'Malja Show': The Go-To Empathy Hub for Celebrities
'Malja Show' has established itself as a 'hub of empathy' for celebrities.

Airing every Monday at 9:30 PM on KBS2, 'Malja Show' is a generational empathy communication variety show where communication expert 'Malja Grandma' Kim Young-hee addresses audience concerns on the spot. What sets 'Malja Show' apart is its ability to invite stars with life experiences that perfectly match each episode's theme, drawing out genuine stories. This approach, focusing on sincere sharing rather than mere promotional appearances, has garnered significant viewer support.

'Malja Show': The Go-To Empathy Hub for Celebrities
Throughout its run, 'Malja Show' has covered a wide range of topics such as parenting, youth, family, siblings, new school terms, friendship, and working life. Guests don't just sit in the audience; they openly share their experiences and actively participate in solving concerns alongside Kim Young-hee, showcasing authenticity that resonates with viewers, distinguishing 'Malja Show' as a unique talk variety show.

In the 'Working Life' special, fellow comedian Park Young-jin and KBS announcer Um Ji-in joined Kim Young-hee. Park Young-jin, who worked with Kim Young-hee on 'Gag Concert' 17 years ago, shared a story of comforting her as a newcomer, while Um Ji-in expressed her struggles with communicating with juniors. Their firsthand accounts of the joys and sorrows of working life deeply resonated with viewers.

The 'Friendship' special featured actor Ji Seung-hyun, who attended the show with a 'real friend' from high school. He shared memories of registering for his first acting class with this friend, highlighting the true value of friendship. Ji Seung-hyun's parents also appeared, reflecting on the significance of friends as close as family.

'Malja Show': The Go-To Empathy Hub for Celebrities
The 'New School Term' special featured 'working moms' Jung Kyung-mi and Kim Kyung-ah. This episode, the first to be rated for general audiences, offered empathy and comfort to parents exhausted by childcare. Kim Young-hee also appeared with her daughter, sharing her challenges as a working mom.

The 'Family Head' special, which recorded the highest viewership, featured singer Park Goon, who married Han Young in 2022. Having lost his mother to illness at a young age, Park Goon empathized with a son's concern about his mother refusing a liver transplant, sending a heartfelt video message to the mother, moving many to tears.

A 'Malja Show' representative stated, "Our strength lies in inviting guests who can genuinely empathize with each episode's theme," adding, "We will continue to share diverse stories that resonate with viewers."

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr