Could singer Lim Young-woong appear on "Morning Yard"? MC Um Ji-in even sent a love call via YouTube.
KBS held a press conference for KBS 1TV's "Morning Yard" at the KBS main building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 30th. Present were the show's two MCs, Um Ji-in and announcer Park Cheol-gyu, newly joined panel comedian Jung Tae-ho, singers Na Sang-do and Yoon Soo-hyun, and director Kim Dae-hyun, who spoke with domestic reporters about the program reorganization.
Morning Yard first aired on May 20, 1991, and this year marks its 35th anniversary. Beloved as a representative long-running program in Korea over its long broadcast period, Morning Yard is now undergoing a reorganization for the first time in about 35 years under the banners of "viewer participation," "fun" and "digital expansion." KBS began implementing the reorganization plan today (the 30th), centered on introducing specialized formats by weekday and strengthening digital content.
How have booking criteria changed to match the standards of change? Director Kim Dae-hyun said, "They are people our viewers like. There are many people viewers these days want to see. Day by day we are trying to invite those people. If there are people who have sincerity in their lives and want to speak to viewers, we are ready."
Accordingly, corner guests will become even more dazzling. In the third week of April, which is viewer week, stars who are creating buzz on YouTube, such as Romantic Couple and Hansarang Mountaineering Club, will appear on "Morning Yard." Even Yoon Soo-hyun, who hosts the Friday quiz show, emphasized the 10 million won prize money and said, "People who need urgent cash, and families from other broadcasters targeting KBS are also welcome to apply. An MBC announcer can also come and take the 10 million won. Politicians who are not close but want to show unity should also appear together," she added.
Announcer Um Ji-in, who is even attempting YouTube under the alter ego "Eom Young-ja," said, "There is also ratings, but we keep a separate measure for buzz. We are trying to move beyond the mindset that Morning Yard is something parents watch, because younger people probably won't watch Morning Yard's live broadcast. We started trying so they will at least watch on YouTube and it will go viral. On TV we will continue to communicate with our main viewers, and through this broadcast we want to directly present content that reaches younger audiences," she said emphatically.
She added, "If we make YouTube content, the person we always want to invite to Morning Yard is Lim Young-woong. I hope he will appear someday. If the studio is difficult, YouTube content will do," raising expectations. She also said, "Personally, I want to go in front of Hongdae where young people are and communicate directly; I'm curious whether they know Morning Yard and I personally want to try attempts to make them watch. I hope people see the reorganization not as us having changed but as a start to expanding our reach."
Morning Yard airs at 8:25 a.m. every Monday through Friday.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by KBS.
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