KBS's Long-Running Show 'Morning Forum' Revamps with Digital Content and Entertainment

KBS's iconic program 'Morning Forum' has undergone a revamp, adding entertainment elements and enhancing digital content. Director Kim Dae-hyun expressed his ambition, stating, "With this revamp, we aim to maintain a 5% viewership and enter the top 50 in buzz rankings."

On the 30th, a press conference for the KBS1TV 'Morning Forum' revamp was held at the KBS headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included announcers Um Ji-in and Park Chul-kyu, singers Yoon Soo-hyun and Na Sang-do, comedian Jung Tae-ho, and director Kim Dae-hyun.

'Morning Forum' first aired in May 1991 and celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. In February, the show conducted a survey with 600 viewers aged 40 to 70, and based on the results, the revamp focuses on three key themes: viewer participation, entertainment, and digital expansion starting from the 30th.

MC Um Ji-in shared, "It's been three years since I restarted 'Morning Forum' and 20 years with the company." She added, "As a representative program of KBS's cultural department, holding a press conference like this shows our intent to communicate more with viewers."

With this revamp, Um will showcase a new persona, Um Young-ja, on the YouTube content 'Youngja's Store.' She mentioned, "During pre-interviews, there were many fun episodes that I couldn't share live, so I thought it would be great to have a platform for behind-the-scenes stories. I want to try things on YouTube that public broadcasting couldn't cover."

Announcer Park Chul-kyu, who joined 'Morning Forum' last year, said, "It's been 8 months since I joined, and now we're revamping. I feel the pressure to do well and hope to incorporate my style into the show."

Park added, "Viewers of 'Morning Forum' seem to enjoy stories about ordinary people's lives. As a father and being married for three years, I find myself relating more to everyday life. I'll strive to incorporate my strengths into the segments."

Director Kim Dae-hyun explained, "The revamp focuses on viewer participation, entertainment, and digital aspects. It's not about major changes but enhancing and supplementing based on feedback from those who have loved 'Morning Forum.'"

Kim noted, "In a survey of about 600 viewers, 'fun' and 'novelty' were highlighted as areas needing improvement. We've worked to add more entertainment to each day's segment." He reiterated the goal of maintaining a 5% viewership and entering the top 50 in buzz rankings.

'Morning Forum' retains its flagship segment 'Challenge! Dream Stage' (Wednesday) while launching new segments like 'Unusual Couples' Stories' (Monday), 'Famous People and Their Stories' (Tuesday), 'Practical Lectures' (Thursday), and 'Quiz Show: A Million Blessings' (Friday) with a top prize of 10 million won.

Panelist Na Sang-do from 'Unusual Couples' Stories' shared, "I thought I'd be nervous for the first recording after the revamp, but hearing the 'Morning Forum' theme music calmed me. Um Ji-in and Park Chul-kyu's smooth hosting helped us complete the recording successfully."

Yoon Soo-hyun, hosting 'Quiz Show: A Million Blessings,' said, "I aimed to balance hints and tension to enhance the fun. Unlike other quiz shows where contestants compete for prizes, this one is team-based. We welcome public participation and hope for your interest."

Panelist Jung Tae-ho from 'Famous People and Their Stories' expressed gratitude, "There aren't many variety shows for comedians, so I'm thankful for this opportunity. I'll do my best to understand and delve deeply into many people's lives."

'Morning Forum' airs every weekday at 8:25 AM.

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