KBS, Transfused with Kang Ho-dong, Lee Min-jung, and Park Bo-gum, Says "We Will Create Kind Variety Shows"

(From left) Broadcaster Kang Ho-dong, Lee Min-jung, 'Park Bo-gum's Cantabile' poster. Provided by SM C&C, MSTEAM, KBS

Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) is revamping its spring variety shows by bringing in TV personality Kang Ho-dong and actors Lee Min-jung and Park Bo-gum to mark the 52nd anniversary of the corporation's founding.

On the 7th, KBS held a 2025 spring new variety program briefing session at the KBS New Building in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, introducing new shows set to air from this month. The network is determined to overcome low ratings by leading with killer content targeting the young 20-49 demographic.

National MC Kang Ho-dong returns with a new program, "Gongbu wa Nolbu" (Study and Play), 13 years after the variety show "Our Neighborhood Sports and Arts." This talk show features celebrity parents tackling their children's learning issues, focusing on the daily lives and concerns of elementary school children.

Lee Min-jung will drive a convenience store truck to remote rural villages and spend 1 night and 2 days sharing stories in "Ganeun Jeong Oneun Jeong" (The Affection of Going and Coming), which premieres on May 23.

Park Bo-gum takes on the role of the seventh MC of "The Seasons." This is the first time an actor, rather than a singer, hosts this program. Producer Park Seok-hyung stated, "Park Bo-gum has deep knowledge of music, which made communication smooth." The show returns with the new title "Park Bo-gum's Cantabile" on the 14th.

The show "Rooftop Room's Problem Children," which aired for seven years since 2018, has strengthened its cast. In addition to existing MCs Song Eun-i, Kim Sook, and Kim Jong-kook, new MCs Hong Jin-kyung, Yang Se-chan, and Joo Woo-jae join to create a format centered on brain battles.

"Bbolunteer," which aired as a Lunar New Year special pilot, has been scheduled as a regular program. KBS commentator Lee Young-pyo and legendary soccer players with an average age of 40 engage in futsal to carry out donation activities. Singer Lee Chan-won will provide commentary.

Han Kyung-cheon, Head of the Entertainment Center, and CPs attending the '2025 Spring New Variety Program Briefing' held on the 7th. Photo by KBS

In a market flooded with provocative content, so-called "spicy" variety shows on YouTube and online video services (OTT), KBS aims to differentiate itself with wholesome variety shows. Han Kyung-cheon, head of the Variety Center, said, "We will create programs that continue KBS's tradition while reflecting the trends of the new era."

Producer Lee Hwang-sun said, "The programs introduced are wholesome by today's standards, and there should be wholesome programs that the whole family can watch." He added, "We do not select the best figures or deal with grand narratives, but we will create programs that men and women of all ages can comfortably watch."