(Xports News reporter Jung Min-kyung) Announcer Kim Gura discussed his retirement plans.
On the 18th, Kim Gura was a guest on the YouTube channel “Jipyunhan World,” where he spoke with MC Ji Seok-jin.
During the conversation, Ji Seok-jin asked, “Will you keep broadcasting before you retire?” Kim Gura responded, “No. I believe there should be a time to retire.”
He continued, “I’ve set a goal to live until I’m 60, and when I reach 60, I’ll still have six years left,” adding, “I think the essence of entertainment is being ‘new’.” He conveyed his views on the industry.
He remarked, “I didn’t have high expectations as someone in their 50s. I thought, ‘A person in their 50s will do as well as they can because their father is a chef.’”
Kim Gura stated, “I desire stability, but I also recognize that birth, aging, sickness, and death are inevitable. I did my best in the competitive entertainment industry during my 60s. After that, I want to pursue activities I enjoy, like YouTube.” He shared his future intentions.
Earlier, Kim Gura expressed to Ji Seok-jin, “From now on, I wish to step away from the limelight and broadcast more serenely.”
In reply, Kim Gura remarked, “We can’t endure this level of attention forever, can we?”
Ji Seok-jin elaborated, “I was meant to succeed and devote myself to my family, but now that I have the chance to enjoy life, I see many sick people around me.” He added, “So, ‘When should I have fun?’ I often contemplate this.”
He also expressed his passion for his work, saying, “There’s a distinction between engaging in small activities for enjoyment and playing without thought.”
In the meantime, Kim Gura got married in 1998 and had a son, Kim Dong-hyun (Gree), but divorced in 2015. He then remarried a woman twelve years younger in 2020 and welcomed his second child, a daughter, in 2021.
Kim Gura is currently appearing on Channel A’s variety show “Dad is a Middle-aged Flower.”
Photo = A world full of troubles [Jeeseokjin World]
Reporter Zheng Minjing sbeu3004@xportsnews.com
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Kim Gura Discusses Retirement Plans: Insights from a Veteran Announcer
On the 18th of August, 2024, renowned announcer Kim Gura shared his thoughts on future retirement during a candid conversation on the YouTube channel “Jipyunhan World.” His comments have sparked interest among fans, especially as they touch on themes of aging, career trajectories, and personal aspirations.
Retirement Reflections: A Time for Change
During the episode, host Ji Seok-jin posed a pivotal question regarding Kim Gura’s broadcasting future. Kim Gura responded, emphasizing the importance of having a retirement strategy, stating, “No. I think there has to be a time to retire.” His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among veteran entertainers about stepping back gracefully from the spotlight.
Setting Goals: The Path to 60
Kim Gura elaborated on his personal mission, mentioning, “I set a goal to live to 60, and when I turned 60, I still had six years left.” This ambitious outlook underpins his belief that the entertainment industry thrives on novelty and new ideas. As an established figure in Korean entertainment, his perspective is particularly insightful.
Understanding the Value of ‘New’
In a rapidly evolving landscape, Kim stated, “I think the value of entertainment is ‘new.'” This observation reflects not only the shifting preferences of audiences but also the evolving nature of the entertainment industry itself. Kim Gura’s focus on innovation is indicative of a broader trend where veteran entertainers are now exploring fresh opportunities.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Kim Gura has had a colorful personal life which has shaped his views on stability and change. After his marriage in 1998 and subsequent divorce in 2015, he remarried a woman 12 years his junior in 2020, welcoming a daughter in 2021. He noted, “I think I want stability, but I also think that birth, aging, sickness, and death also happen here.” This personal insight adds depth to his career decisions, emphasizing a desire for balance between professional and family life.
Choosing Peace Over Fame
In another poignant moment during the interview, Kim Gura remarked, “From now on, I want to stay away from the attention of the world and broadcast peacefully.” This comment underscores a common theme among celebrities who, after years in the limelight, seek a quieter life. The fatigue from constant public scrutiny is palpable, and many entertainers share Kim’s desire for serenity.
Ji Seok-jin’s Perspective
Ji Seok-jin, in response to Kim Gura’s reflections, expressed the emotional toll of public life, suggesting that, “We can’t bear this kind of attention forever, right?” His sentiments resonate with audiences who recognize the unique challenges faced by public figures.
Work, Family, and Passion
Despite contemplating retirement and personal tranquility, Kim Gura remains passionate about his work. He differentiated between “doing small things for fun” and “playing without thinking,” emphasizing the need for purpose-driven activities. This illustrates that even as entertainers ponder a quieter life, the desire to contribute meaningfully to their craft persists.
The Broader Impact of Retirement Discussions
Kim Gura’s candid conversation serves as a larger commentary on the pressures faced by entertainers in maintaining relevance as they age. This complexity is echoed by other figures in the industry who are navigating similar decisions. The entertainment landscape is evolving, and the struggles with age, retirement, and reinvention are becoming common themes in public discourse.
Case Studies in Retirement and Reinvention
| Entertainer | Retirement Year | Post-Retirement Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-suk | Pending | Continues hosting and has ventured into YouTube |
| Lee Hyori | 2020 | Focus on music and social initiatives |
| Park Ji-sung | 2014 | Engages in sports commentary and charity work |
Benefits of Transitioning Away from Mainstream Entertainment
- Creative Freedom: Retired entertainers often find they have more room to experiment and explore new creative outlets, like YouTube and indie projects.
- Personal Time: Stepping away allows for more focus on family, personal interests, and mental health.
- Legacy Building: Artists can direct their energy toward projects that align with their passions, contributing to a legacy rather than merely a public persona.
Practical Tips for Managing Retirement from Entertainment
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you hope to achieve before and after retirement.
- Maintain Connections: Keep in touch with industry peers for support and collaboration.
- Explore New Passions: Try new hobbies or career paths that have always intrigued you.
As Kim Gura’s reflections unfold, they paint a rich tapestry of an industry grappling with change, self-identity, and the pursuit of happiness beyond the spotlight. The conversations initiated by such figures provide valuable insights for audiences and aspiring entertainers alike, illustrating that change does not mean the end but a new beginning.
