A refreshing new breeze is blowing in KBS's long-running flagship program ‘Morning Yard’. It is expected to be upgraded with a familiar comfort like an essential ‘meal’ while embracing ‘change’.
PD Kim Dae-hun stated at the ‘Morning Yard’ 10,000th press conference held on the morning of the 24th at KBS headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, “I believe ‘Morning Yard’ provides comfort to viewers. It is a space where countless stories meet people,” and added, “Although there are evaluations that it is old, it is continuously changing. We are trying to gradually increase the young target audience.”
He continued, “The secret to longevity is the feeling of rice. You can't skip a meal. That's why I thought it would last long,” expressing his pride.
Anchor Um Ji-in, the host of the show, also expressed her expectations for the new breeze by mentioning the selection of Park Cheol-kyu as the MC.
Anchor Um Ji-in remarked on Park Cheol-kyu's joining after Kim Jae-won's retirement, saying, “In the rapidly changing broadcasting world, I thought about the new breeze of ‘Morning Yard’. Some say it is old, but now we need to show a young image and a new direction. I have let go of the thought that I would lead Cheol-kyu.”
He emphasized, “Park Cheol-kyu is already a talented friend,” adding, “I think about how to let him shine without me. However, after a month, I felt he was doing well. There was a day when I tried not to host as much as possible. But he was doing great. I thought I didn’t need to worry. I am approaching it with the mindset of helping him from the side.”
Anchor Park Cheol-kyu humbly stated, “I am still in the process of adapting,” and added, “Each day of the week has different characteristics and colors. I am thinking about how to convey that to the viewers. If I can show the appropriate image for each day, I believe it will enhance the atmosphere, so I am studying and preparing.”
Traditional musician Nam Sang-il also boasted about his changed status after appearing on ‘Morning Yard’. He said, “After appearing on ‘Morning Yard’, my appearance fee changed. Before, I sang in an ambiguous order, but now I sing either at the opening or closing.”
He continued, “It is a program that contains my growth process,” stating, “When I was young, I watched ‘Morning Yard’ and vowed to work hard to repay my parents. I also said I was against marriage, but unexpectedly announced my marriage through ‘Morning Yard’ and also shared the news of my daughter’s birth. For me, it is a family, a history of my life, and a diary-like program. You can know all my traces by watching ‘Morning Yard’.”
PD Kim Dae-hyun also expressed his hope for the appearance of star Lim Young-woong, who has passed through ‘Morning Yard’. He said, “I often communicate with Lim Young-woong, but he is very busy,” yet added, “We are still in contact. I believe that one day he will be able to join ‘Morning Yard’.”
Kim Hye-young, who was also present, said, “Lim Young-woong has stood on stage 8 times and has won 5 times. That’s why he is more memorable,” and reflected, “The first person to win once was Park Seo-jin, and then Lim Young-woong. Interest in ‘Challenge Dream Stage’ has been increasing.”
‘Morning Yard’, which first aired on May 20, 1991, as ‘Lee Gye-jin’s Morning Yard’, is KBS's representative long-running program and is approaching its 10,000th episode.
On the 1st of next month, Nam Jin, Park Seo-jin, and Lee Soo-yeon will hold a celebratory stage on ‘Dream Stage’. On the 2nd, the first MC, Lee Gye-jin, will appear to give a profound lecture on life lessons. On the 3rd, Kang Bu-ja and Kim Sung-hwan will appear, along with Hwang Min-ho, Bin Ye-seo, and Park Sung-on. These special episodes will extend the existing broadcast time to 80 minutes and will feature a total of 1,000 audience members, with 200 each day.
