Comedian Kim Shin Young has successfully transformed into a businesswoman and actress, achieving the highest viewership rating for 'Radio Star'.
The episode of MBC entertainment program 'Radio Star' that aired on the 16th featured guests Jang Geun Suk, Lee Hong Ki, Soobin (TXT), and Kim Shin Young in a special segment titled "World Class, Only I Can See~."
According to Nielsen Korea on the 17th, the previous day's airing of 'Radio Star' recorded a viewership of 3.6%, ranking first in its time slot for the metropolitan area, and the 2049 rating also ranked first. The 'best one minute' of the day featured scenes where Lee Hong Ki shared anecdotes about being selected as one of the Koreans disliked by Japanese and Kim Shin Young showcasing her performance of 'domestic dialect' that captivated director Park Chan Wook, both achieving a viewership of 4.4%, confirming that exciting talk unfolded throughout the broadcast.
Jang Geun Suk, known as the 'Asian Prince', appeared on 'Radio Star' for the first time in 33 years since his debut. He cautiously shared that he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year, but due to the medical crisis, he was unable to undergo surgery for 10 months. "At that time, I didn't even tell my parents. I didn't want to cause them unnecessary worry," he confessed, drawing attention to the changed mindset towards life after recovery.
Jang Geun Suk is currently active in Japan, alternating between acting and singing. The news that he has organized both solo and unit performances, as well as a five-member band for busking performances, impressed the MCs. He particularly revealed, "Fans in their 70s also come to the EDM concerts," disclosing his extraordinary fan demographics.
He also drew attention by directly organizing the lineage of Korean Wave in Japan. He listed the first generation as Jo Yong Pil and Kim Yeon Ja, the second generation as Bae Yong Joon and Lee Byung Hun, the third generation including himself, Kara, FT Island, Park Shin Hye, and Dongbang. He then remarked, "It's truly a Warring States period. The fourth generation includes BTS, Park Seo Jun, Park Bo Gum, and now the fifth generation is Cha Jong Hyup."
While surprised by the recent talk of owning a building in Shibuya, Japan, Jang Geun Suk said, "That's indeed my building," engaging in unexpected real estate talk. Kim Shin Young commented, "Women line up in front of that building to take pictures," to which Jang Geun Suk responded, "How do you know? It's a cafe," showing astonishment.
Lastly, he certified his unique constitution of not being able to feel spiciness, attempting to eat Cheongyang peppers and mouse droppings. After downing a cola in one shot and reciting famous lines from dramas, he said, "Now I want to try various activities more," hinting at a versatile 'world-class' return.
Lee Hong Ki recounted an incident where he was listed among 'the 10 Koreans disliked by Japanese' by a Japanese media outlet, revealing, "I was evaluated as thick and tasteless when comparing Japanese pancakes in a food comparison variety show, and I became an anti-fan," bringing laughter. In response, Jang Geun Suk jokingly added, "Isn't the real reason the dating rumors?" causing a burst of laughter.
He clarified regarding the dating rumors with Japanese top star Shinozaki Ai, saying, "It wasn't at that time. We're friends now," adding that "the impact was so great that comments are still being made nowadays." He also mentioned his past experience of suffering from pyogenic sialadenitis, disclosing, "I had eight surgeries, and now the symptoms have diminished. Thanks to that, I became a health ambassador," providing both health confessions and supportive messages.
That day, Lee Hong Ki shared, "As a result of appearing on 'Radio Star', I told my representative not to interfere with my album," revealing behind-the-scenes from his past appearance. He added, "Since then, I've been able to do the music I want," catching attention.
Finally, he boldly shot a direct line towards his agency, saying, "I'm currently planning a rock festival myself. If you're going to help, please do it properly," and humorously warned, "The contract is ending soon," capturing attention while conveying his passion for music.
Soobin, the leader of TXT, made his first appearance on a broadcast talk show that day, revealing advice from his seniors. He shared that RM from BTS advised, "Go out and show off", and Seungkwan from SEVENTEEN said, "Don't worry, just go out," bringing laughs.
Soobin also unveiled the behind-the-scenes story of being unanimously selected as the leader of TXT. He explained, "They thought I would be good at serving as a bridge between the company and members. The members are gentle and have a hard time speaking, so I took on the role representing them," to which Kim Gu Ra acknowledged, "I understand why you are the leader," recognizing Soobin's charm.
Soobin, nicknamed 'Lee Hong Ki of HYBE', revealed, "The company told me to watch my words. I can't enter the filming site, so they told me to be careful with my words," hinting at explosive remarks, which indeed captured the MCs' attention with his lively variety sense.
That day, Soobin prepared personal tricks mimicking food for the MCs, gifting them with outrageous nicknames such as 'cold kimchi dumplings' and 'al potato', turning the studio into a sea of laughter. He also showcased his ability to clear a watermelon in three seconds, stating, "I practiced for two days and ate a whole one," inspiring admiration. Kim Gu Ra commented, "It's the first time I've seen a normal friend voluntarily eat watermelon. What is our program..." and the MCs added, "With this skill, he would be picked by Yoo Jae Suk," reinforcing Soobin's potential in variety shows.
Kim Shin Young shared her current status after her solo debut. She stated, "I created my own company" and revealed, "I am currently in the process of patenting something by creating a character IP company. I have received seven patents and registered seventeen trademarks. Recently, activities have been sparse as broadcasts now seem to require marriage, divorce, or childbirth," eliciting laughter.
Simultaneously, Kim Shin Young has also ventured into acting. Following her role in the film 'Decision to Leave', she drew attention by revealing her unexpected connection as the protagonist of a 'performance video' saved on director Bong Joon Ho's tablet. She noted, "Director Bong Joon Ho watches my file when he is stressed about work. He even sent me videos via text," creating surprise.
She also unveiled a unique behind-the-scenes story where director Park Chan Wook asked her to act "with an Anne Hathaway vibe." Recalling her experience during the filming of 'Decision to Leave', she added, "I didn't have much acting experience, but I tried my best."
Additionally, she shared a humorous story about how a UCC video she filmed during her high school karaoke days ranked first on a bizarre Taiwanese website and reached ninth place at an international bizarre video competition in France. "Even if they don't know the name Kim Shin Young, I was known as 'the Korean fatty's charisma'," she explained, surprising everyone. Kim Shin Young whimsically joked, "Before heading to Cannes, let's sort out the past," playfully invoking her dark history.
Moreover, Kim Shin Young showcased her prowess as a 'businesswoman comedian'. She continued, "I have been hosting 'Hope Song at Noon' for 14 years. My goal is to achieve the Golden Mouse in 2029," expressing her ambitions as a long-serving DJ. That day, she showcased her 'domestic dialect' performance, aiming for a casting by director Bong Joon Ho, highlighting the essence of vivacious life acting, and that scene was selected as 'the best one minute', capturing the audience's attention.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by MBC.
[OSEN]