Blast from the past makes origami master a winner

Kim Young-man in scenes from MBC's My Little Television on July 18 / Screen capture from YouTube

Origami master Kim Young-man from the 1980s has become a TV star after appearing on Saturday in MBC’s “My Little Television,” a reality show where celebrities compete to draw the most number of netizens by broadcasting their own show online.

Kim, who made his debut in 1988 with a children’s show where he taught origami, drew the attention of netizens interested in his origami lessons. He referred to them as his old fans from 27 years ago who had now grown up.

Kim’s online show once attracted the most number of visitors to his channel out of four competitors, including the nation’s hottest chef-entertainer Baek Jong-won.

Kim sobbed as he thanked his viewers.

Netizens praised Kim, saying they used to love watching his origami lessons when they were children.

Kim is a member of the Korea Paper Culture Foundation.