[Zoom In] Lee Hyori and PD Kim Tae-ho's Special Meeting, Will They Walk the Global Variety Path?

Photo by MBC, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "We support PD Kim Tae-ho in opening the path to global variety shows."

'Star PD' Kim Tae-ho is crossing the boundaries of terrestrial broadcasting. 'Mormot' PD Kwon Haebom, who once worked together with him in the variety department, recently shared this message about Kim's move as a freelancer after submitting his resignation to MBC. The industry’s attention is focused on Kim PD’s collaboration with singer Lee Hyori.

Kim Tae-ho PD joined MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) in January 2001 and spent 21 years there, directing variety programs such as "Infinite Challenge" and "Hangout with Yoo." He expressed his intention to resign last September and will officially leave on the 17th of this month.

Originally, he planned to leave MBC in December last year, but the recording schedule of "Hangout with Yoo" was disrupted when broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk tested positive for COVID-19. Kim PD will wrap up his work after the one-month-delayed "Acorn Festival."

He also revealed his complex feelings. Kim PD said, "I have always emphasized novelty, but my mind was filled with thoughts like 'What kind of change am I really trying to make?'" He continued, "Even if I end up like a reckless moth to a flame, seeing the diversifying platforms and rapidly changing content market, I decided to throw myself into this flow," explaining his reason for resigning.

Cable content has been successful, and since the expansion of the digital market and the growing share of OTTs following COVID-19, the competition among the three major terrestrial broadcasters to recruit 'star PDs' has intensified. However, even as many key personnel actively moved with the winds of change, Kim Tae-ho PD stayed at MBC.

Various rumors also circulated. Stories like "He’s going somewhere" or "He started a company" spread in the industry but mostly remained just rumors. He took a short leave and rest period but soon returned to successfully produce "Hangout with Yoo" with Yoo Jae-suk. Now, after 21 years, he has decided to start anew.

The industry expects Kim Tae-ho PD to showcase content on OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms. Last month on the 11th, Kim PD released the variety show "Mukbo and Teolbo," a collaboration between Netflix and MBC, expressing satisfaction: "I thought, 'Can a meeting room and editing room atmosphere be this good?' for the first time in 20 years. It was a sight I had never seen before."

He also said, "I am currently planning ideas I want to present on Netflix after resigning," adding, "The collaboration is just beginning."

Kim Tae-ho PD is starting a new chapter with singer Lee Hyori. A broadcasting industry insider told Asia Economy, "Kim PD is discussing various aspects of producing a new program with Lee Hyori." They added, "The ideas they have been developing are endless, and based on these, they are planning various programs."

Lee Hyori has previously worked closely with Kim PD on "Infinite Challenge," "Hangout with Yoo," and "Mukbo and Teolbo." Their chemistry as director and cast member was excellent, and it seems that trust was built through these collaborations.

Lee Hyori is known to receive many offers to appear in OTT content. Many directors she worked with on terrestrial and cable channels have moved to various platforms, leading to numerous collaboration proposals. She also appeared on KakaoTV's "Face ID" in September 2020, based on her connection with Studio82 CEO Choi Jaeyoon, who directed Mnet's "Off the Record Hyori."

The impact of Lee Hyori’s content is tremendous. Just by appearing, every move she makes becomes a hot topic, making her the top choice for casting in the market. Her honest and confident charm, combined with her humanity, makes her an irreplaceable "One and Only" star.

As Kim Tae-ho PD, who has left terrestrial broadcasting, prepares to present new content, attention is focused on whether he will create synergy with Lee Hyori. If the two succeed in the OTT market, the digital market share is expected to grow even further.

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