KBS introduced an ambitious entertainment lineup for 2025.
On the 7th, the 'KBS Spring New Entertainment Program Briefing' was held at KBS in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Among those present were Han Kyung-cheon, head of the entertainment center, Lee Hwang-seon CP, Park Deok-seon CP, Park Seok-hyeong CP, and Park Min-jeong CP.
Marking the 52nd anniversary of its founding, KBS will showcase new programs for 2025 with a major spring restructuring aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of its entertainment and drama content. In particular, to capture the attention of viewers aged 20 to 49, the network is focusing on killer content, featuring high-profile personalities such as Kang Ho-dong, Park Bo-gum, and Lee Min-jung as new MCs, betting everything on enhancing program competitiveness.
Han Kyung-cheon noted, “This event was organized to provide an overall explanation before the official production announcement. Last year, there were many trial and errors. We had experimental programs with young juniors, which ultimately left us with not-so-good memories. This year, we have opted for more mainstream casting. Kang Ho-dong is returning to KBS after about 10 years, and we've recruited a new MC for 'Problematic Men in the Rooftop' with a sense of returning. Lee Min-jung is appearing in a terrestrial outdoor variety for the first time, so we expect great things.”
He added, “To make room for the new programs, we need to consider where they will be scheduled and how much budget will be required. It’s true that existing programs have been performing well, and as a result, the sense of tension has decreased. This year, we have promising programs lined up for the second half. Based on various results, we aim to launch at least programs that young people will enjoy. We hope for your support.”
Kang Ho-dong is returning to KBS after 13 years, meeting viewers through 'Study and Play'. 'Study and Play' is a quiz talk show where celebrity parents tackle their children's learning problems directly. By comparing the schooling of the parent generation with today's education, it facilitates communication through quizzes, while Kang Ho-dong engagingly unravels the daily lives and concerns of elementary school children with his witty commentary.
Lee Hwang-seon CP said, “The format involves famous people with elementary school children participating, solving quizzes based on what they learn at school. The MCs will be Kang Ho-dong, Kim Ho-young, and Lee Soo-yeon. With Kang Ho-dong returning to KBS after over 10 years, he has a good chemistry with the shows he previously hosted like '1 Night 2 Days' and 'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education', so we expect great results. Lee Soo-yeon will serve as a spokesperson for elementary school children's inner thoughts. Kim Ho-young is energetic, articulate, and has great potential to connect not only with Kang Ho-dong but also with the panel and children,” adding, “We’re not tackling grand themes. We aim for a program that all ages can comfortably watch. You might wonder if the new programs align with current trends, but I believe they are necessary and a good fit for KBS. We strive to create wholesome programming for families to enjoy so we would appreciate your support.”
Lee Min-jung will also tie her connection with KBS entertainment. She will lead the observational reality show 'Coming & Going with Lee Min-jung', set to premiere on May 23. 'Coming & Going with Lee Min-jung' is a healing entertainment program that involves delivering a mobile convenience store filled with daily necessities to a rural village and spending a night, sharing various stories. This program is noteworthy as it marks Lee Min-jung's return to entertainment two years after ENA's 'Oh Eun-young Game'.
Park Deok-seon CP said, “As the title suggests, it’s a warm-hearted program. With Lee Min-jung as the main host, we will ride a mobile convenience store truck to rural villages to build connections with the residents. We will travel to various rural areas to deliver kind and warm entertainment.”
'The Seasons', now in its seventh season, has recruited actor Park Bo-gum as its MC. It attempts a change by having an actor as the first-ever MC, while 'Park Bo-gum's Cantabile' expects in-depth music discussions. Park Seok-hyeong CP stated, "It’s the seventh season, and this MC is the first one who is an actor instead of a musician, so we hope you will keep an eye on it. The new MC Park Bo-gum represents both a risk and an opportunity for us. Since music programs often require one-on-one discussions with participants, understanding and respect are essential. Park Bo-gum is both an actor and has a deep connection with musicians, and I believe this aspect will blend well into the program.”
Park Seok-hyeong CP acknowledged, “It is true that we had low viewership ratings. Reviewing the past six seasons, the ratings have been around 1%. While there are various criteria for evaluating a program, viewership ratings are the most reliable measure for KBS as a terrestrial media company. We believe 'The Seasons' has high visibility and content reach. Last year, 'The Seasons' had over 300 million views on YouTube, making it overwhelmingly dominant within KBS. We are uncertain about the revenue but hope that this aspect is taken into consideration.”
On a related note, 'Problematic Men in the Rooftop', which faced cancellation due to poor ratings last year, is making a comeback. Having captured the hearts of viewers for seven years since 2018, 'Problematic Men in the Rooftop' will meet audiences again with new MCs including Hong Jin-kyung and Joo Woo-jae, who joined from 'Hong Kim Dong-jeon', set to air on April 3.
Park Min-jeong CP noted, “I have taken over 'Ok Moon Ah' Season 2. It’s a program that has engaged viewers for seven years and is a flagship quiz format mixed with a mini talk show. There’s a thirst for programs where guests can come on, and I hope we can serve as a good outlet to address that. The existing MCs wore graduation caps, while the new MCs won’t. The addition of a competition mode among the MCs also presents a viewing point. We take pride in having major MCs who have led KBS entertainment, and I expect this will bring great chemistry in discussions and enjoyment.”
Han Kyung-cheon stated, “'Hong Kim Dong-jeon' has moved to Netflix under 'Da Driver', and while meeting viewers, the energy of 'Da Driver' is different from that of 'Hong Kim Dong-jeon'. There may be a difference in the channel and OTT. Two-thirds of 'Ok Moon Ah's members are filled with 'Hong Kim Dong-jeon' cast. As KBS is funded through license fees, considering our financial state, there were shortcomings with 'Hong Kim Dong-jeon'. It’s not so much an issue of the channel but rather that the regulatory frameworks are completely different on OTT platforms. It’s amusing with relaxed regulations on 'Da Driver' but I don’t think it’s good to see events that lead to surprises. There's no way to completely eliminate the restrictions inherent to the channel. If our public broadcasting doesn’t appeal to families, no matter how popular it is, the launch will be difficult. I hope for your understanding.”
The footsal challenge titled 'Ballunteer', featuring legendary footballers who also engage in donations, will meet viewers as a regular program. Starting as a YouTube original and well-received during a holiday special pilot, 'Ballunteer' allows viewers to enjoy footsal play by legendary football players in their 40s, led by KBS football commentator Lee Yong-pyo with commentary from Lee Chan-won.
Additionally, 'Gag Concert' will be broadcast at the prime time of 9:20 p.m. every Sunday starting from the 16th, and 'Park Won-sook's Let's Live Together' will meet viewers every Monday at 8:30 p.m. starting from the 31st.
Han Kyung-cheon commented on the time change for 'Gag Concert', saying, “Besides 'My Little Old Boy', 'Good Day' is also a competitor. The time adjustment has been made to meet the needs of younger viewers. While 'Gag Concert' has lower viewership, it’s not as low as perceived. I believe it's not bad for that time slot, and we have recruited 14 new comedians for the 34th class. Many friends who have built their skills are now on board, so I expect to create a new 'Gag Concert'. With new segments being introduced, I’m looking forward to it.”
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