Entertainers mention Kang Ho Dong in their acceptance speeches

Though Kang Ho Dong was not present, many of the celebrities could not ignore his absence at the‘2011 SBS Entertainment Awards’ and desired for him to make his comeback soon.

Kim Yong Man, Kim Won Hee, and Shin Bong Sun hosted the SBS Entertainment Awards that took place on December 30th.

It was here that ‘Running Man‘ Yoo Jae Suk was awarded the honorable ‘Daesang’, and ‘Strong Heart”s Lee Seung Gi and Kim Byung Man of ‘Law of the Jungle‘ were awarded the Best Excellence Awards for Talk Show & Variety Programs. The awards went to various entertainers that were active at SBS for the past year.

However, MC Kang Ho Dong who won the Entertainment ‘Daesang’ last year and served as an MC on hit programs such as ‘Strong Heart’ and ‘Star King‘ until this past September did not receive any awards. In fact, his name was not listed as a nominee for any of them. The MC temporarily retired from the industry after being under suspicion of tax evasion this past September, and was unable to attend any of the year-end ceremonies.

After Kang Ho Dong’s biggest rival Yoo Jae Suk received his SBS Entertainment ‘Daesang’, he cautiously began to say, “I am hesitant to say these words in fear that they will hurt my hyungnim but… I spoke too him not long ago. Towards the end of our conversation he said, “Jaesuk, be strong and march forward.” I really miss you. I will be strong and march forward, just as you said, but I would like to take that journey with you.”

Lee Seung Gi who was award the Talk Show Best Excellence Award as well as the Netizens’ Best Popularity Award also tearfully remarked, “Kang Ho Dong hyungnim, you always made me feel secure by looking closely after me. I never felt burdened because you were there with me, but now your absence feels like a treme9[]ndous void. I really want to hear your hearty laugh. I really want to tell you that I miss you dearly.”

Lee Seung Gi who has been hosting ‘Strong Heart’ alongside Kang Ho Dong for the past two years has been leading the show alone since September.

Cho Hae Ryun who was awarded the Talk Show Excellence Award also stated, “Our Ho Dong who has always cheered us on in the dressing room is taking some time off right now, but next year I hope to lead the programs with him.”

Cho Hae Ryun has helped Kang Ho Dong host ‘Star King’ until he took a temporary leave in September, and Entertainment Boom along with Super Junior‘s Lee Teuk who also worked a lot with the MC on ‘Strong Heart’ and ‘Star King’ also remembered to mention him in their speeches.

Lee Teuk who was also awarded the Talk Show Excellence Award remarked, “Dear Kang Ho Dong sunbaenim who never failed to give brutal advice! The place you belong is not there, but here. Please, hurry back“, and Boom held up a photo of Kang Ho Dong and danced his signature ‘Boom’ dance.

Although Kang Ho Dong was not present, the celebrities missed him at the award ceremony more than they ever have.

Source & Image : NoCutNews via Nate

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Kang Ho Dong replies to Lee Soo Geun’s congratulatory text message

It was revealed that the production team of KBS ’1 Night 2 Days’, together with the cast members Lee Soo Geun, Lee Seung Gi, Eun Ji Won, Kim Jong Min, and Uhm Tae Woong have reached out to Kang Ho Dong to show their appreciation.

The members had all tried calling him multiple times, but there was no answer on the other line. In the end, they decided that Lee Soo Geun should send Kang Ho Dong a thank you message for the whole group.

According to an associate of Lee Soo Geun the text message read, “We got the award thanks to you, hyungnim. We want to share this honor with you” and Kang Ho Dong replied, “Don’t get tired and don’t lose your spirit. I was happy to have been together with all of you”.

After winning the KBS Daesang Lee Soo Geun stated during his acceptance speech, “Big hyungnim, I will go visit you with the trophy” and he had publicly deferred all the glory to Kang Ho Dong.

Close friends revealed that the reason Kang Ho Dong hadn’t answered the call was because he felt that the honor should solely be with the ’1 Night 2 Day’s team. Kang Ho Dong watched the awards ceremony on TV, but it must have hurt a lot that he couldn't be there.

Another associate stated, “To describe Kang Ho Dong’s situation right now, it’s more like that he has confined himself to his home. His heart hasn't fully healed from the unfortunate incident and that is why he isn't even able to answer the calls from the ’1 Night 2 Day’s casts, who are like his real brothers”.

’1 Night 2 Days’ was supposed to see its end on February of 2012, but for now, from all indication the production for its second season is being discussed. No official announcement has been made yet.

Source: Starin via Nate & kpopfever.com

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’1N2D’ holds its first shoot without MC Kang Ho Dong

On September 23rd, ‘1N2D‘ held its first shoot without MC Kang Ho Dong.

The staff members of ’1N2D’ looked nervous and concerned about their first shoot without the beloved MC. PD Na Young Suk even asked the staff to be a little understanding, since the cast would be a bit sensitive that day.

One by one, the cast members began to arrive on set. Their faces said it all — they were all worried about the first recording without their eldest hyung, Kang Ho Dong. The cast members all felt the heavy burden of having to carry the show without their main man.

