Kim Dae-ho's New Ventures: From MBC Anchor to Variety Show Star

Kim Dae-ho, a former MBC anchor, is making headlines with his return to television just six months after leaving the network. He is set to appear in a series of new variety shows, marking his debut as an MC in different formats, from audition shows to culinary tours. Following in the footsteps of successful announcer-turned-hosts like Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Sung-joo, Kim's abilities as a host and entertainer are under the spotlight.

Kim Dae-ho has been confirmed as a regular cast member on the upcoming ENA show 'Where to Go' (tentative title), which will air next month. The show is a unique culinary relay program where the cast visits authentic restaurants recommended by the owners themselves, without any pre-arranged lists or planned courses. Joining Kim are Ahn Jae-hyun, Tzuyang, and Jonathan.

In a teaser released on the 22nd, Kim Dae-ho captured attention with his candid and unfiltered eating style, mixing japchae rice with seafood jjambbong rice and wiping his mouth with his hands. His free-spirited and adventurous approach to food has made him a favorite pick among the production team.

Previously, Kim showcased his diverse culinary skills on 'I Live Alone,' where he ate fish soup noodles with noodles instead of chopsticks and cooked using a self-made outdoor oven. However, this is his first time participating in a show where the cast works as a team to discover hidden culinary gems. As the eldest member, he faces the challenge of not only leading the team but also interacting smoothly with restaurant owners.

Kim Dae-ho has also been selected as the main MC for MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown - Trot Men's Ranking Battle' (tentative title), a male trot audition program set to air in February next year. He will co-host with Jang Min-ho.

In a teaser released on the 13th, Kim expressed his desire to host in his unique style, different from Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Sung-joo, saying, "I hope we can laugh and cry together." He also shared his commitment to guiding contestants with sincere advice and encouragement, drawing from his experience in survival programs.

However, there are concerns about Kim's capabilities. Despite his 15-year experience hosting shows like 'Live Tonight' at MBC, this is his first time as an audition MC. The role demands more than just maintaining the show's flow; it requires delivering humor, excitement, and tension, which invites critical evaluation.

For announcers-turned-MCs, their ability to excel in hosting roles determines whether they will grow as hosts or remain entertainers. Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Sung-joo are prime examples of success in this transition.

Since leaving MBC, Kim Dae-ho has expanded his freelance career, appearing on various networks. However, his appearances on shows like Netflix's 'Try Try,' 'Wardrobe War,' MBN's 'Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 2,' 'Korean-Japanese Top Ten Show,' KBS2's 'Problematic Men,' 'Immortal Songs,' and 'Boss in the Mirror' have been limited to one-time guest spots.

'Where to Go' and 'Legend of the Unknown' mark Kim Dae-ho's first regular variety show roles since his departure from MBC. As he takes on the role of a leading host and elder member, anticipation builds to see if he can exceed expectations and establish himself in the variety show landscape.

By Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr