From actor Choi Bul-am to Choi Soo-jong, 'Korean's table' is being passed down. Choi Soo-jong, who will take over 'Korean's table' with its 700th episode, seeks to follow in Choi Bul-am's footsteps with a sense of responsibility and mission.

KBS1's 'Korean's table' has served as a 'repository of memories of taste,' going beyond a simple food program to record the culture and history packed into a meal, as well as the stories of local communities, nostalgia, and longing. It has discovered various seasonal foods across different regions and has conveyed the wisdom of life along with the warmth of family and neighbors embedded within.

On the 10th, 'Korean's table,' which will showcase its 700th episode, is at a turning point. After 14 years and 3 months of exploring the life and culture of Koreans through dining, the enduring symbol of 'Korean's table,' Choi Bul-am, concludes his long journey and passes it on to Choi Soo-jong. Rather than a mere MC change, it is expressed as a 'passing down of the table,' aiming to continue the program's value and legacy.

Ahead of the 700th broadcast, a press conference for 'Korean's table' was held at the KBS New Hall International Conference Room in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, attended by director Lim Gi-soon, writer Jeong Seon-jae, and Choi Soo-jong.

First, the director Lim Gi-soon noted, "'Korean's table' is not a cooking introduction program; it is imbued with emotions, breath, and wisdom expressed in each meal. Every week, we endeavor to discover and convey the warmth and stories encapsulated in foods according to seasons and regions, alongside rediscovering the emotional and cultural values of Koreans embedded within. I believe we are serving as a repository that records and remembers the ingredients and dishes that are fading away."

When did the transition from Choi Bul-am to Choi Soo-jong begin to be planned? Director Lim said, "After returning from vacation last year, you expressed your wish to pass it on to your juniors around January. I never even imagined that it would be handed down because of such symbolism. So, I requested multiple times for you to reconsider, but I thought it would be greedy to ask any further since your will was strong."

There were several conditions for choosing Choi Bul-am's successor presenter. The first was widespread recognition across all age groups in the nation, the second was the warmth and heart to blend well with the general public, and the third was to be a healthy individual who strives to understand the program's identity and the cultural recording value of food and convey its message to the viewers.

Choi Soo-jong met these conditions. Director Lim said, "Choi Soo-jong is known even to elementary school students. He is a living witness of epic dramas and also represents KBS. If Choi Bul-am is a profound presenter shaped by experience, Choi Soo-jong, nicknamed 'the nation's husband,' is approachable and friendly. He also exudes healthy energy that comes from brightness and cheerfulness, but he has a lot of tears. There was a time when he got emotional during the first dubbing and had to stop the recording; having many tears also means he can empathize well. I believe he can convey that well."

Although Choi Soo-jong was chosen as Choi Bul-am's successor, he felt considerable pressure. Choi Soo-jong said, "When I was approached, I couldn't easily accept. 'Korean's table' is Choi Bul-am, and everything about him, from his gaze to his gestures, is impressive. I wondered how I could express myself. After discussing with my wife Ha Hee-ra and my agency, I spoke with Choi Bul-am for more than an hour to seek advice. And teacher Go Doo-shim supported me by saying, 'If you empathize and feel, like your life, that will express it best,' which gave me strength."

Choi Soo-jong remarked, "I can't change everything perfectly from the start, but I'm gradually making it more 'Choi Soo-jong' as I engage in filming. I've filmed four times, and I truly respect Choi Bul-am. I can't believe I could do this. The average distance I travel in a day exceeds 900 km, and I seem to get worked a bit harder because I am more active." He added, "If Choi Bul-am viewed this leisurely from the perspective of an elder and observer, I want to meet with the viewers in the roles of father, son, uncle, brother, and older brother."

In particular, Choi Soo-jong said, "Although I express it as tomorrow or the day after, when that day comes, it is 'today.' Rather than what I want to do, I will consistently follow the responsibilities, mission, and values of the program as they guide me and create and communicate with the viewers' hopes and wishes." He requested support for the restart of 'Korean's table' along with the 700th episode.

KBS1's 'Korean's table' 700th episode will air on the 10th at 7:40 p.m.

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