Kim Jae-won, a KBS announcer, conducted the last "Challenge! Dream Stage" before leaving "Morning Yard."
The KBS1 broadcast on 30th was themed "Challenge! Dream Stage," featuring guests who had appeared over the past eight years and whose recent updates were of interest.
During the broadcast, Kim Jae-won said, "The heatwave continues. I wonder if the recovery efforts for those who suffered from the flooding are progressing smoothly. I hear there are still quite a few people who haven't returned home, so I will pray that everyone can restore their daily lives soon."
He continued, "As of last week, I safely completed the regular challenges for the first half of 2025. An amazing stage awaits starting next week," to which Ahn Ga-e-ran responded, "Ga-e-ran's 'Star Birth for Housewives' begins on August 6th. Today's episode is not a regular one; we have gathered singers and families who appeared over the past eight years for those who are curious."
Kim Jae-won stated, "Today is actually amazing. This is my last 'Challenge! Dream Stage' with Kim Jae-won. The guests we have invited today are the singers I wanted to meet. I'm sure you'll be curious about their stories when you hear them," and added, "Please give a big round of applause to the singers and families that I wanted to meet in my final 'Challenge! Dream Stage.'"
After greeting the guests, Kim Jae-won expressed, "Thank you for being my last guest. I hope you continue to cheer and support me. Some may ask where I am going, but I will be leaving KBS after this morning's yard. I hope we can part beautifully. Please leave encouraging messages. I have read your heartfelt messages carefully, and they have been a great encouragement to me. I hope you will look forward to Park Cheol-kyu, who will appear anew next week as we bid a beautiful farewell."
Meanwhile, on the 22nd, KBS announced, "Kim Jae-won, who has warmly opened every morning, is leaving 'Morning Yard,' and Park Cheol-kyu will fill the void left behind."
According to the production team, Kim Jae-won decided to retire and expressed his intention to leave the program. After much consideration, the production team decided to respect his decision.
Born in 1967, Kim Jae-won joined KBS as the 21st class of announcers. Since leading 'Morning Yard' from 2008 to 2013 and again since May 2018, he has warmed viewers' mornings for a long time.
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