Kim Jong-min, leader of the group Koyote, shared his deep thoughts about 'Now, Let's Meet,' which has reached its 700th episode.

Kim Jong-min, who gained attention as a dancer for the choreographer team 'Friends' and Uhm Jung-hwa, began his career in the entertainment industry with the release of Koyote's third studio album 'Passion' in 2000. As the leader of Koyote, Korea's longest-running co-ed group, Kim Jong-min exhibits explosive energy on stage and also shines in the entertainment world.

Although he may appear clumsy and naive, his charm is irresistible; with his unique sense of humor, Kim Jong-min has transformed from an 'entertainment blue chip' to a 'dominant force' in comedy. He has become a living witness and symbol of KBS2's flagship entertainment program '1 Night 2 Days.' In 2016, he won the grand prize at the KBS Entertainment Awards and was listed among the 50 people who shone at KBS in 2023. Additionally, he has been consistently nominated for the KBS Entertainment Awards 'Entertainer of the Year' since 2021.

Kim Jong-min, who has been with '1 Night 2 Days' for 18 years, is also active as an MC on the long-running program Channel A's 'Now, Let's Meet' (hereafter referred to as 'Iman Gap'). This communication variety program, which seeks to foster harmony between the North and the South, first aired on Dec. 4, 2011. In celebration of its 10th anniversary in 2021, the MC lineup was revamped to include Nam Hee-seok, Kim Jong-min, and Heo Ji-woong. Among the MCs, Kim Jong-min is responsible for asking questions and relating to the audience, contributing to the program's longevity.

Just one day after returning from his honeymoon on the 16th, Kim Jong-min, in an interview with OSEN, said, "I also want to congratulate on the 700th episode. I joined in the middle, so it's been about 2 to 3 years, but I feel that 'Iman Gap' is an amazing program every week. Since I am also learning a lot, I want to congratulate on the 700th episode."

By appearing on 'Iman Gap,' Kim Jong-min has filled the viewers' Sunday nights. However, there is bound to be a gap between '1 Night 2 Days' and 'Iman Gap.' Kim Jong-min remarked that he has to navigate between a cheerful image and a serious one, saying, "At first, I came in thinking it would be an entertainment program, and at the time I joined, there were entertainment elements like talking to defectors and playing games. However, it’s a program that has to be serious, and even if jokes are made, the atmosphere may not be appropriate. Even within a serious atmosphere, I believe it is possible to keep the mood lively and fun, as long as I know the overall context. The more I know, the easier it is to joke or make light comments, but 'Iman Gap' presents many unknowns, so I feel like I cannot joke around carelessly. While it's important for me to have fun, I have a strong desire to listen to the stories of defectors, so I try to listen carefully and empathize."

At the same time, Kim Jong-min said, "The starting point for me in '1 Night 2 Days' and 'Iman Gap' is different. So I don't know which program will last longer. I suspect 'Iman Gap' may last longer, but it's hard to tell (laughs). '1 Night 2 Days' is physically demanding because it's outdoors, while 'Iman Gap' is mentally strenuous as it is done in a studio."

In 'Iman Gap', Kim Jong-min is responsible for questions and serves as a relatable figure for viewers. Kim Jong-min stated, "As you can see, I might not look like someone who is well-versed in difficult terms or international affairs. However, I understand that Kim Jong-min was invited to 'Iman Gap' with the intention that if I can understand, then the general public can, too. That intention is indeed correct; I really don’t know the terms or international affairs used in 'Iman Gap.' Therefore, I think if I understand, then the viewers will understand as well, and I strive to listen and comprehend what is discussed."

He continued, "I might face embarrassment or pressure thinking, 'Can I ask such basic questions?' but I try not to let that stop me. I believe that the perspective and viewpoint I have is similar to that of the viewers, so I aim to scratch where they feel itchy." He added, "I generally follow the script closely. Since the production team does extensive research and fact-checking in preparation, I feel it is right to convey the questions fully. Hence, 'Iman Gap' is the program where I read the script the most compared to any other entertainment show I do. Normally, I don't read scripts much for broadcasts, but I certainly do for 'Iman Gap.' Especially since it deals with topics related to North Korea, I have to be particularly cautious, knowing that if I misinterpret it, someone could be hurt."

Through 'Iman Gap', Kim Jong-min, just like the viewers, is learning about North Korea and international affairs. He said, "'Iman Gap' covers not only North Korea but also international issues. While I have an interest in history, it’s limited to the Joseon Dynasty, and I am ignorant of world events or international affairs, so I've been learning a lot through 'Iman Gap.' To bring joy as an entertainment character, I need to be bright and fun, so I tended to avoid dark topics, but I feel like 'Iman Gap' allows me to see things more broadly and deeply." He added, "Although there hasn't been a drastic change (since my appearance), it's true that I now view things more broadly and have become more interested. I find myself looking at news related to North Korea and global matters. In that way, I think I've been thinking more diversely since appearing on 'Iman Gap.'"

Additionally, regarding the changes he has experienced since participating in 'Iman Gap', Kim Jong-min said, "Through 'Iman Gap,' my family love has deepened. When I hear stories about separated families or the process of defection, I can’t help but imagine, 'What if I were separated from my family?' I don't even want to imagine it. It would be too painful, and just not being able to see my family would be incredibly difficult. So, I often think about how hard it must be for those who have these stories."

[OSEN]