Ko So-young makes variety show debut as host of 'Dr. Oh's Stay'

From left are comedian Moon Se-yoon, psychiatrist Oh Eun-young and actor Ko So-young, co-hosts for the MBN reality show "Dr. Oh's Stay" / Courtesy of MBN

Actor Ko So-young, known for her iconic roles in the 1990s, is making a highly anticipated return to the small screen as the host of a new reality program on MBN.

The show, "Dr. Oh's Stay," marks Ko’s first step into the world of entertainment hosting, showcasing a new, more personal side of the star.

The program follows individuals confronting personal pains and traumas as they take part in a one-night, two-day temple stay at Ssanggye Temple in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province — a Buddhist temple dating back to the 9th century — guided by psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, widely known in Korea as “the nation’s mentor." Here they seek comfort, empathy and diverse solutions together. Ko serves as one of the hosts, alongside comedian Moon Se-yoon.

"Especially as a parent with children, I had the opportunity to meet with Oh when I was worried if I was on the right path. I had a personal connection with her and was receiving a lot of help," the Ko said during an online press conference Monday, explaining why she decided to join the show.

Rather than dispensing advice, the 52-year-old actor views her role as a source of quiet empathy.

"Rather than providing big solutions, I thought that — having been married for 15 years and having experienced many things as a mother and a daughter — I might be able to share and empathize with others," she said.

"But instead of giving advice after hearing people's stories, I found myself being comforted and empathizing even more. I felt at ease and thought it was truly a good decision to participate in this show."

As host, Ko takes charge of preparing meals for participants during their stay, showing off her cooking skills while listening to their stories and sharing her own experiences.

She has been giving fans a peek into her daily life on her YouTube channel and acknowledged the public's curiosity about the more personal side she will reveal on the program. She expressed a desire to connect with audiences in a more open and relatable way, moving away from the image of a distant star.

"While raising my children, I have been too disconnected from the public and I reflected on myself, realizing, 'I haven't been communicating with people.' This time was very valuable to me. I believe that if I communicate with sincerity, it will be conveyed," she added.

Oh, a renowned child psychiatrist and television personality known for popular reality shows like "My Golden Kids," noted the characteristics of the new program.

"If previous shows professionally offered solutions by understanding individuals' inner selves and identifying problems, this new program will showcase 'the power of the group,'" she said.

"The participants here have all lived diligently and value their lives. Each and every one of them becomes a source of comfort. These individuals themselves become the driving force and unleash the power of the group. You will be able to directly experience how much strength and change occur when people's hearts come together. I, too, will combine my efforts as a member of the group."

"Dr. Oh's Stay" will premiere Monday at 9:10 p.m. on MBN.