Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu took the live stage and completely dismissed the rumors about his health.
On the 12th, KBS1's '2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup D-30: For victory!' featured Lee Kyung-kyu, announcer Eom Ji-in and announcer Nam Hyun-jong as MCs, presenting a variety of performances wishing for the success of the Taegeuk Warriors at the World Cup.
'2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup D-30: planned for victory!' is planned to wish for successful coverage of the North and Central America World Cup, which will be held on June 11, and for the success of Korea's national team.
In the past, Lee Kyung-kyu, the "World Cup icon" who left a mark on World Cup cheering culture through 'Lee Kyung-kyu goes,' returned to KBS as a large-scale live broadcast host after a long absence. Earlier, Lee Kyung-kyu showed halting speech in YouTube content and became the subject of health rumors. His agency explained it as a temporary drop in condition due to lack of sleep and said Lee Kyung-kyu would dismiss the health rumors through that day's live stage.
As his agency said, Lee Kyung-kyu, who took the stage in good health, worked smoothly with Eom Ji-in and Nam Hyun-jong and showed stable hosting. With clear, unhesitating pronunciation, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "I will go to Guadalajara, Mexico, and vividly convey the local atmosphere," raising expectations for his activities at this World Cup.
Lee Kyung-kyu explained, "This World Cup has 48 participating countries, and since it is held in three countries—the United States, Mexico and Canada—the number of matches is large." He expressed regret that domestic enthusiasm had not heated up even with the World Cup 30 days away amid broadcasting rights issues, but added, "The heat is rising now," rallying support and demonstrating his vitality.
Lee Kyung-kyu encouraged cheering, saying, "Korea has the remarkable record of qualifying for the World Cup finals 11 consecutive times since 1986, reached the semifinals in 2002 and is a great soccer power that has reached the round of 16 abroad twice, but good results require the obligatory support of the people." With his characteristic outburst, Lee Kyung-kyu led the cheering energetically, saying, "Don't be hesitant, you must do it voluntarily. Korea!"
As a World Cup live-attendance expert, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "I can boast that I watched the most matches live. I started going from the 1994 World Cup, and the last one I attended was the 2022 Qatar World Cup. I will go this time with KBS, and 'The boss's ears are donkey ears' will also go on site." He did not forget his trademark humor, including saying program titles backward, and naturally conducted an interview with commentator Lee Young-pyo, adding to the viewing pleasure.
After finishing the live stage, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "I will personally deliver the current cheering fervor to Mexico," raising expectations for his activities there.
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