its fifth year running on August 5.
Kim shared that she originally had no plans on entering the competition. She had in fact started a non-profit organization months prior to the event called 'Miss and Mister Deaf Korea' in order to encourage and aid interested Koreans in competing. She considered the competition to be a great opportunity for any Korean in the deaf community, and when she could not find a proper candidate, she decided to enter herself.
According to Chosun Ilbo, Kim states, "It is important in the pageant for the deaf to show how they have become more strong-willed and considerate as they have to fight to overcome prejudices in society. I think the role of Miss Deaf is to use such experience and character to help those with disabilities to live in harmony with others."
She not only paid for all the pageant expenses herself but also took lessons to learn the traditional Korean drum dance and taught herself international sign language. As the prize is a one-year trip around the world, Kim intends to use the opportunity to launch a tour guide business to aid foreign deaf tourists visiting Korea.
The girl is ambitious and kind-hearted, and although this was her last year to enter as she is now 28 years old, she will definitely make a memorable Miss Deaf!
Check out the clip below for highlights from the pageant.
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