On the 22nd, KBS stated, "Anchor Kim Jae-won, who has warmly begun every morning, will leave 'Morning Yard' and anchor Park Cheol-kyu will fill that vacancy."
According to the production team, Kim Jae-won recently decided on honorary retirement and communicated his intention to leave the program, and the production team decided to respect this after much consideration.
Kim Jae-won was born in 1967 and joined KBS as part of the 21st generation of anchors. He has led 'Morning Yard' from 2008 to 2013 and since May 2018, warmly starting viewers' mornings for a long time.
Despite holding his position for a long time, there were challenges for Kim Jae-won. This is because in February, KBS management instructed the producers of the cultural documentary center that "hosts of cultural programs with over five years of experience must be changed without exception."
According to the KBS Producers Association, programs that meet this criterion include 'Morning Yard', '6 O'Clock My Hometown', and 'TV Show Genuine Articles'. The KBS Producers Association noted that "changing the MC of a program is a matter substantial enough to affect the program's competitiveness. However, the programs being considered for MC replacement have not faced any competitiveness issues recently. In fact, the viewer ratings are on the rise, dominating other broadcasts during the same time slot. There is no reason that can be found, no matter how much we think about it, to suddenly change the MC in this situation," expressing their unwillingness to change the current MC.
Kim Jae-won maintained his position despite the instruction to replace the MC. He said, "When the first day of March comes, I can gather my heart again, and there is nothing as important as keeping my position. Don't worry. In March, I will maintain my place." This dismissed the rumors of him stepping down.
Later, Kim Jae-won only gave up his spot in the Friday segment 'Double Party' and ultimately chose honorary retirement, leaving the program.
Following Kim Jae-won, the anchor selected to collaborate with Um Ji-in as the new MC is Park Cheol-kyu from the 50th generation of anchors. The production team stated, "We determined that anchor Park Cheol-kyu's positive energy and empathy align well with the values pursued by 'Morning Yard' and that through this new collaboration with existing MC Um Ji-in, we will provide viewers with an even fresher and more beneficial morning."
Anchor Park Cheol-kyu expressed, "It is an honor to join the nation's favorite morning program, yet I feel a heavy responsibility. I will do my best to convey the stories of our lives warmly every morning, following the path laid by senior Kim Jae-won, together with anchor Um Ji-in. I hope you will watch over us with a warm perspective."
The new 'Morning Yard' created by anchors Park Cheol-kyu and Um Ji-in will premiere on Aug. 4 at 8:25 a.m.
박철규 아나운서와 엄지인 아나운서가 만드는 새로운 '아침마당'은 오는 8월 4일 오전 8시 25분 첫 방송된다.
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