‘Order in Disorder!’

No matter how addictive a ‘taste’ is, if you eat it for a long time, you‘ll get sick of it. Nevertheless, there’s a reason why it has captured the taste buds of viewers for a long time.

‘Radio Star’, MBC‘s longest-running entertainment program and the pride of ‘terrestrial talk shows’, will celebrate its 900th episode on February 5th.

Although the talk show trend has mostly moved to YouTube hosted by a single star, ‘Radio Star’ still boasts a ‘talk restaurant’ by continuing the multi-MC system.

The secret to ‘Radio Star’ continuing its legacy for 17 years since its launch on May 30, 2007 is, no matter what anyone says, the ‘strong flavor’ mixed with the bold talk of Kim Gook-jin, Kim Gu-ra, Yoo Se-hoon, and Jang Do-yeon.

Kim Gook-jin, the ‘god of the show’ who has been with Kim Gu-ra since his first broadcast, attended the 900th episode press conference held at the MBC Lounge in Sangam-dong, Seoul on the 22nd and said, “When I first did it, it was so aggressive that I was really flustered in the beginning. I remember fidgeting by myself,” and “However, being aggressive became the rule as time passed, and it became the unique advantage of ‘Radio Star’, and watching it flow, I thought, ‘They’re maintaining order in the midst of chaos in a different way.’.

He, who is also the ‘eldest’ among the four MCs, said, “Jang Do-yeon is deep but also playful, Yoo Se-yoon is only playful, and Kim Gu-ra is the pinnacle of lightheartedness. He constantly brings up lighthearted stories. I think it has become deeper and warmer as time passes. I think the balance is maintained to suit the current times.”

Kim Gu-ra also added, “It‘s been 32 years since my debut, but it’s been 18 years since ‘Radio Star’. ‘When you think of Kim Gu-ra, doesn‘t Radio Star come to mind?’ I’m grateful for that as well.”

Unlike the other MCs, Jang Do-yeon, who joined late in 2023, said, “It‘s an honor just to be in this position right now.” In fact, Jang Do-yeon has been recognized for her solo hosting skills through popular web variety shows such as the talk show-style ‘Salon Drip’, but she will be working with senior comedians.

He said, “I feel embarrassed and ashamed to be sitting in the 900th episode celebration seat so soon after joining” and “‘Radio Star’ first episode was in 2007, the year I debuted. I thought it was a fateful program, so I made the connection. I will work hard to keep this seat without being kicked out until the 1,000th episode”.


Reporter Lee Jeong-yeon annjoy@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.