[Exclusive]A 'Culture Show' That Also Saved Lives.. Kim Tae-kyun, 20-Year Veteran: "I Had to Give Up Some Things, But I'll Always Be in That Seat" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• SBS Power FM 'Two's Escape Culture Show' (hereinafter 'Culture Show') 20th Anniversary DJ Kim Tae-kyun Interview

SBS Power FM 'Two's Escape Culture Show' is set to celebrate its long-awaited 20th anniversary on May 1. DJ Kim Tae-kyun, who has held the microphone since the program's first broadcast in 2006, has written the history of 'Culture Show' alongside listeners, sharing their joys and sorrows over two decades of changing seasons.

Recently, ahead of the 20th anniversary, Kim Tae-kyun met with StarNews at the 'Culture Show' radio booth located at SBS Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. He expressed his bewildered feelings, saying, "I never thought I would be doing this for so long from the beginning." While he added, "I don't think I'll feel any special emotion just because it's the 20th anniversary," he also remarked, "It will probably only feel real once that day arrives, having been a DJ for 20 years, which was my dream."

For him, 'Culture Show' is "life itself." He stated, "Radio is like my life," and "Life is a live broadcast, and I live within it like a DJ." The words that "'Culture Show' is something that has grown up with my son and feels like a son" carry the full weight of 20 years.

To mark the 20th anniversary, 'Culture Show' is preparing a large-scale festival. Kim Tae-kyun announced, "Not only on May 1 itself, but from the Monday of that week through the 5th, we will hang special posters and hold a festival as a 'radio you can watch'." The slogan, '20 Years Nice', was taken from a phrase he often uses. He revealed his special affection for the special program, saying, "I personally recruited all the special DJs and guests."

The special week opened on the 27th with actor Cha Seung-won. On the 28th, with musician Muji as the special DJ, singers Kim Jo-han and Lee So-ra appeared. On the 29th, 'Culture Show' regular special DJ actress Park Bo-young was joined by Lee Kwang-soo and director Kim Sung-hoon. On the 30th, singer Lee Juck will take over the baton. Kim Tae-kyun shared, "Lee Juck calls himself a 'living witness of Culture Show' and said he wanted to talk about the 20th-year history himself."

The highlight is May 1. About 20 past performers, including god's Park Jun-hyung, Kim Bo-seong, and Brian, will gather in one place. Kim Tae-kyun emphasized, "It will be a bustling atmosphere like a birthday party where we won't know where to seat more than 20 people. The 20th anniversary special is not a festival for me alone, but a place for everyone who has been with us for the past 20 years."

Behind the magnificent festival lie 20 years of memories. The first thing Kim Tae-kyun brought up was stories from listeners. He said, "There was a person who was taking a taxi to make an extreme choice. While listening to 'Culture Show' on the radio in the taxi, they suddenly found themselves laughing and thought, 'I'm laughing right now,' and eventually changed their mind. They sent us a story about it." He added, "When I heard that person went on to live their life again, I felt a great sense of reward."

The stories did not end there. Kim Tae-kyun shared, "A man sent a story asking for another chance with his ex-wife seven years after their divorce. It's a story I wouldn't normally introduce, but I read it that day, and the two actually reconciled and even came to watch the broadcast together." There were also instances where a nearby listener rushed to provide toilet paper when someone ran out, found a stolen vehicle, or located rare blood. He remarked, "Because we are listened to simultaneously from all over the country, such things are possible," and added, "I felt that radio plays a role beyond simple broadcasting, connecting people to people."

The weight of that connection naturally led to a sense of responsibility. Kim Tae-kyun, who said, "There were people who came to see me in tears, saying they were struggling with panic disorder or depression but felt better after listening to the broadcast," noted, "Every time that happens, I feel I cannot treat this time lightly." He continued, "For someone, 'Culture Show' may not be just entertainment, but a time that helps them endure life," and added, "That is why I try my best every day."

Of course, the 20th years were not without difficulties. Broadcasting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., filling the middle of the day, required a significant amount of sacrifice. Kim Tae-kyun admitted, "There are definitely things I had to give up while doing radio," stating, "It is practically difficult to participate in programs requiring long filming schedules or to go on overseas assignments. Especially, not being able to travel whenever I wanted was the most regrettable." He revealed, "In 20 years, it was at most four or five days a year," and added, "It wasn't easy not to be able to leave when I really wanted to."

What allowed him to endure was a shift in perspective. Kim Tae-kyun honestly confessed, "There were moments when I thought, 'Why do I have to keep being in this seat?'" but also said, "However, from a certain point on, I tried to think of this place as a travel destination."

He explained, "When I see the audience coming with expectant faces, I realize I cannot be exhausted," and shared, "I came to think that if I don't enjoy this time myself, I won't be able to continue for long. With a sense of mission that isn't quite a mission, I broadcast as if I'm always on vacation."

There was a particularly difficult time. It was when he lost his mother in 2014. His mother, who had lost her husband and raised four children alone, listened to 'Culture Show' every day even while battling illness. He recalled that even while his mother was in the hospital, he had to be in front of the microphone at 2 p.m. He remembered, "There were times when I would say 'I love you, Mom' every time the broadcast ended." Kim Tae-kyun said, "That period seems to have made me even stronger," and added, "I feel that I grew as a person while continuing the broadcast even in difficult situations."

That strength has now become his current ease. Kim Tae-kyun stated, "In the past, I tried hard to do well, but now I just do it comfortably," and clarified, "Instead of trying to force a smile, I try to enjoy it naturally." He shared, "If you do it with a burden, it's not fun," and added, "When you are in a comfortable state, the listeners also feel comfortable."

The 'Culture Show', which has held its seat for 20 years, has now become the listeners' "consistent friend." Kim Tae-kyun said, "Listeners may live busy lives and leave the radio, but I will always be in the same seat," and expressed his desire, "I want to be someone who welcomes them whenever they return." The words, "How many friends remain unchanged and in the same place for 20 years?" left a long-lasting impression.

Kim Tae-kyun, who said, "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 "I will become someone who stays in that place." The 20 years of 'Culture Show', led by him, will continue toward the next 20 years in this way.

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*This content was translated by AI.