Trailblazing Life Insurance Planner for the Hearing-Impaired
Choi Jung-min is an AIA life insurance planner in Korea. He made history by becoming the first planner with a hearing impairment to receive the Golden Fellow Award (launched by the Korea Life Insurance Association (KLIA)) in Korea, which recognizes outstanding planners across the country who are able to demonstrate and deliver strong performance.
Choi, who has 13 years of experience as a planner, has shattered prejudices against the hearing-impaired and has become a role model for others. "As I am a hearing-impaired person, I use sign language to talk with clients, most of whom are hearing-impaired. Sometimes I communicate in writing, which takes more than 10 pages of A4 paper. It's true that it takes more time for me to communicate with clients, but nothing hampers my sincere and full communication with them," Choi said.
After facing many rejections in the job market due to his impairment, Choi reached out to the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disability who recommended him to be a life insurance planner. Since then, Choi has been led by a sense of being on a mission, helping hearing-impaired people by managing their risks. While it is paramount that hearing-impaired people are informed about the benefits of various insurance plans, most of them are not exposed to such information.
Determined to help the community to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, Choi also achieved certificates for both recreation and laughter therapy to approach customers with more positivity and a bright disposition. He sees himself as a companion that can help bridge the gap between the hearing impaired community and insurance, allowing the community to gain access and knowledge regarding the benefits of insurance plans.
"I hope to continue breaking prejudices that the public holds against the hearing-impaired that they can't do anything. I hope to inspire many hearing-impaired people to have more courage," Choi emphasized.