Kim Dong Wan Will Not Appear In 'Shinhwa Broadcast': Singer's Management Claims Show Is Too Demanding
When veteran K-pop group Shinhwa returns next month with the second season of their popular South Korean television show "Shinhwa Broadcast," they will be short one member.
Citing an inability to commit to the physical and mental demands of the show, Kim Dong Wan's management company Live Works announced Tuesday that the Shinhwa singer will not be returning for season two of the show, according to the CJ E&M publication, eNEWS.
"Kim Dong Wan has decided to leave 'Shinhwa Broadcast,'" the Live Works statement read.
"He's apologetic to both the Shinhwa members and the fans who have waited for the return of Shinhwa Broadcast."
According to the Live Works statement, Kim will still sing on the new Shinhwa album, their 12th in over 15 years in the recording industry, slated for release early next year.
Thie singer is starring in the musical 'Le Passe Muraille' at the Hongik University Art Center in Seoul Nov. 13 through Jan. 26.
On Monday, a spokesperson for the South Korean network Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (jTBC) revealed there would be a revamp of "Shinhwa Broadcast" for season two, but failed to give specifics on what that would mean.
"After a five-month hiatus, [the second season of] 'Shinhwa Broadcast' is set to premiere with a brand new format," the jTCB spokesperson said.
The first episode of "Shinhwa Broadcast" premiered in March of 2012.
The group appeared in 60 episodes of the program before going on hiatus in June.
At a press conference the week the first episode of "Shinhwa Broadcast" premiered, band member Eric Mun explained the basic idea of the show.
"We've always wanted a program with just the six Shinhwa members in it, and now we've fulfilled that dream," Eric said.
Shinhwa singer Jun Jin said he was moved by his band's work ethic regarding filming their show, right from the beginning.
"We finished shooting the first episode, and after the shoot I was so surprised. In the past, the members didn't go this far for shoots," he said.
"I was touched at how sincere they were and how hard they worked."
The new season of "Shinhwa Broadcast" premieres on jTCB on November 3.