[Exclusive] KBS’s explanation that “there were many negative opinions on Kim Shin-young”

While 'National Singing Contest' revealed that the reason it notified broadcaster Kim Shin-young of her departure was because there were many dissatisfied comments from related viewers, a thorough survey of 'National Singing Contest' viewers' bulletin board reactions during the period showed that about 10% of the posts were about the MC. It was a request for replacement.

On the 7th, Ten Asia conducted a thorough investigation of 1,096 posts posted on the 'National Singing Contest' viewer bulletin board from October 16, 2022, when Kim Shin-young became the first MC of 'National Singing Contest', to the 4th when news of her departure was announced. Among these, 117 posts showed demands for MC replacement. This figure corresponds to 10.7% of all posts. There were more positive responses than negative comments. In the case of negative reactions, some 4 to 5 overlapping viewers continuously requested Kim Shin-young to be replaced as MC and left malicious comments. Mr. Kim also posted six times over a period of over a year.

On this day, 'National Singing Contest' said, "This MC replacement was carried out as part of a solution to overcome the crisis faced by 'National Singing Contest' with 44 years of tradition, including a decline in viewer ratings, and the opinions of various viewers and the program called 'National Singing Contest'. "It was promoted with the characteristics of the program as the top priority," he said. "There were a significant number of viewers who wanted to replace the MC. Kim Shin-young is an MC with excellent hosting skills and passion, but regardless of the MC's qualities, each program takes into account its characteristics and main viewer base. “It was necessary to select an MC,” he explained.

At the same time, they provided evidence that there were 616 complaints and 38 compliments through phone calls and emails. Considering that there are many older viewers, it can be inferred that there were more opinions expressed through phone calls than through Internet bulletin boards. However, when considering the Internet bulletin board, where negative opinions account for about 10%, it is pointed out that there is insufficient evidence to solely blame the viewers.

Previously, on the 4th, news broke that Kim Shin-young would be leaving 'National Singing Contest' after being notified of a replacement MC after about 1 year and 5 months. In response, netizens pointed out that KBS gave a rude and unilateral notice of withdrawal. In addition, thousands of petitions opposing Kim Shin-young's replacement as MC were posted on the KBS viewer petition bulletin board.

Kim Shin-young's side also could not hide its embarrassment at KBS' unilateral decision. C-JeS Studio told Ten Asia, "We received notification of the last recording last week. The production team also contacted us in panic after receiving notice of the MC replacement. With the last recording on March 9 (Incheon Seo-gu), Kim Shin-young joined the production team that has been traveling the country for over two years. “I plan to work hard on the final recording with everyone,” he said. Kim Shin-young's successor was decided to be broadcaster Nam Hee-seok. Nam Hee-seok will appear as the MC of 'National Singing Contest' starting with the Jindo, Jeollanam-do episode on the 31st.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr