Former Baseball Star Hwang Jae-gyun Opens Up About Challenges as a Broadcaster

Former baseball player turned broadcaster, Hwang Jae-gyun, shared his thoughts on his new career path.

On the 5th, the YouTube variety show 'Deokbap House,' hosted by TVXQ's Changmin, released an episode titled 'SM's Golden Maknae Arrives Like a Children's Day Gift [Deokbap House 2nd Branch EP.1 Hwang Jae-gyun].' In this episode, Changmin and guest Hwang Jae-gyun, a former baseball player, engaged in a conversation while making dumplings.

After retiring, Hwang Jae-gyun signed an exclusive contract with SM C&C, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, where Changmin is also signed. Changmin introduced him by saying, "He recently joined our company. A fresh new junior has arrived." Hwang Jae-gyun also introduced himself as "Changmin's company's youngest, Hwang Jae-gyun."

Hwang Jae-gyun is now pursuing a career in broadcasting. Changmin asked, "Is baseball harder, or is broadcasting harder?" Four months into his retirement, Hwang Jae-gyun replied, "Baseball is something I've done my whole life and what I'm best at, but broadcasting is new to me this year. Although I've done a few variety shows before." During the conversation, Hwang teared up, explaining it was due to the spicy food ingredients, not sadness. Changmin joked, "Does talking about baseball make you sad?" to which Hwang humorously responded, "Yes, suddenly."

Hwang Jae-gyun expressed his concerns about his new role, saying, "Even when I appeared on variety shows, it wasn't something I did professionally. I didn't have a specific goal. Now, as a professional broadcaster, I watch a lot of shows and think about what I should do. It's quite challenging. I wonder what I should say when I go on air." He added, "People around me tell me to just talk as I normally do. Today, I'm having a 'no-filter' conversation with you. It's fun to broadcast with people I'm comfortable with."

Hwang Jae-gyun began his professional baseball career in 2006 with the Hyundai Unicorns and played for teams like the Heroes, Lotte Giants, and San Francisco Giants. He concluded his 20-year baseball career with KT Wiz in 2025. He married T-ara's Jiyeon in 2022 but divorced in October 2024. During the contract process with SM C&C, he revealed on a broadcast that "Jun Hyun-moo spoke highly of me to the CEO," acknowledging Jun Hyun-moo's support.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr