Kang Ho Dong has announced that he will be temporarily retiring from the entertainment industry to spend time on self-reflection, citing the state he is in because of the issues on his taxes. The announcement came personally from the entertainer nicknamed “Nation’s MC” at an emergency press conference held at the Seoul Garden Hotel, on September 9.

Kang Ho Dong’s Full Statement

“I did Sseurim (Korean Wrestling) when I was young. When I was an athlete, I managed to get to the position of ChunhaJangSa (The highest position in Korean Wrestling) thanks to the support of the nation’s citizens. After becoming a celebrity, I became an MC of numerous programs thanks to the attention placed on me by viewers. I know that without the love of everyone, the Kang Ho Dong I am right now would not be here.

“I have let down everyone and the love they have given me. It was my fault for not thoroughly managing my tax problems. I am well aware of the amount of anger that the citizens of the nation have against me.

“I am a person that has the job of being a celebrity. My duty is to provide viewers with laughs and happiness through TV.

“In a situation like right, how could I brazenly come out on TV to provide laughter and laugh and play around? How could the viewers look at my face and laugh?

“Using this occasion, I would like to tell everyone my following decision: From this time forward, I, Kang Ho Dong will be temporarily retiring from the entertainment business.

“This is a decision that I, the ignorant Kang Ho Dong, made after thinking about it for several days. I have come all this way while only thinking about Sseurim when I was young and only thinking about TV work when I become a celebrity. During my time of self-reflection, I will not only deal with my tax problems but also see if I had used the excuse of being busy and missed something in life, and also see if I had become arrogant.

“Also for the programs that I am currently emceeing, I will discuss then with the staff to decide on a date to leave so I do not cause any damages to the broadcasting studio and the viewers.

“Lastly, I would like to once again deeply apologize for causing trouble to the people of the nation. I may be leaving right now but I will never forget the love that all the viewers have given to me up until now and live a thankful life.”


What happens to his programs?

With this major announcement, the biggest question now appears to be what happens to his current programs, SBS “Star King,” “Strong Heart” KBS “1N2D.” and MBC “Golden Fishery”

As of press time, only SBS “Strong Heart” has a definite answer. Strong Heart PD Park Sang Hyuk has revealed in a conversation with Joynews24 that “Kang Ho Dong has finished his last ‘Strong Heart’ recording on September 8.”

PD Park continued, ”We have already finished discussions with Kang Ho Dong. Kang Ho Dong first came to us with his intentions and we discussed it at length together with the staff. Kang Ho Dong believes that this is the last method to show the viewers his sincerity. We respect his decision to leave.”

The last episode of “Strong Heart” is expected to air at the end of September.

Kang Ho-dong’s Departure Threatens Top 4 Variety Programs

With Kang Ho-dong in the spotlight for tax evasion, he recently announced his plans to temporarily retire from the entertainment industry due to the shame he felt over his actions. Well, all nitty-gritty tax details aside, how will this affect the entertainment realm?

Being considered the nation’s emcee, it would be an understatement that Kang is one of the most recognized and commonly seen faces of television. He’s not only on various tv shows, but on commercials as well.

The four major shows that he currently emcees are all up in the air with the abrupt news of Kang’s planned retirement. His weight on each of the shows is so great that the futures of the shows are in jeopardy altogether!

KBS’s “1 Night 2 Days”, SBS’s “Strong Heart”, “Star King”, and MBC’s “Knee Drop Guru” are the shows in question.

No concrete plans have been released from the broadcasters in terms of how they each plan on dealing with Kang’s departure. However, let’s take a closer look at the void we’re talking about.

The most vulnerable to a program cut or change is “Knee Drop Guru”. Kang’s role is undeniably large as he is the “guru” who mainly interacts with the interviewed stars in such a way to bring out detailed, never-before-heard facts, all in a humorous and touching way. Talks of it being taken off air altogether is circulating being that the staff feels no other personality could fill Kang’s big shoes.

Even KBS’s “1 Night 2 Days” is considering pulling the plug. This is following the recent announcement that the show would air until February. However, without the crucial, older-brother-role that Kang plays for the rest of the team, the staff feels that cutting it early may be a smart decision.

SBS’s “Strong Heart”, or Kang Shim-jang in Korean, was actually named after Kang Ho-dong. That’s how important he is on the cast. Granted he does have a co-host, actor and singer Lee Seung-gi, but nobody can deny that when it comes to pulling stories or talents out of the guests, nobody does it like Kang. Stopping the show is not out of the question for this show as well.

