Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan says he no longer wants variety show offers

Kim Dong-wan of Shinhwa / Courtesy of MBC

Kim Dong-wan of boy group Shinhwa has said he hopes to stop receiving invitations to variety shows, explaining that he does not want to share personal stories on air.

Kim wrote on his social media on Sept. 5, “I wish variety show offers would stop coming. I have no confidence in being funny, and I don’t want to bring out real stories in front of the public.”

He added, “Digging into the past only leaves scars for myself. Can’t I just live quietly, pretending to be happy and successful? I just want to be left alone.” He also left a pointed comment: “If I’ve declined three times with scheduling excuses, please stop. I know you’re probably just following orders from above.”

Kim also replied to online questions. Asked what kind of shows he would like to join, he said, “Stage, dramas, home shopping — things where results come in proportion to effort.”

When a fan encouraged him for doing well so far, Kim responded, “These days, variety shows seem to want depression, poverty and misery porn.” To another user who said opportunities should go to those waiting for them, Kim said, “Then why ignore the ones waiting and only call on the easy old guys?”

Kim has been a familiar face on variety shows such as “I Live Alone,” and “Mr. House Husband.” Most recently, he appeared on MBC’s “Radio Star” on Aug. 27, where he shared updates about his life and his thoughts on marriage. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded a 4.3 percent viewership rating, ranking first in its Wednesday time slot.

Kim debuted in 1998 as a member of Shinhwa. He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the KBS2 drama “For Eagle Brothers!” which ended last month.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.