Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu returned to public broadcasting through "Dogs Are Great" after the drug-driving controversy.
On the 2nd, a press conference for KBS2's new entertainment program "Dogs Are Great" was held online. In attendance were Lee Kyung-kyu, Youngtak, veterinarian Kim Hyun-joo, trainer Lee Woong-jong, Kwon Hyuk-pil, Yang Eun-joo, and Choi Min-hyuk.
"Dogs Are Great," which first aired in November 2019 (hereafter "Dogs Are Great"), took the lead in improving mature companion animal culture by having trainer Kang Hyung-wook and Lee Kyung-kyu visit troubled dogs and provide solutions. As a result, it established itself as a representative companion animal program by winning the 2020 KBS Entertainment Awards' hot-issue entertainment program award, the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards' producer special award (Kang Hyung-wook), the show and variety institutional sector best entertainer award (Jang Doyoun), the 2022 KBS Entertainment Awards' entertainer of the year award (Lee Kyung-kyu), and the popularity award (Jang Doyoun).
KBS presents an upgraded "Dogs Are Great" to match the era of 15 million pet owners. This time it opens the troubled-dog academy and begins various one-on-one customized training with homeroom trainer teachers. For this, principal Lee Kyung-kyu, head of academics Youngtak, school nurse veterinarian Kim Hyun-joo, homeroom trainer legend trainer Lee Woong-jong, MacGyver trainer Kwon Hyuk-pil, national team trainer Yang Eun-su, and desire trainer Choi Min-hyuk have come together.
Lee Kyung-kyu, a founding figure and icon of "Dogs Are Great," will serve as principal of the troubled-dog academy in the upgraded "Dogs Are Great."
Earlier, on Jul. 8, Lee Kyung-kyu was referred to prosecution without detention on charges of driving a car in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul while having taken prescribed medication. At the time, Lee Kyung-kyu's lawyer said, "Lee Kyung-kyu has suffered from panic disorder for 10 years and had taken prescribed medication the day before the incident. However, his physical condition deteriorated that day, and he drove himself to the hospital. As a result, it was an inexcusable act of negligence, and he deeply regrets his responsibility."
After the controversy and his return to public broadcaster KBS, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "As principal, I've become a bit more solemn. A dignified presence," and added, "Please watch a lot."
In particular, Lee Kyung-kyu urged support, saying, "The 'Dogs Are Great academy' belongs to you, our viewers. If you discover any problems while raising a dog at home, enroll in our school immediately and we will fix it neatly."
Meanwhile, KBS2's "Dogs Are Great" will premiere at 8:30 p.m. on the 9th.
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