The one show that even has a fighting chance is “Star King”, which is focused more on the guests’ talents or uncommonness. The production team is currently in talks regarding which direction the show will take with Kang’s departure.

Only time will tell what will happen to the fate of these shows.

Source:  KBS Global Kpop News

Lee Seung Gi to host SBS ‘Strong Heart’ alone

After Kang Ho Dong had stepped down as the host of SBS ‘Strong Heart’ announcing his indefinite retirement, the program will now be hosted alone by Lee Seung Gi.

Kang Ho Dong has resigned from all of his host gigs after the tax evasion scandal. The most popular talk show in the nation will bid farewell to Kang Ho Dong with his last episode aired on the 20th.

There has been lots of talks and rumors about the host to replace Kang Ho Dong to join Lee Seung Gi as co-hosts, but ‘Strong Heart’ production team has decided to go with Lee Seung Gi as the sole and the main host of the show for the time being.

The production director of ‘Strong Heart’ Park Sang Hyuk stated, “We will go with the solo MC option for the time being. Lee Seung Gi along with Kang Ho Dong has led the program to the successful program that it is today. He’s an excellent MC and he was a way of effortlessly commanding the guests” and he explained the reason behind the solo MC decision.

The PD continued, “I believe in the ability of Lee Seung Gi who has grown to succeed in several different areas in the entertainment industry” and with this statement the decision for ‘Strong Heart’ to continue with Lee Seung Gi as solo MC has been made official.

Lee Seung Gi has been praised from day one of ‘Strong Heart’ broadcast in October of 2009. Park Sang Hyuk PD also added that ‘Strong Heart’ might change hosts in the long run and it might see a change in the format of the show as well.

Source: My Daily via Nate / kpopfever
SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

SBS’s ‘Star King‘ has announced that they’ve cast TV star Kim Sung Joo as the MC for the show.

Kim Sung Joo was recently offered the position, and it was just revealed that he’s in the process of accepting it. He’s not only known for his exceptional hosting skills, but is also much-loved for his friendly, endearing image, and for his work with Mnet‘s ‘Superstar K‘. More than anything, he was chosen for his leadership abilities, since ‘Star King’ has new guests on the show frequently.

A representative of his agency stated, “Nothing has been decided yet, but we are in the middle of positive discussions with the producers of the show.” Higher officials in the industry, however, are sure that he will take the position should there not be any major incidents.

The previous MC for the show, Kang Ho Dong, had announced that he’d be temporarily retiring from the industry after his tax evasion scandal blew up. With this update from ‘Star King’, all of his variety shows have now come to a final decision on their futures. ‘Strong Heart‘ will continue on with Lee Seung Gi as the sole MC, while ‘1 Night 2 Days‘ will continue with five members. Producers of ‘Knee-Drop Guru‘ have decided to cancel the program altogether.

Source + Photos: Sports Chosun

On September 23rd, ‘1N2D‘ held its first shoot without MC Kang Ho Dong.

The staff members of ’1N2D’ looked nervous and concerned about their first shoot without the beloved MC. PD Na Young Suk even asked the staff to be a little understanding, since the cast would be a bit sensitive that day.

One by one, the cast members began to arrive on set. Their faces said it all — they were all worried about the first recording without their eldest hyung, Kang Ho Dong. The cast members all felt the heavy burden of having to carry the show without their main man.

Lee Seung Gi, Lee Soo Geun, Eun Ji Won, Kim Jong Min, and Uhm Tae Woong agreed not to lose focus and to work hard, just like they always have. The staff expected the set to feel empty and awkward, but much to their surprise, the boys managed to motivate themselves into positive moods. The five went in for a group hug to re-confirm their loyalty to one another, and for the show itself.

Reportedly, the members got so hyped up that Uhm Tae Woong (who’s been sick lately) began rolling around on the ground, and Eun Ji Won brought out his classic facial _expression_s that had the cast roaring with laughter. Kim Jong Min even did his iconic shuffle dance.

Though there was heavy security in the area preventing cameras and reporters from getting too close, it seemed as though the staff and cast had no trouble continuing ’1N2D’ without Kang Ho Dong. They plan to continue the show together until February of next year.

Source & Image : Newsen

Kang Hodong confines himself at home

Kang Hodong (41), who recently found himself embroiled in a tax-evasion controversy, has been staying at home ever since he announced his temporary retirement from the entertainment circle. For the past thirty-six days, word has it that he has barely left his home at Seoul’s Apgujeong, where he spends his time playing with his three-year-old son and concentrating on child-care.

Over the Chuseok holidays he did not go visiting, but instead resorted to making telephone calls and writing messages.

