Kim Won-hoon Takes the Helm as New Host for 'Nego King' Season 7

'You know what?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia is here to capture intriguing issues in the broadcasting world, stimulating the public's dopamine.

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Kim Won-hoon has been selected as the new MC for the upcoming season 7 of 'Nego King,' set to premiere this month. The show, which gained immense popularity since its first season hosted by Hwang Kwang-hee in 2020, returns on the 27th after an 8-month hiatus. Given the show's history of creating buzz through synergy with its hosts, there is significant interest in the new MC.

'Nego King' is a web variety show produced by Dalla Studio, where the host negotiates prices with franchise companies. Hwang Kwang-hee led seasons 1 and 4 to great acclaim, while Jang Young-ran, DinDin and Sleepy, and Hong Hyun-hee hosted seasons 2, 3, 5, and 6, respectively. The show's format, which includes street interviews with citizens as well as negotiations with company representatives, makes charisma, wit, and public appeal crucial for the MC role.

With Hwang Kwang-hee and Jang Young-ran having been redefined as entertainers through this program, expectations are high for the new host. Although season 3 saw a dip in popularity, Hong Hyun-hee's back-to-back hosting of seasons 5 and 6 revived interest. Now, after an 8-month break since the end of season 6 last July, 'Nego King' returns with Kim Won-hoon as the new host. As the first male solo MC since Hwang Kwang-hee, all eyes are on his performance.

The host of 'Nego King' is tasked with resolving consumer discomfort and maximizing benefits through communication. This requires a range of skills, from listening to citizens' opinions to negotiating with company representatives. A Dalla Studio representative explained the choice of Kim Won-hoon, stating, "He has brought laughter to the public through relatable and detailed performances in 'Short Box' and Coupang Play's 'SNL' series. This program is citizen-centered, requiring someone who can gather diverse opinions and highlight points of empathy."

Additionally, "Kim Won-hoon has never hosted a regular variety show solo, adding a fresh element to the mix." Last September, he was the only male MC among five hosts, including Lee So-ra and Ahn Hyun-mo, on T-Cast's 'Amazing Couples.' Considering 'Nego King's primary audience is housewives, his experience on 'Amazing Couples' is seen as a good fit for the program.

Season 7 of 'Nego King' promises to differentiate itself from previous seasons. While past hosts showcased unique negotiation skills, Kim Won-hoon aims to prioritize 'maximizing discounts' by actively incorporating citizens' feedback. The show plans to meet various needs, including price negotiations, new product launches, platform expansion, and resolving corporate inquiries.

Given that Hwang Kwang-hee and Jang Young-ran expanded their presence in the entertainment industry through 'Nego King,' there is anticipation that Kim Won-hoon, known as a representative of the 'old MZ generation,' will also make a strong impression this season. With the show having undergone a longer period of reorganization, it seems that careful consideration was given to both the program's planning and the selection of the MC. The combined efforts of the production team and the expectations of viewers are poised to lead to a successful outcome.

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