[Exclusive]"Gave up even travel and endured the pain of his mother's passing"... Kim Tae-kyun survived thanks to 'Cultwo Show' "I also grew" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

• SBS Power FM 'Two O'clock Escape Cultwo Show' (hereinafter 'Cultwo Show') 20th anniversary DJ Kim Tae-kyun interview

-Following Interview ②

For 20 years, guarding 'Cultwo Show' at the same time and in the same seat every day meant giving up many things.

DJ Kim Tae-kyun honestly admitted, "There were definitely things I had to give up while doing radio." He said, "Since 'Cultwo Show' airs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., right in the middle of the day, it is practically difficult to participate in programs requiring long filming hours or to go on overseas schedules." He added, "Especially, not being able to travel whenever I wanted was the most regrettable." He continued, "Over the past 20 years, I could only take trips lasting at most four or five days a year," and noted, "It wasn't easy to be unable to leave when I really wanted to."

Even under such constraints, the reason he could endure was due to a "shift in mindset." Kim Tae-kyun said, "There were moments when I thought, 'Why do I have to keep staying in this seat?'" but added, "However, from a certain point on, I tried to think of this place as a travel destination."

He continued, "When I see audience members coming with expectant faces, I realize I cannot be exhausted," and stated, "I realized that if I don't enjoy this time myself, I won't be able to continue for long." He expressed a sense of responsibility, saying, "I carry a sense of mission that isn't quite a mission, and I broadcast as if I'm always on vacation."

The most difficult period while hosting 'Cultwo Show' was when his mother passed away. His mother, who had raised four children alone after becoming a widow, passed away in 2014. Even while his mother, who was the pillar of Kim Tae-kyun's life, was on her deathbed, he had to stand before the microphone every day at 2 p.m.

He recalled, "Even while my mother was battling illness during her lifetime, she listened to my broadcast," and added, "There were times when I would say 'I love you, Mom' every time the broadcast ended." Kim Tae-kyun said, "That period actually made me stronger," and noted, "Even in difficult situations, continuing the broadcast gave me a sense that I myself had grown."

Even during those difficult times, Kim Tae-kyun, who kept 'Cultwo Show' going, now leads the program with a more relaxed demeanor. He explained, "In the past, I tried hard to do well, but now I just do it comfortably," and added, "Rather than forcing myself to be funny, I try to enjoy it naturally." He further stated, "If you do it with pressure, it's not fun," and concluded, "When you do it in a relaxed state, the listeners also feel relaxed."

After 20 years of guarding the same seat, 'Cultwo Show' has now become a "constant friend" to its listeners. Kim Tae-kyun said, "Listeners may live busy lives and leave the radio, but I am always in the same seat," and added, "I want to be someone who welcomes them whenever they return." He emphasized the meaning of 'Cultwo Show' by asking, "How many friends remain unchanged and in the same place for 20 years?"

He said, "Every time I hear stories that people were comforted by listening to 'Cultwo Show,' I feel I cannot waste this time," and added, "Someone might be enduring their day while looking forward to these two hours." He then shared, "When you come to a moment where you cannot tell anyone about your struggles, I hope you just come and listen and find comfort," and pledged, "I will be someone who stays in that place."

-End

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*This content was translated by AI.