'KBS 2026 FIFA North American World Cup' Jeon Hyun-moo: "This is the 20th anniversary of my joining KBS. I will perform as a clown."

*This content was translated by AI.

KBS is the only terrestrial broadcaster to air the '2026 FIFA North American World Cup' live.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, the 'KBS 2026 FIFA North American World Cup' production press conference was held at KBS Art Hall on Yeouipark-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Lee Young-pyo, Jeon Hyun-moo, and Nam Hyun-jong, who will serve as the main commentators and play-by-play announcers for this World Cup, attended the event.

Jeon Hyun-moo said, "I have done broadcasting for quite some time, but this is my first time introducing myself as a caster. I am Jeon Hyun-moo, a new caster at KBS."

Jeon Hyun-moo stated, "I am spending each day with a sense of tension different from when I do variety shows. Fortunately, people have shown more expectations than concerns about our trio, so we are preparing well. We are working hard to create a festival atmosphere. Where we fall short, we will make up for it with energy and spirit."

He continued, "Even this morning, I watched a friendly match featuring the national team and synced up with commentator Lee Young-pyo. I received feedback that I have improved a bit."

When asked about his thoughts upon receiving the World Cup caster offer from KBS, he said, "World Cup broadcasts have been around for 14 years. However, I never thought this would be my role. This year marks the 20th anniversary of my joining KBS, and with the World Cup fever seemingly waning, I accepted the caster position for the first time in 12 years to contribute in any way I can."

Jeon Hyun-moo added, "My mindset has changed since then. When Lee Young-pyo played as a player in 2002, the emotional impact of the entire nation uniting was profound. I feel that today's generation may not fully experience that same emotion. This time, I will become a clown to give the players strength."

The '2026 FIFA North American World Cup' will take place from the 11th to July 19. Under the slogan "One Korea! The World Cup is on KBS," KBS is the only terrestrial broadcaster to air the World Cup. South Korea will play group stage matches against the Czech Republic at 11 a.m. on the 12th, Mexico at 10 a.m. on the 19th, and South Africa at 10 a.m. on the 25th.

Originally, JTBC signed an exclusive contract with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2019, securing broadcasting rights for the 2026–2032 Summer and Winter Olympics and the 2030 World Cup. However, due to limited accessibility from single-channel broadcasting, JTBC recorded an average viewership of just over 1% for the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the three major terrestrial broadcasters not airing the event, concerns were raised about the infringement of "universal viewing rights." Ultimately, KBS concluded negotiations with JTBC for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup broadcasting rights, making it possible for viewers to watch the World Cup through the public broadcaster KBS.

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*This content was translated by AI.