'Shoodol', will Jang Shin-young, Kang Kyung-jun, and Song Il-gook perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

≪Tae Yuna’s Oh Ye≫
‘The era of content overflow’. For readers who are wondering what to watch, reporter Tae Yu-na and Ten Asia will serve as an ‘entertainment guide.’ It adds fun to watching the program by delving into hot issues in the entertainment industry, as well as watching points, major characters, and behind-the-scenes stories.

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KBS2's long-running entertainment show 'The Return of Superman' (hereinafter referred to as 'Superman'), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is at a crossroads. Although the broadcasting station denied the rumor that it was abolished, it is an undeniable fact that it is facing a crisis. 'Shodol', which is aiming for a rebound with the joining of 'remarried couple' Jang Shin-young and Kang Kyung-jun, even brought out the card of the return of 'triplet father' Song Il-gook.

On 'The Return of Superman', which aired on the 28th, Song Il-gook, the father of 'Korea-Republic of Korea-Long Live', took on the role of special narrator and appeared for the first time in 7 years. Song Il-gook, who appeared on 'Shoodol' for about two years from June 2014 to February 2016 and shared the heyday of 'Shoodol,' not only talked about the rapid growth of his now 12-year-old triplets, but also revealed his hopes for a fourth child.

The meaning of Song Il-gook and the triplets in 'Shoodol' is special. This is because he is one of the main characters who made the show very popular by exceeding the highest viewership rating of 20%. Choo Sung-hoon and Chu Sarang, along with twin brothers Lee Hwi-jae and Seo-eon and Seo-jun, swept the 'KBS Entertainment Awards' in 2015, receiving great love.

However, like all long-running entertainment shows, the popularity of 'Shoodol' gradually declined after reaching its peak. Due to changes in entertainment trends and repetitive formats, it has fallen out of favor with the public. After changing the programming from Sunday to Friday, viewership ratings plummeted to the 1% level.

In this situation, 'Shodol' was embroiled in rumors of its abolition. A media outlet reported that KBS is abolishing 9 programs on a large scale, including 'Shoodol', 'Hong Kim Dong-jeon', and 'Battle Trip 2' due to low viewership ratings, lack of topicality, and competitiveness.

In response, KBS called it unfounded and drew a line, saying, “No decision has been made regarding the abolition or change of programming of specific programs.”

However, the reason why this rumor of abolition is bitter is because the low viewership ratings and topicality are undeniable facts. ‘Shudol’ also used various cards to overcome its slump. Since July of last year, Hong Hyun-hee and Jay's son, Ttongbyeol, have joined the cast, and since April of this year, Jang Shin-young, Kang Kyeong-jun and his second son have been appearing. Above all, expectations were also high for Jang Shin-young and Kang Kyung-jun as they were a remarried couple and had been a hot topic since their appearance on 'Same Bed, Different Dreams'.

There was a confluence effect. This is because the viewership ratings rose dramatically with the appearance of both couples. The problem is that the effect does not last long. A month after Jang Shin-young and Kang Kyung-jun joined, 'Shoodol' has risen from the 1% range to nearly 3%, but it is unclear how long it will continue.

Like 'Shoodol', MBC's 'I Live Alone', which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, also had a crisis. However, with Jeon Hyun-moo's upward trend and chemistry with new members, the group is once again entering a new heyday. Accordingly, will 'Shoodol', which even Song Il-gook is adding strength to, be able to overcome rumors of its abolition and revive? There are still more concerns than expectations.

Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr