By OSEN

Published 2025.12.18. 15:10

[OSEN=Choi Lee-jung Reporter] The daily weathercaster challenge of wheelchair dancer Chae Soo-min, narrated by actress Lim Yoon-a in the KBS 1TV documentary 'Stand Again, The Miracle,' moved viewers.

Broadcast on KBS 1TV at 10 p.m. on the 17th (Wednesday), the episode featured Chae Soo-min (29 years old), a wheelchair dancer who overcame paralysis below the waist to work as a musical actor and wheelchair dance sport athlete. Chae, who has been a wheelchair dancer for six years this year, was selected as a national representative in wheelchair dance sports. Despite having the most severe disability among wheelchair dancers, she showcases elegant dance lines while seated. Narrator Lim Yoon-a explained, "She must perform every movement by relying solely on the strength of her two hands while balancing on her wheelchair." Chae won a gold medal at the National Para Sports Festival in Busan as a Seoul representative.

By her side was her father, who acted as both guardian and self-appointed manager. He would carry her into the wheelchair, style her hair for performances, and help her put on dance shoes. He also cheered her on as she showcased her skills. After the accident, the father visited his daughter daily in the intensive care unit. When she miraculously recovered, the sculptor father used his skills to improve her convenience. He modified her orthosis, installed a ramp at the entrance, and added handrails throughout the bathroom. Worried she might lose her sense of standing, he even built a standing frame himself. His affection was evident everywhere in Chae’s home.

Meanwhile, Chae reunited with Ri Hae, leader of the group Coca N Butter and a former contestant on 'Swu:pa,' who was her college professor. Narrator Lim Yoon-a welcomed the meeting, saying, "I know this person. They left a strong impression on a dance competition program." Chae tearfully shared, "I wanted to take winter vacation classes, but the accident happened." Ri Hae encouraged her, saying, "Let’s aim for a better stage together in the future," touching viewers with his support.

Around December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Chae received an offer to be a daily weathercaster for KBS 'News 9.' This special challenge involved standing on her two legs with the help of a cutting-edge wearable robot to deliver weather forecasts as a wheelchair user—those most affected by weather when going out. Lim Yoon-a expressed concern, calling it "a far from easy challenge." Chae initially struggled with the wearable robot. Due to prolonged sitting, she experienced low blood pressure and dizziness. However, after recovering, she successfully read the script. She shared, "I don’t usually have low blood pressure. While reading, I felt dizzy and struggled to catch my breath."

Before December 3rd, Chae decided to familiarize herself with the wearable device and relearn vocal techniques. Lim Yoon-a explained, "It looks simple, but for Chae, who cannot use her lower body, every moment is a battle." On the day of the challenge, fueled by 100 days of practice, Chae confidently entered the broadcast station alone. Her parents secretly visited the station to watch her challenge.

Amid tension, Chae stood firmly and delivered the weather forecast more skillfully than before. After successfully completing the challenge, she tearfully embraced her parents. Lim Yoon-a marveled, "Chae, you did amazingly. Could there be a more hopeful forecast for tomorrow?" Chae shared her aspirations: "I will boldly challenge things I think I can’t do."

The KBS special documentary 'Stand Again, The Miracle,' which delivered hope through Chae’s extraordinary challenges and Lim Yoon-a’s warm narration, is available for replay on the KBS website.

/nyc@osen.co.kr [Photo] KBS 'Stand Again, The Miracle'

· This article has been translated by Upstage Solar AI.