Netizens’ response to Kang Hodong’s confinement has been attracting attention as well. Unexpected messages of encouragement such as “Why are you so sad? Cheer up,” “The sun will come out after the rain,” “I want to hear your voice again,” “Poor Kang Hodong,” and “Turn the misfortune to your advantage and pick yourself up again,” have been flooding the boards.

Meanwhile, KBS “1 Night 2 Days” will continue its run without Kang Hodong till its last episode in 2012; SBS “Strong Heart” has seen Lee Seunggi take over as its main host; “Star King” has been reorganized and is now hosted by Kang Hodong’s juniors, Lee Teuk and Boom; lastly, MBC “Knee Drop Guru” has been scrapped due to the lack of a successor.

Source: TV Report/koreaboo

’1 Night 2 Days’ 6-month limited term after KHD still valid?


Ratings stable despite Kang Ho Dong‘s absence… Season 2? New Variety? Answers at the end of the year?

The 6-month limited term for ’1 Night 2 Days’ through February next year. Is that still valid?

The production team had decided on a ’6-month limited term’ after 2 weeks of careful delivery when Kang Ho dong announced that he would be leaving the program. It’s a promise from all 6 cast members with the thought that “You can’t think of ’1 Night 2 Days’ without Kang Ho dong”.

However, Kang Ho Dong was involved in the tax evasion scandal subsequently and promptly left the program, and ’1 Night 2 Days’ has been on since with the remaining 5 members.

The 6-month limited term had as a precondition that ‘all the members together’ will decide but with Kang Ho Dong’s retirement, it no longer had the original meaning it had.

After the number of cast members was reduced to 5, ’1 Night 2 Days’ did go through some rumors of risk. But Uhm Tae Woong, Lee Soo Geun, Lee Seung Gi, Kim Jong Min, and Eun Ji Won turned the critical moment into an opportunity eclipsing the empty spot left by the oldest hyung of the group. The ratings that were projected to drop quickly is also showing stability with not much change.

As ’1 Night 2 Days’ is on the upturn, the broadcast company is considering continuation of the program questioning, “Is there a meaning to a 6-month term at this point?” If the 5 members are doing even more than expected, is there any real concrete reason why ’1 Night 2 Days’ should close its curtains?

KBS variety show president Jun Jin Kook stated on November 2nd, “’1 Night 2 Days’ with the current member structure is till February next year as projected. However, many possibilities are left open. There could be a season 2 with another member fortifying the current members, or it could be with completely new members. Can’t leave out the possibility of a variety program of a completely different format”. President Jun also added, “The production team for the follow up program has been made up with Choi jae Hyung PD at the center of it. The specifics will likely be clearer at the end of the year” stressing on the attachment to the format of ’1 Night 2 Days’.

Source: Donga via Nate/kpopfever
NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Court dismisses Kang Ho Dong’s tax evasion case
DECEMBER 17, 2011


After dominating headlines for months, Kang Ho Dong‘s controversy has finally come to an end. The court has announced that they will be dismissing his case due to an absence of an arraignment, or a formal declaration of charges.

Earlier in September, Kang Ho Dong was investigated for tax evasion. He was initially laid with a fine due to a discrepancy in his numbers, but it seems that there were no formal charges or processes made against the multi-entertainer.

On December 17th, the Seoul District Prosecutor Office announced, “In the case of the fine being less than $500,000 USD (per year), the National Tax Service must file a charge of tax evasion in order for the subject to be a suspect of tax evasion. However, there has been no such charge up until now, so we have decided to drop the case as of the 16th.”

Kang Ho Dong’s fine amounts to $700,000 USD for a combined three years, significantly less than the required $500,000 USD per year. The National Tax Service added, “Kang Ho Dong’s annual fine is less than the required $500,000 USD. Furthermore, he did not commit acts of intentional evasion. It is merely a mistake made on behalf of his accountant, so we will not be charging him with tax evasion.”

Due to the controversy surrounding his name at the time, Kang Ho Dong decided to temporarily retire from the industry. With this latest development however, it seems that he can finally relax after a long battle against suspicions and rumors.

Source: Ilgan Sports, OSEN via Naver / allkpop

Kang Ho Dong’s case, prosecutor’s office dismisses as no right to arraignment
DECEMBER 17, 2011


The prosecutor’s office made the decision to dismiss the complaint from a citizen against Kang Ho Dong as there is no right to an arraignment.

The Seoul Central DA‘s office revealed on December 17th regarding Kang Ho Dong, “It is clear that there is no right to an arraigment so it has been dismissed yesterday.”

