Kim Shin-young abruptly removed as 'National Singing Contest' host

KBS faces criticism for abruptly replacing host Kim Shin-young with comedian Nam Hee-suk for 'National Singing Contest' without prior discussion with the show's production team. Kim has hosted the show since October 2022.

Comedian Kim Shin-young hosts KBS’s “National Singing Contest” for the first time on Sept. 3, 2022, in Dalseo District, Daegu. [NEWS1]

KBS has come under fire for ousting comedian Kim Shin-young as the host of its famed “National Singing Contest” (1980-) music show without notifying her in advance.

The broadcaster abruptly told Kim last week that she will shoot her last episode of the show in Seo District, Incheon on March 9 and would then be replaced by comedian Nam Hee-seok, according to the comedian's agency, CJes Studios.

KBS had not discussed the decision with the show's production team or with Kim, the agency said.

“The production staff themselves seemed confused when they called us and told us that the host will be replaced,” the agency told press. “We were told when [Kim] would be shooting her last episode just last week.”

KBS denied to comment on its failure to properly inform its host of the replacement, but instead thanked her for her work in a statement Monday afternoon after the reports of Kim's replacement surfaced that morning.

“Nam Hee-seok has been confirmed as the new host of ‘National Singing Contest,’” the company said.

“We thank Kim Shin-young for leading the show with youthful energy following the late Song Hae, and we ask for the viewers' support for the new host, Nam Hee-seok.”

The show’s first episode with Nam as host will air on March 31, KBS said.

Kim, an esteemed comedian and actor known for her supporting role in film “Decision to Leave” (2022) and as a cast member of sketch comedy show “People Looking for Laughter” (2003-2010) has hosted the show for a year and six months since October 2022, when she took over for the show’s late, long-running host Song Hae.

The public applauded the casting of a young female host at the time, especially given Kim's prolific career as a host of music events.

“National Singing Contest” is a weekly outdoor singing competition that takes place in various regions and features residents of each location.

The show, KBS's longest-running program, was hosted for 34 years by veteran television presenter Song Hae right up until his death in June 2022. The iconic show is widely considered a cultural landmark in Korea.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]