Kim Yong-min Voluntarily Withdraws Amid Controversy Over Hosting 'Geori-ui Manchan'

Broadcaster Kim Yong-min / Photo by Kim Yong-min Facebook capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Political commentator Kim Yong-min voluntarily withdrew from the KBS program 'Dinner on the Street' Season 2 after controversy arose over his appointment as the show's host.

The Korea Broadcasting Viewer Committee convened a special committee on the 6th and conveyed Kim's intention to resign voluntarily as the new host.

On the 6th, Kim posted on his Facebook, "I learned about the process of the respected Yang Hee-eun teacher stepping down from 'Dinner on the Street.' In that case, it is impossible for me to take over," expressing his intention to resign.

He stated, "I cannot bring shame to the value and reputation of 'Dinner on the Street,' so I expressed my intention to the production team yesterday and am informing everyone today," adding, "I pray that the world will become brighter and more beautiful through 'Dinner on the Street' in the future."

Post by Kim Yong-min on Facebook / Photo by Kim Yong-min, Facebook capture

Earlier, it was revealed that KBS 2TV's cultural program 'Dinner on the Street' changed its hosts from broadcaster Park Mi-sun, singer Yang Hee-eun, and Lee Ji-hye to actor Shin Hyun-joon and political commentator Kim Yong-min for the new season starting on the 5th, which sparked backlash from viewers.

The first season, which ended last month, was a well-received program where three female MCs addressed gender and social minority issues. It solidified its identity by receiving awards such as the 'Gender Equality Media Award' from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

However, as the show moved into Season 2, opinions arose that having Kim Yong-min, who had been involved in 'misogyny' controversies, as a host contradicted the program's purpose.

In the 2012 general election, when Kim ran as a candidate for the Democratic United Party, he sparked controversy by saying about former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, "Let's rape and kill her."

He was also criticized for misogynistic remarks such as suggesting, as a solution to the low birthrate problem, "Let's sell contraceptives as aphrodisiacs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.