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Sohn Seok-hee retired Thursday from the “100 Minutes Debate” program he has hosted for the last eight years. |
By Cho Jae-hyon
Staff Reporter
Sohn Seok-hee, one of the most influential TV personalities in the nation, called it a day for MBC TV's live ``100 Minute Debate'' live program, Thursday, which he had hosted for the last eight years and made the country's most popular debate show.
The last edition started about an hour earlier than usual at 11.10 p.m. and ran for 130 minutes, with panelists including former Health and Welfare Minister Rhyu Si-min and other ruling and opposition lawmakers.
Sohn, also a professor of Sungshin Women's University, said, ``I am unloading a heavy burden that I have shouldered for nearly eight years since Jan. 18, 2002.''
He said he has been a ``lucky and happy'' host. ``I give thanks to the viewers for allowing me to retain my seat to host this furious debate show.''
Sohn, known as a TV and radio host with liberal ideals, has said he is a humanist, not leaning toward conservative or progressive sides.
``I'm off-loading my burden as a host. But I think debate is the basic element that feeds democracy,'' he said. ``I won't forget the love I received from our viewers.''
In the final edition, panelist Rhyu said that MBC had neglected its duty as a public broadcasting company by airing the program too late. Its start time has recently been pushed back to 12:20 a.m. Friday from 11:10 p.m. Thursday.
Sohn, on the heels of Rhyu's comment, also said, smiling, ``(MBC) President Ohm Ki-young, please fix it for 11:10.''
The viewer rating for the last show more than doubled to 4.6 percent from 2.2 percent the previous week.
Earlier in the day, Ohm presented a thank you plaque to Shon, saying: ``Thanks to your charismatic hosting, `100 Minute Debate' has taken root as a program symbolizing the country's debate culture.''
Sohn has been picked as the most influential TV figure in various polls.
Senior reporter Kwon Jae-hong will succeed him.
chojh@koreatimes.co.kr
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무디스, 스페인·伊·포르투갈 신용등급 강등
