I'm happy for the 10,000th episode, Lim Youngwoong, I really want to be with you...Umji-in → The morning yard to be led by Park Cheol-gyu, the new face (comprehensive)

Sep 24, 2025

KBS announcer Park Chul-kyu, Um Ji-in, MC Kim Hye-young, singer Yoon Soo-hyun, Korean traditional musician Nam Sang-il, producer Kim Dae-hyun (from left) Photo courtesy of KBS

KBS's representative longevity program 'Morning Madang' meets with viewers with a special 10,000th episode.

A press conference for the 10,000th episode of KBS1Morning Madang was held at the KBS main building in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 24th. KBS announcers Um Ji-in, Park Chul-kyu, singers Yoon Soo-hyun, MC Kim Hye-young, and Korean musicians Nam Sang-il and PD Kim Dae-hyun attended the scene.

First broadcast in 1991, 'Morning Madang' has established itself as a representative morning broadcast in Korea. In particular, Um Ji-in, who has been firmly established as an existing MC since August 4, and Park Chul-kyu, who is newly joining, have been active in a reliable combination.

KBS announcer Um Ji-in (left), Park Chul-kyu. Photo courtesy =KBS

Park Chul-kyu took over the baton of announcer Kim Jae-won, who was the previous host. He said "The 'morning yard' was made before I was born in December 1991. I think they were born in the same year"It's been about two months since August, but I'm adapting hard. Since each day has different characteristics, and each corner has different colors, I'm always thinking about how to convey it to the viewers well," he said.

As an MC, he also expressed his mindset to prepare for the 10,000th special. Park Cheol-gyu jokingly said, "'When I join the company, I want to host the news at 9 o'clock later."', 'I wish I could do '6 o'clock my hometown' I once said, but 'Morning Yard' had never thought about it. I am proud that there are few programs that are broadcast live for an hour every day. I know well that the role of MC is important. As a yardstick, I'm trying to prepare the guests to run well. First of all, I want to do a good job so that I can break down and sing while doing my personal skills, and I can play a better role so that viewers can talk more comfortably. I will show you various aspects in the 10,000th special episode."

In response, Um Ji-in, the master of the house, praised Park Chul-kyu's ability to host the show. He pondered "I also wondered how Park Cheol-gyu came to be the MC of 'Morning Madang". In the meantime, the male MCs have been hosted by tremendous seniors such as Lee Sang-byeok, Son Bum-soo, Kim Jae-won, and Yoon In-gu. In the rapidly changing media broadcasting environment, I wondered where the new direction of 'morning yard' would be. Someone says that 'morning yard' is old, but now there is a young image and I felt like I had to show a new direction. So I decided to abandon the idea of leading Park Cheol-gyu. Park Cheol-gyu is already a good friend. He must have become an MC because he's good at it. What's really great about this friend is that I felt that he was good at it about a month ago. 'I said, 'I'm not going to do it as much as I can today, and I'll see how Park Cheol-gyu does it. I don't have to worry about it.'"

KBS Kim Dae-hyun PD, announcer Park Chul-kyu, Um Ji-in, MC Kim Hye-young, singer Yoon Soo-hyun, and Korean traditional musician Lee Sang-il (from left). Photo courtesy =KBS

'Morning Madang' plans to shine a warm light on marginalized neighbors and convey wisdom and deep empathy in life to viewers. It is a special five-part special plan that looks back on the 34 years of footsteps and the meaning of 10,000 meetings, and communicates closer with viewers.

Producer Kim directed "If I'm short, I'm in charge of directing 'Morning Madang' for a short period of time." Still, the biggest thing I felt while directing was that 'Morning Madang' is comforting the viewers. Because of those things, some people might feel that 'morning yard' is old. But if you look closely, even now 'morning yard' is changing little by little. This time, Minsu-hyun was invited as the new MC, and other changes are underway. I'm trying to increase the audience's target audience little by little."

Then on the secret of the program's longevity "You can't skip meals. 'Morning yard' seems to be something that is not too stimulating or sweet and must always be next to you. That's why I've lived a long life," he said.

Finally, we cannot forget to mention the star singer Lim Young-woong produced by 'Morning Madang'. Lim Young-woong took the stage eight times in 2017 at the 'Challenge Dream Stage" of 'Morning Madang' and won five times. Producer Kim said, "(I'm in touch with Lim Young-woong's agency) often, but he was too busy. But I've been in touch. I believe that one day there will be a day when I will be with the 'morning yard'," he expressed his desire.

Meanwhile, the 10,000th special episode of KBS1Morning Madang will air at 8:25 a.m. from September 29 to October 3.

antahn22@sportschosun.com