KBS2 ‘Malja Show’

‘Malja Show’ has established itself as a ‘hub of empathy’ for stars.

Airing every Monday at 9:30 p.m. on KBS2, ‘Malja Show’ is a cross-generational communication variety show in which communication expert ‘Grandma Malja’ Kim Young-hee solves audience members’ worries on the spot. What differentiates ‘Malja Show’ is that it invites stars whose life experiences fit each episode’s theme, drawing out sincere stories. Rather than simple promotional appearances, the candid sharing of real concerns has earned a strong response from viewers.

Thus far, ‘Malja Show’ has talked with viewers on a wide range of themes, including parenting, youth, family, blood relatives, the new school term, friendship, and office workers. The guests did not stop at simply sitting in the audience; they opened up frankly about their own experiences and, together with Kim Young-hee, actively joined in solving concerns, demonstrating sincerity. This has won strong support from viewers and is making ‘Malja Show’ a distinctive talk variety show.

For the ‘office workers’ special, fellow comedian Park Young-jin and KBS announcer Eom Ji-in appeared. Park Young-jin, who performed ‘Two-Person Debate’ with Kim on ‘Gag Concert’ 17 years ago, shared an anecdote about quietly comforting Kim when she was a rookie, and Eom Ji-in confessed that communicating with juniors is not easy. The stories of the two, who have directly experienced the joys and sorrows of working life, resonated deeply with viewers.

Actor Ji Seung-hyun appeared for the ‘friendship’ special. Ji attended the taping with a ‘real best friend’ with whom he has maintained friendship since high school, and he showed the value of friendship by sharing memories with the friend who even went with him to register for his first acting academy. In particular, Ji’s parents also appeared, taking time to reflect on the meaning of a friend as close as family.

For the ‘new school term’ special, ‘working moms’ Jung Kyung-mi and Kim Kyung-ah appeared. In the episode, which was conducted as the program’s first all-ages broadcast, the two offered empathy and comfort to parents exhausted by childcare. Kim Young-hee also appeared with her daughter, sharing the difficulties of being a ‘working mom’.

In the ‘breadwinner’ special, which recorded the highest ratings, singer Park Goon appeared. Having lost his mother to illness at a young age, Park sincerely empathized with a son who said, “My mother has liver cancer, but she refuses a liver transplant,” and, as if he were the son, sent a video letter to the storyteller’s mother, bringing many to tears.

A ‘Malja Show’ representative stated, “The strength of ‘Malja Show’ lies in casting guests who fit each theme and drawing out genuine empathy,” adding, “We will continue to deliver a variety of stories that viewers can relate to.”

Meanwhile, KBS2 ‘Malja Show’ airs every Monday at 9:30 p.m.