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| Producer Kim Tae-ho / Courtesy of MBC |
MBC's star producer Kim Tae-ho, the creator and producer behind its hit TV shows "Infinite Challenge" and "Hangout with Yoo," will be leaving the broadcaster by the end of this year, as he seeks further creative challenges in his career.
The broadcaster released a statement, Tuesday, announcing Kim's departure. "Kim will continue in MBC's variety show department until December 2021," it said, adding that the co-producers of his current show "Hangout with Yoo" will continue running the show after his departure.
"MBC and MBC's variety show department express gratitude toward Kim's dedicated efforts. And we wish him the best ahead with his new challenge."
It added that Kim has proposed to continue working together with the television network in a different capacity.
"Producer Kim told us that even though he will no longer be working for MBC, he wishes to be part of MBC's variety shows in the future through a different cooperative relationship," it said. "MBC is looking forward to and will prepare to collaborate with Kim on his future endeavors to produce different content."
Earlier in the day, the producer shared his thoughts about his decision to leave MBC on Instagram.
"I've always pushed myself to try something new in shows I produced, but I came to wonder what changes I have been seeking, and became fixated on that thought," he said. "Even though it might end up as a reckless attempt to jump into the fire, I have decided to put myself out on diversifying platforms in the rapidly changing content market."
He added that he informed MBC of his departure early last month, but has yet to decide on his next move.
"I'm still considering which path to take next year. But as I've always discussed with fellow producers how there's no such thing as bad ideas for content, but only a mismatch of the content and platform, I do want to prove that through various content on different platforms," he said. "And it had been no matter what choices I make, I'm not afraid because I know that luck and people I meet along the way will bring the answer to my choice."
Kim began working for the broadcaster in 2001, taking part in his first official project with the sitcom "Nonstop 4" in 2003. He produced the popular TV show "Infinite Challenge," which ran for about 12 years and hit the highest viewership rating at about 29 percent.
He has also led the 2019 reality show "Funding Together" and the ongoing "Hangout with Yoo," since July 2019.
