Anchor Kim Jae-won is leaving his beloved 'Morning Garden' and KBS.
The segment 'Life Lessons in Bloom' aired on KBS1's 'Morning Garden' on the 31st, themed 'Small Signs Threatening Old Age,' depicting Kim Jae-won's final broadcast.
The 'Morning Garden' broadcast, which is the last day of Kim Jae-won leaving KBS, was delayed by about 30 minutes due to a breaking news special report on the conclusion of the Korea-U.S. trade negotiations. Energetically announcing the start of 'Morning Garden,' Kim Jae-won said, "I greeted you a little later than usual. I hope our country does really well. As much as our country thrives, 'Morning Garden' should do well, and Kim Jae-won should do well too."
On the 3rd, anchor Um Ji-in returned from vacation to replace Kim Jae-won's partner, anchor Ka Ae-ran, who had been with him for the past three days. Um Ji-in said, "My family is overseas, and I only have one week of vacation a year where I can spend time with them, and it was disappointing to part with Kim Jae-won during this time. I plan to come to Yeouido right after getting off the plane to join the final broadcast."
Kim Jae-won said, "I might have greeted you a little late because I'm sad about our beautiful farewell, but I hope you will join me for the last 'Life Lessons in Bloom.' It's been over 30 years since I joined KBS in 1995, and it's been 28 years since I greeted you during 'Morning Garden's' Saturday special event in April 1997. I plan to part this way, so please share in this beautiful farewell."
In response to supportive messages from viewers, Kim Jae-won said, "I will take them as life lessons and keep them in mind as I endure in a wider world," and regarding the episode's theme, 'Small Signs Threatening Old Age,' he noted, "The production team had a big picture in mind. They carefully selected the areas I need to pay attention to after retirement, such as eye health and skin health, preparing the special on Kim Jae-won's concerns for old age."
As the life lessons on eye, dental, and skin health unfolded, Kim Jae-won noted, "My heart has started racing since earlier. I have just one last lecture left with 'Morning Garden.' The writer in charge asked me how it would be for me to give the final lecture, but I declined. How can I give a precious lecture? I need to listen to the lectures from wonderful people. You don't have to feel disappointed if you can't see me. I might visit your area. I could host at local festivals or give lectures at community centers. I may even hold a signing event. Don't worry, and for those who want to hear my lecture, if you buy my book, you will feel my heart. As important moments in life come, I think of my parents who are in heaven. It would have been wonderful if my mother, who passed away 45 years ago, and my father, who passed away 25 years ago, were still alive, but in that sense, the viewers are my parents. I have tried to approach broadcasting with the heart I would have for my parents, and while my book contains a long-standing mourning, what I want to say is included in there. I will share untold stories in various programs, so I'll talk about them then."
After finishing all the lectures, anchor Kim Jae-won was presented with a plaque of gratitude and a bouquet of flowers. Um Ji-in said, "I am really grateful for the past 12 years, and it has been enjoyable working together. Now it's time for us to send our applause in support. I hope for a lot of support for the road ahead." The prepared commemorative cake also emphasized the touching moment as it pointed to 8:25 a.m., the start of 'Morning Garden.'
Kim Jae-won conveyed his gratitude to the production team and KBS members, stating, "You all have made me and created 'Morning Garden.' It feels like a graduation ceremony. I am graduating from the KBS school I have attended for 30 years. I am graduating safely with the viewers' scholarships. I could have left earlier, but since you all made me, I thought I should hold my position until the end. Please forgive me for leaving a year early, and as a KBS graduate and a proud 'Morning Garden' graduate, I will go out into the wider world and spread warm comfort and good influence. Life is often likened to four seasons; while I may be going through fall and winter, spring will bloom again. I believe that a blooming spring will come in my life as well. I may not be able to keep my promise to be with you tomorrow, but I will protect you in a new form. I offer a deep bow with the heart of a son-in-law going on a long journey and the heart of a youngest brother-in-law going on a long journey."
Meanwhile, following Kim Jae-won, anchor Um Ji-in will pair with MC Park Cheol-kyu, a 50th generation anchor. The production team noted, "We determined that anchor Park Cheol-kyu's positive energy and empathy align well with the values sought by 'Morning Garden,' and through this new collaboration with existing MC Um Ji-in, we will present viewers with a fresher and more beneficial morning."
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