Back in September, the news spread that Kang Ho Dong owed the Internal Revenue Services hundreds of thousands of dollars and that he had been ordered to pay the penalties. A citizen filed a complained against Kang Ho Dong requesting full and strict investigations into all aspects of Kang Ho Dong’s business.

However, the prosecutor’s office had revealed previously that when the penalty is less than 500,000,000 KRW (about $432,000), there must be an accusation from the Internal Revenue Service for a possible punishment of the tax evader. Without an accusation from the Internal Revenue Service, the possibility that the complained against Kang Ho Dong would be dismissed was greater than not.

Source: MTStar News via Nate / kpopfever

Kang Ho Dong is excluded from nominations for the ’2011 KBS Entertainment Awards’
DECEMBER 21, 2011


I understand the reasons why Ho Dong was not nominated, but there are far many more reasons why he should have gotten the nod considering what he has done for the 1N2D.  Nominating is one thing, winning is another -  I would have been fine if the Daesang went to Kim Byung Man this year.  A total disappointment on KBS, whatever their B.S. reasons are.  The nominations were voted by variety dept PDs, hard to imagine the majority of them did not think Ho Dong deserves to be in the top five this year.

Congratulations to Seung Gi for the recognition, he’ll probably be up for the Popularity Awards as well.

On December 21st, KBS announced their list of nominations for the ‘2011 KBS Entertainment Awards‘. Netizens were quick to discover that entertainer Kang Ho Dong had been excluded from the list.

Currently, the ‘Top 52 nominations include Kim Byung Man (‘Gag Concert‘), Shin Dong Yeob (‘Immortal Song 2‘), Yoo Jae Suk (‘Happy Together 3‘), Lee Kyung Gyu (‘Qualifications of Men‘), and Lee Seung Gi (‘1 Night 2 Days‘).

When asked why Kang Ho Dong was excluded, a representative of KBS explained, “Kang Ho Dong is technically under temporary retirement from the industry so there is still potential for controversy there, which is why we left him out of the list.”

While many have expressed their disappointment in KBS’s decision, others are looking forward to seeing who will step up to take the prestigious trophy.

Source - E-Daily via Naver / kpopfever

Kang Ho Dong replies to Lee Soo Geun’s congratulatory text message
DECEMBER 28, 2011

It was revealed that the production team of KBS ’1 Night 2 Days’, together with the cast members Lee Soo Geun, Lee Seung Gi, Eun Ji Won, Kim Jong Min, and Uhm Tae Woong have reached out to Kang Ho Dong to show their appreciation.

The members had all tried calling him multiple times, but there was no answer on the other line. In the end, they decided that Lee Soo Geun should send Kang Ho Dong a thank you message for the whole group.

According to an associate of Lee Soo Geun, the text message read, “We got the award thanks to you, hyungnim. We want to share this honor with you” and Kang Ho Dong replied, “Don’t get tired and don’t lose your spirit. I was happy to have been together with all of you”.

After winning the KBS Daesang, Lee Soo Geun stated during his acceptance speech, “Big hyungnim, I will go visit you with the trophy” and he had publicly deferred all the glory to Kang Ho Dong.

Close friends revealed that the reason Kang Ho Dong hadn’t answered the call was because he felt that the honor should solely be with the ’1 Night 2 Day’s team. Kang Ho Dong watched the awards ceremony on TV, but it must have hurt a lot that he couldn’t be there.

Another associate stated, “To describe Kang Ho Dong’s situation right now, it’s more like that he has confined himself to his home. His heart hasn’t fully healed from the unfortunate incident and that is why he isn’t even able to answer the calls from the ’1 Night 2 Day’s casts, who are like his real brothers”.

’1 Night 2 Days’ was supposed to see its end on February of 2012, but for now, from all indications, the production for its second season is being discussed. No official announcement has been made yet.

Source: Starin via Nate / kpopfever

Entertainers mention Kang Ho Dong in their acceptance speeches
DECEMBER 31, 2011


Though Kang Ho Dong was not present, many of the celebrities could not ignore his absence at the ‘2011 SBS Entertainment Awards’ and desired for him to make his comeback soon.

Kim Yong Man, Kim Won Hee, and Shin Bong Sun hosted the SBS Entertainment Awards that took place on December 30th.

It was here that ‘Running Man‘ Yoo Jae Suk was awarded the honorable ‘Daesang’, and ‘Strong Heart”s Lee Seung Gi and Kim Byung Man of ‘Law of the Jungle‘ were awarded the Best Excellence Awards for Talk Show & Variety Programs. The awards went to various entertainers that were active at SBS for the past year.

