Actor Choi Bool-am, who has introduced 'Korean table' for 14 years and 3 months, bids a poignant farewell.
KBS1's 'Korean table,' which began its first broadcast in January 2011, has transcended the simple food program to record the culture, history, and community stories behind a meal, serving as a 'repository of flavor memories' filled with nostalgia and longing. It has sought out various foods that continue through the seasons and regions, conveying the wisdom of life and the warmth of family and neighbors.
At the center was 'national actor' Choi Bool-am. As the presenter of 'Korean table,' Choi Bool-am has traveled throughout the country, exploring the lives and culture of Koreans at the dining table. Having been a constant presence since the first broadcast, Choi Bool-am showed a strong affection for the program, taking his first long vacation last year.
His absence was filled by his wife Kim Min-ja, Ryu Seung-ryong, Hwang Jung-min, Han Ji-min, Go Du-shim, Lee Jay-hoon, Ji Jin-hee, Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Moon-sae, Taeyang, and others, and Choi Bool-am made his return to 'Korean table' on the broadcast of January 3rd after finishing his long vacation.
Choi Bool-am has shown such affection for the program. He concludes his 14 years and 3 months of companionship by saying goodbye to 'Korean table.' KBS stated, 'The national program 'Korean table' is entering a new chapter,' announcing that Choi Bool-am's journey has come to an end.
Choi Bool-am's successor is Choi Soo-jong. KBS used the word 'handing down' instead of terms like 'departure.' It is a process of passing down the legacy of the dining table across generations, not just a simple MC change, and it is a journey moving toward the future while embracing the past. The production team expressed gratitude, stating, 'For the past 14 years, Mr. Choi Bool-am has delivered the lives and culture of Koreans embodied in our food by traveling around the country every week. His dedication and passion will be deeply engraved in all of our hearts.'
Choi Bool-am also expressed his affection for 'Korean table' and shared his hopes for new MC Choi Soo-jong during a telephone conversation with OSEN. Choi Bool-am emphasized, 'Where does the word departure come from? It is passing it on to the junior.'
Just two months after returning from a long vacation, Choi Bool-am shared the farewell news. Due to his advanced age, there were concerns that he might be leaving the program due to health issues. In response, Choi Bool-am said, 'I had a procedure on my spine, and the recovery is slow. However, I will not end my journey due to this issue. After nearly 15 years, it is time to stop.'
Choi Bool-am offered simple encouragement to his successor Choi Soo-jong, saying, 'I hope you do well.' Choi Soo-jong is set to meet viewers as the new presenter starting with the 700th episode of 'Korean table,' airing on April 10th.
Meanwhile, the 700th episode of KBS1's 'Korean table,' featuring new presenter Choi Soo-jong, will air at 7:40 p.m. on April 10th.
[OSEN]