▲ Korean singer-actor Kim Chang-wan speaks during a press conference for SBS Love FM's (103.5MHz) '6 o'clock Evening Breeze with Kim Chang-wan' ('Evening Breeze') held in Seoul on July 29, 2024, in this photo provided by SBS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 30 (Yonhap) -- "I never realized how anxious I could be. I thought I'd forget about the radio if I stayed busy, but I found myself thinking about it even more amidst my hectic schedule."

 

Kim Chang-wan, who accompanied listeners on their morning commute for the past 23 years, is back as a radio DJ just four months after leaving. This time, he'll be with listeners on their evening commute.

 

On the 22nd, he made his return with SBS Love FM's (103.5MHz) '6 o'clock Evening Breeze with Kim Chang-wan' ('Evening Breeze'). Kim shared his thoughts, saying, "I'm still adjusting to the time change."

 

At a press conference held at the SBS headquarters in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the 29th, Kim said, "My body has shifted to the evening broadcast, but I'm still not quite sure of my bearings. I thought I'd get the hang of it in a week, but I haven't even written the opening yet," he laughed.

 

Kim hosted 'Beautiful Morning with Kim Chang-wan' ('Morning Window') on SBS Power FM (107.7MHz) from October 2, 2000, until he left the program in March of this year. He shared that parting with his familiar listeners was abrupt and difficult.

 

"I only found out about becoming the DJ for a new program a month ago," Kim said. "Until then, the sudden departure led to a sort of separation anxiety." He added, "Just like children experience separation anxiety when apart from their mothers, adults can feel it too. Starting the broadcast again, I finally feel like I'm coming back to my senses."

 

Kim debuted in 1977 as the eldest brother of the family band Sanulrim and has been active as a radio DJ since, starting with the East FM show '7 o'clock Date.' Known for his warm and friendly hosting style, he is affectionately called 'Uncle' by listeners.

 

"Radio has been a part of my life for 47 years," Kim said, comparing it to the water flowing from a local spring. "Radio is free and always on, just like the spring water anyone can come and drink from."

 

Reflecting on his new role, Kim said his daily routine has changed entirely. Initially, he had a fixed idea that mornings were for beginnings and evenings were for endings. "Now I realize that evening can also be a time for new beginnings," he shared.

 

"My current perspective on time is that any moment can be a start, whether it's morning, noon, or evening. This is my mindset as I prepare for 'Evening Breeze.'"

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]