However, MC Kang Ho Dong who won the Entertainment ‘Daesang’ last year and served as an MC on hit programs such as ‘Strong Heart’ and ‘Star King‘ until this past September did not receive any award. In fact, his name was not listed as a nominee for any of them. The MC temporarily retired from the industry after being under suspicion of tax evasion this past September, and was unable to attend any of the year-end ceremonies.

After Kang Ho Dong’s biggest rival Yoo Jae Suk received his SBS Entertainment ‘Daesang’, he cautiously began to say, “I am hesitant to say these words in fear that they will hurt my hyungnim but… I spoke too him not long ago. Towards the end of our conversation he said, “Jaesuk, be strong and march forward.” I really miss you. I will be strong and march forward, just as you said, but I would like to take that journey with you.”

Lee Seung Gi who was award the Talk Show Best Excellence Award as well as the Netizens’ Best Popularity Award also tearfully remarked, “Kang Ho Dong hyungnim, you always made me feel secure by looking closely after me. I never felt burdened because you were there with me, but now your absence feels like a tremendous void. I really want to hear your hearty laugh. I really want to tell you that I miss you dearly.”

Lee Seung Gi who has been hosting ‘Strong Heart’ alongside Kang Ho Dong for the past two years has been leading the show alone since September.

Cho Hae Ryun who was awarded the Talk Show Excellence Award also stated, “Our Ho Dong who has always cheered us on in the dressing room is taking some time off right now, but next year I hope to lead the programs with him.”

Cho Hae Ryun has helped Kang Ho Dong host ‘Star King’ until he took a temporary leave in September, and Entertainment Boom along with Super Junior‘s Lee Teuk who also worked a lot with the MC on ‘Strong Heart’ and ‘Star King’ also remembered to mention him in their speeches.

Lee Teuk who was also awarded the Talk Show Excellence Award remarked, “Dear Kang Ho Dong sunbaenim who never failed to give brutal advice! The place you belong is not there, but here. Please, hurry back“, and Boom held up a photo of Kang Ho Dong and danced his signature ‘Boom’ dance.

Although Kang Ho Dong was not present, the celebrities missed him at the award ceremony more than they ever have.

Source: NoCutNews via Nate / allkpop

Kang Ho Dong and Lee Kyung Kyu spotted in Apgujeong *In-depth coverage
JANUARY 16, 2012


2012, it’s a new year. The new year flutters the heart because there’s always hope. You can forget about the past and start anew. If a friend keeps you company in this time, it would be absolutely perfect.

We saw Kang Ho Dong on the 15th. He was with his close friend and sunbae Lee Kyung Kyu. On a busy Sunday afternoon, it wasn’t hard to recognize the two. The two hardly wore anything that would hide their identity and they walked among the crowd actually greeting them.

He must not have felt this much peace in a long time. Kang Ho Dong and Lee Kyung Kyu took their time to enjoy their freedom. First, the two spent about an hour having a conversation at a coffee shop in Chungdam-dong. The two stepped out of the coffee shop with big smiles on their faces and they headed towards Apgujeong Rodeo Street. As soon as they stepped into the Rodeo Street it created quite a stir as everyone on the street started saying, “It’s Kang Ho Dong!”, “Lee Kyung Kyu and Kang Ho Dong are here!”. Maybe it was because people did not expect to see the two, but no one actually approached them. Then Lee Kyung Kyu waved at the people and told them, “It’s okay. Please come near”.

As soon as he spoke those words they were surrounded by people. As if they were waiting for his permission, everyone took their cameras out and they asked for autographs all at once. Lee Kyung Kyu and Kang Ho Dong took photos with each fan, they signed autographs, and they even spoke to them shaking their hands. People were naturally more interested in Kang Ho Dong, he took his hat off and bowed to each and every one of them with respect. He shyly smiled here and there as well. Watching Kang Ho Dong like this Lee Kyung Kyu had a bright smile on his face.

Lee Kyung Kyu and Kang Ho Dong’s fashion was also very noticeable on this day. It was a couple look. The two wore the same jacket of the same color and you could tell even from afar. You could feel their relationship was not merely one between a senior and junior colleague in the entertainment industry. Kang Ho Dong’s comeback rumor hasn’t stopped since he announced his indefinite retirement back in September of last year. As many fans are waiting for the national MC’s comeback, we cautiously hope for Kang Ho Dong to make a comeback in the near future.

Image+Source: Dispatch via Nate