Broadcaster Noh Hong-chul, 47, reveals unexpected 'bittersweet' change: presbyopia

Broadcaster Noh Hong-chul has shared an unexpected change that has come his way — presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.

In a video titled "An Unexpected Change That Has Come to Lucky Guy Noh Hong-chul," uploaded to his YouTube channel Thursday, Noh appeared wearing AI glasses. "Notice anything slightly different? These are the AI glasses a lot of people are using these days," he said. "I call them smart glasses, but the real reason I got them is — I've gotten old. Presbyopia."

"I never imagined I'd have reason to walk into a neighborhood optician's, but here I am," Noh said. "We share information on our phones, right? Someone says, 'Look at this, look at this,' and back in the day, the closer it got, the clearer it was. Now if it comes too close, I get a shock."

Noh was also shown taking an eye exam at the optician's. The doctor told him presbyopia was "something no one can avoid once they reach that age." Noh responded with a rueful smile, saying, "This morning — Friday — I woke up and looked at my phone right away, and it was blurry. It wasn't as sharp as it used to be."

After trying on a pair of lenses, Noh said, "I can see so much better. How have I been getting through daily life all this time?"

Comments on the video included: "Hong-chul, who used to tease Myung-su for his presbyopia, now has it too"; "Bro, time is terrifying"; and "Even with presbyopia, you still see the fun places clearer than anyone and head straight for them."