Kang Ho-dong's 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' Struggles to Impress Viewers

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia delivers intriguing broadcasting issues with a unique perspective.

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Kang Ho-dong's solo talk show 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' is underperforming, failing to meet expectations. Despite his reputation as a national MC, the show has generated little buzz and received lukewarm responses from viewers.

Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore Talk Show Falls Short of Expectations

Coupang Play's variety show 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' features Kang Ho-dong as the soft-hearted INFP bookstore owner, Hawkcrates, engaging in life-themed conversations with guests. The show invites notable figures from various fields to discuss topics centered around a book.

The show marked Kang Ho-dong's return to solo hosting after 13 years since MBC's 'Golden Fishery: Knee Drop Guru' in 2013. However, after two episodes, it has not lived up to expectations. In the third week of March, 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' did not make it to the FunDex buzz rankings for programs, nor did Kang Ho-dong appear in the performer rankings. Despite being exclusive content on Coupang Play, it failed to enter the platform's top 20 content.

Viewers have commented that the show feels outdated, with some saying, "It feels like an old-fashioned talk show," "The concept is all over the place," and "It's hard to focus." Some viewers expressed disappointment, expecting a vibe similar to 'Knee Drop Guru,' but finding it entirely different. They suggested that sticking to the old format might have been better.

Reasons Behind 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore's' Lackluster Performance

The show's poor performance is attributed to its chaotic concept and lack of effective planning. While it aims to combine books, philosophy, and talk, it fails to excel in any of these areas. The discussions, centered around books, lack depth and fail to deliver a clear philosophical message. The entertainment value is also questioned.

The portrayal of Kang Ho-dong as Hawkcrates, a disciple of Socrates, adds to the awkwardness. Although the show is set in a bookstore and revolves around a book, the concept and actual talk do not align, leading to a disjointed flow. The structure is also lacking, with conversations failing to delve into core topics and eventually shifting to guest promotions.

There is a sentiment that focusing on Kang Ho-dong's strengths, such as his excellent hosting skills and ability to create a comfortable atmosphere, would have resulted in a more stable flow. Emphasizing the MC's presence rather than layering on a concept might have been more effective.

Can 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' Turn Things Around?

With only two episodes released out of a planned eight, 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' is still in its early stages. However, given its inability to captivate viewers from the start, reversing the trend seems challenging. Changing the core concept mid-broadcast is practically difficult. With initial criticisms already in place, a significant turnaround in the short term appears unlikely.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr