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TXT’s Yeonjun Opens Up About Stepping Down From ‘Inkigayo’

TXT’s Yeonjun, BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak, and actress Park Ji Hu have stepped down from their roles as MCs of SBS’s Inkigayo. Yeonjun started hosting the show in April 2022, followed by Park Ji Hu and Woonhak in July 2023. Although their time on the show has come to an end, fans will still see them as they return to their main careers, where they will continue to engage with fans in their respective fields.

240414 (G)I-DLE – ‘Fate’ 3rd Win on SBS Inkigayo

Yeonjun opens up about ‘Inkigayo’

When he got back to TXT’s dorm after the broadcast, Yeonjun went live on Weverse to talk about the show. He revealed that he was able to take home some very special souvenirs: “Inkigayo gave me a few things—this picture, the sign I held up, and my last cue card. I cried so much today, so my eyes are really puffy right now. I’m just so grateful.”

The connection he felt with the show was deep and meaningful. “I can’t imagine my Sundays without Inkigayo. Inkigayo is actually a job, right? But from the day I started, I never thought of it as work. I always felt like, ‘I’m going for a healing time, I’m going to have fun,’” Yeonjun shared.

He reflected on his experiences and the bonds he formed with his colleagues. “The staff were all really kind. The MCs that I did Inkigayo with now and in the past…I was able to meet really good people and find really good relationships within them. I actually missed a lot of Inkigayo episodes because of our tour, right? I always felt really bad and sorry about it. But they never made me feel anything, and they were so kind every time I’d come back. I felt really bad because I felt like I couldn’t be that great of an MC, but the staff always made me feel so great, and they always said to me, ‘You’re the best MC.’ So, I felt really grateful; they were always kind to me even though I was lacking.”

(ENG SUB) TXT Yeonjun Weverse live 240414

Forever son

The emotional weight of his farewell was evident as Yeonjun discussed how he managed his feelings during his final hours on the show. “All the MCs were trying their best to be hyped today, even though we were all teary-eyed. When I went on stage for the performance, I was feeling teary-eyed again, so I was dancing with tears in my eyes. I just had tears in my eyes the whole time,” he admitted.

“Even on my way back, I kept thinking about it and holding in my tears. I didn’t even look at my phone on purpose. I was just zoned out and thinking about things. I cried so much today, my eyes hurt now,” Yeonjun continued. “I guess I still have a lot of lingering feelings from it. I was an MC for 2 years. I guess I felt very strongly about it. It was very special to me. Although I’m very sad about it, and I will miss it, I think it ended very beautifully. All the Inkigayo staff members, when I was crying, they were crying too, and they kept telling me, ‘It’s not the end, this is just a new beginning.’”

Finally, he said, “I miss it already. I already miss you, Inkigayo. I’m Inkigayo’s forever son.’”

Who will replace them?

Following their departure, the Inkigayo stage is set to welcome new hosts: IVE’s Leeseo, ZEROBASEONE’s Han Yu Jin, and actor Moon Sung Hyun, who are expected to bring fresh charisma to the beloved music show. Ahead of their first episode, BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho, Taesan, and Woonhak will take the stage for the April 21 broadcast as special MCs. 

Inkigayo airs every Sunday at 3:20 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yeonjun’s bandmates Hueningkai and Soobin looked on as he bid the show goodbye. Source: YouTube/@lvlyminmin.

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‘SBS Inkigayo’ Takes a 3-Week Break From Broadcast

“SBS Inkigayo”, a staple in the K-pop music show lineup, will be on hiatus for three consecutive weeks, marking a temporary break from its regular broadcast schedule. The announcement made by SBS on December 17 indicates that the popular music show will not air on December 17, December 24, and during the week following until the first week of January.

SBS Inkigayo Will NOT Air Until January 2024

On December 17, instead of “Inkigayo”, SBS will broadcast the 4th stage of the “2023–24 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup” from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. This deviation from the usual music programming suggests a temporary shift in content, catering to other events during this period.

The absence of “SBS Inkigayo” on December 24 aligns with the preparations for the “SBS 2023 Gayo Daejeon”, a significant year-end music festival scheduled for December 25. The strategic scheduling decision allows for a focus on the elaborate year-end celebration without the concurrent airing of Inkigayo.

Fans can anticipate the return of “Inkigayo” to its regular weekly broadcast on the first week of January, resuming its Sunday slot at 3:40 p.m. This brief hiatus may offer the production team and performers a well-deserved break during the festive season, ensuring that the show returns with renewed energy in the new year.

“SBS Inkigayo”, with its long history, has been a platform for showcasing K-pop performances and determining chart rankings. It initially debuted as “SBS Popular Song” in 1991 before undergoing changes and revival over the years. The current format, including the Inkigayo Chart collaboration with the Gaon Chart, was introduced on March 3, 2013.

Temporary breaks in regular programming are not uncommon in the dynamic world of K-pop entertainment, with shows strategically adjusting their schedules to accommodate special events, festivals, or seasonal considerations. The brief hiatus of “Inkigayo” is likely to heighten anticipation for its return, as fans eagerly await the resumption of their favorite music performances and chart rankings in the coming year.

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