SBS's 'Intellectual Chat' Premieres with Elite Host Seo Kyung-seok

Seo Kyung-seok, a Seoul National University graduate, has been selected as the host for SBS's new show 'Intellectual Chat.' Seo, who married fashion designer Yoo Da-som in 2010 and has a daughter, will bring his broad knowledge and witty charm to the program.

Set to premiere on the 28th, 'Intellectual Chat' aims to sift through the overwhelming amount of health information available today, distinguishing myths from facts and simplifying complex medical topics into engaging discussions.

Joining Seo are 'Pro Questioner' Choa, known for her sharp inquiries from the viewer's perspective, and KAIST graduate Heo Sung-beom, a versatile 'Chat Master' who navigates science, history, and trends.

In the first episode, neuroscientist Professor Hong Seok-jun from Sungkyunkwan University's Biomedical Engineering Department and science communicator Minani will delve into the topic of dementia, a disease now ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in Korea. Dementia's mortality rate has increased 50-fold over the past 20 years, with the number of 'potential dementia' patients expected to rise from 150,000 in 2016 to 330,000 by 2024.

The 'Day of Discovery' segment will trace back to 1901 Frankfurt, Germany, exploring the case of Auguste Deter, whose unusual behavior led to the identification of mysterious protein clumps in her brain. In the 'Intellectual Laboratory,' the hosts will undergo blood tests to measure 'beta-amyloid' levels, a major cause of dementia, revealing which host might be at the highest risk.

With no perfect cure available, prevention remains key in combating dementia. The show will highlight the 'glymphatic system,' which effectively clears beta-amyloid waste from the brain, and the hormone 'melatonin,' which plays a crucial role in activating this cleaning system, as a potential master key to dementia prevention.

The first episode, titled 'Waste Cleaner, Hypercell Melatonin,' will air at 7:10 AM.

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