"I can no longer keep the promise of being by your side tomorrow, but I will protect you with a new face."
Kim Jae-won, the veteran host of 'Morning Forum,' who warmly opened viewers' living rooms every morning, is leaving KBS, where he has worked for nearly 30 years. Until the moment he left the beloved program, which aired its last episode on KBS1 on the 31st, Kim Jae-won, who did not show tears, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the viewers while expressing the anguish of his decision to take honorary retirement.
Kim Jae-won joined KBS as a newscaster through the 21st recruitment in 1995 and has worked as a leading newscaster for about 30 years. Particularly, after greeting viewers for the first time through the Saturday event of 'Morning Forum' in April 1997, he has warmly taken care of the viewers' mornings as the host of 'Morning Forum' from 2008 to 2013 and from May 2018 until now.
For Kim Jae-won, 'Morning Forum' was not just a program. Even when KBS management issued a directive to 'replace MCs with more than 5 years of hosting experience' last February, he firmly stated, "I will keep my position in March," dismissing the rumors of his departure. While he did have to step aside on the Friday segment, Kim Jae-won showed a unique attachment to 'Morning Forum' and the viewers. Ultimately, after much contemplation, he decided to take honorary retirement and bid farewell to 'Morning Forum.'
Kim Jae-won's final broadcast was, in itself, a touching story. Although it was delayed by about 30 minutes due to breaking news on the U.S.-South Korea trade negotiations, he began with vigor. His partner, Eom Ji-in, who returned from vacation, said, "I was sad to leave Kim Jae-won. As soon as I got off the plane, I came to Yeouido to be a part of his final broadcast," showing loyalty to his last broadcast.
Kim Jae-won told the viewers, "It has been over 30 years since I joined KBS in 1995, and 28 years have passed since I greeted you at the Saturday event of 'Morning Forum' in April 1997. I will be parting ways like this, so please join me in a beautiful farewell."
In particular, Kim Jae-won's last confession left everyone feeling emotional. Reflecting on his parents in heaven, he said, "You viewers are my parents. I have been broadcasting with the heart I had for my parents," which deeply touched many. He added, "I am graduating from the KBS school after 30 years. Thanks to the scholarship from our viewers, I can graduate safely." He expressed, "I could have left much earlier, but since you all made me who I am, I thought I should stay until the end. Please forgive me for leaving a year earlier, and as a KBS graduate and a proud 'Morning Forum' graduate, I promise to go out into the wide world and deliver warm comfort and a positive influence," bowing deeply with gratitude.
Kim Jae-won vowed to take the viewers' supportive messages "as life lessons and keep them in mind while enduring in the wider world." To express gratitude for his work, the production team presented him with a plaque of appreciation and a bouquet, while the new host, Park Cheol-kyu, watched with a solemn heart and made his own commitment.
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