KBS Joy ‘Ask Anything’

Former baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun opens up about his dream of becoming a variety entertainer.

On today (the 16th) at 8 p.m., episode 356 of KBS Joy ‘Ask Anything’ features Hwang Jae-gyun, who had a standout career as a baseball player.

Having retired after a 20-year baseball career, he dreams of becoming a broadcaster, but says he sought out the Bodhisattvas because he still cannot let go of his exercise compulsion. Hwang Jae-gyun says, “After retiring, I spent a month eating and having fun, enjoying the life of an unemployed person, but my body rejected it,” sharing that he is devoting himself to training even more than during his playing days, to the point that his daily routine consists only of exercise.

KBS Joy ‘Ask Anything’

At this, Lee Soo-geun asks, “These days, when baseball players retire, do they not do a lot of baseball variety shows and also work as commentators or coaches?” and, “Do you want to do baseball-related work, or do you want to do variety shows?” At that moment, Hwang Jae-gyun points to Seo Jang-hoon with a hand gesture, conveying that he wants to become an entertainer like him.

Then Seo Jang-hoon advises, “If you want to do broadcasting properly, you need to change your daily routine first,” adding, “Rather than exercising, read books to understand what people are interested in and also watch variety shows.” When he asks, “Why do you only work out all day? Are you going to return as a player?” Hwang Jae-gyun answers, “I cannot let go of my exercise compulsion,” and receives a scolding from Seo Jang-hoon.

Hearing this, Lee Soo-geun cracks a joke to help set his variety persona: “Training can take care of it. Just pay me about 6,000 per month. Let us have a skit class every two weeks,” eliciting laughter. He continues, “How about a group blind-date camp? It is ample time to show your character,” and does not stop there, adding an outlandish character concept, “Wear yellow-tinted lenses and promote yourself as ‘Hwangdal’,” turning the scene into a sea of laughter.

As a wrap-up, the Bodhisattvas also offer him sincere advice. Lee Soo-geun says, “I hope you do not feel impatient. If someone who has done only baseball all his life suddenly tries to be funny, it can come across as off-putting,” and adds, “If you approach it naturally, at some point you will find yourself a beloved variety entertainer.” Seo Jang-hoon likewise says, “Rather than forcing what does not work, if you work hard at what you do well, the path you want will open,” offering words of support.

In addition, stories such as the concerns of a 40-year veteran shaman and a daughter who habitually strays after becoming absorbed in social media and open chat rooms can be seen on Ask Anything episode 356, airing today (the 16th) at 8 p.m.

Furthermore, more videos of ‘Ask Anything’ are available on major online channels and portal sites such as YouTube and Facebook.