Lee Seung Gi, Lee Soo Geun, Eun Ji Won, Kim Jong Min, and Uhm Tae Woong agreed not to lose focus and to work hard, just like they always have. The staff expected the set to feel empty and awkward, but much to their surprise, the boys managed to motivate themselves into positive moods. The five went in for a group hug to re-confirm their loyalty to one another, and for the show itself.

Reportedly, the members got so hyped up that Uhm Tae Woong (who’s been sick lately) began rolling around on the ground, and Eun Ji Won brought out his classic facial expressions that had the cast roaring with laughter. Kim Jong Min even did his iconic shuffle dance.

Though there was heavy security in the area preventing cameras and reporters from getting too close, it seemed as though the staff and cast had no trouble continuing ’1N2D’ without Kang Ho Dong. They plan to continue the show together until February of next year.

Source & Image : Newsen via Nate & Allkpop

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Online Petition Shows Many Fans Against Kang Ho Dong’s Retirement

There are two petition movements going on in Korea regarding Kang Ho Dong’s temporary retirement form the entertainment industry. One is for his retirement and another is against.

After the news of Kang Ho Dong’s tax evasion scandal broke on September 5, the public and media responded in anger and disappointment. A Korean citizen even filed a complaint to the Seoul’s prosecutor office, asking for a more thorough investigation.

In response to public disappointment, on September 9, Kang Ho Dong announced his temporary retirement from the entertainment industry to spend time on self-reflection. Soon after two online petitions were started, one that supports his retirement (opened September 9) and another one that is against (opened September 10).

As of the most recent count, there are 10,912 signatures on the petition that is against Kang Ho Dong’s retirement.

On the other hand, there are only 149 signatures that support his leave.

Fans who are against Kang’s retirement are commenting, “Let’s stop the witch hunt,” and “Shouldn’t we properly investigate politicians instead?”

Those who are for Kang’s retirement wrote on the petition site, “Tax evasion is robbery,” and “Retirement is the proper punishment.”

The goal of the petition that is against Kang Ho Dong’s retirement was 10,000 signatures by the end of this month. Having been open less than a week, that goal has already been reached in a outpouring of support for the "Nation's MC" Kang Ho Dong.

With speculations that Kang Ho Dong’s retirement might not be temporary, many fans of Kang Ho Dong are hoping that their support and love will reach him. But with Kang Ho Dong remaining quiet and firm about his decision, the future is still very uncertain for the entertainment industry.

Source: Soompi

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High probability that ’1 Night 2 Days’ will end soon

 

 

 

Kang Ho Dong‘s recent retirement has left everyone wondering if all four of his variety shows will be discontinued early.

Over the Chuseok holiday weekend even the production crew of the programs were curious about what the future would have in store for them.

Rumor has it that the first program to go will most likely be ‘1 Night 2 Days‘. Kang Ho Dong’s charisma has carried the show for over 4 years, and because of the attachment the members have for each other, they will probably quit together.

News has surfaced that the upcoming ’1 Night 2 Days’ recording on the 23rd will go as planned. PD Na Young Suk stated, “Whether the program will end early or whether we will add a new member, specific plans for the future have not yet been discussed. Next weeks recording will take place, but I am still not sure if Kang Ho Dong will be present for filming. Despite the bad news to the other members they said they wanted to gather courage and try hard, so it’ll be difficult to hastily conclude the program”.

He continued, “However, the original end of ’1 Night 2 Days’ is next year, but the members have the power to revoke and end the program earlier. The reason they might do so is to keep their loyalty to each other, if leader Kang Ho Dong leaves there is no reason to continue the show for 6 more months. The program starting and ending together with Kang Ho Dong at the helm will have special meaning, so it is highly likely it could end soon”.

SBS’s ‘Strong Heart’, ‘Star King’, and MBC’s ‘Golden Fishery’ are all faced with the same dire situation.

An official of SBS said, “Kang Ho Dong is an irreplaceable character. Fellow celebrities might feel burdened by his absence. However, even if ‘Strong Heart”s advertisement sales are at 90%, it’s hard to decide what to abolish and cancelling will not be an easy decision. That’s why there are lots of worries for the production team. With Lee Seung Gi‘s consent, we are under discussion on looking for ways for him to progress on the show alone”.

The official continued, “MBC ‘s ‘Golden Fishery’ has about two recordings left so they have a little bit of time to decide, but if the guru on ‘Golden Fishery’ leaves, do you think the program will really work? In particular, the guru was made through Kang Ho Dong’s character so there is no alternative. They fell into a problem with no solutions available”.

Kang Ho Dong’s tax evasion and recent retirement announcement has clearly affected the programs production teams, as well as the loyal fans who watch the shows. Stay tuned for up to date news on Kang Ho Dong. Let’s keep our heads up and support the national MC who has brought everyone laughter over the years!

Source + Image: Nate

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MBC-SBS-KBS in a panicked state, ’1 Night 2 Days’ to continue with five members

 

PD Na Young Suk of KBS‘s ‘1 Night 2 Days‘ has released an official statement following Kang Ho Dong‘s announcement of his retirement just moments ago.

Speaking through Mydaily, the PD stated, “Since he’s already announced his retirement, I can’t help but respect his choice. The future of the show will depend on Lee Seung Gi, Lee Soo Geun, Kim Jong Min, Eun Ji Won, and Uhm Tae Woong.”

KBS has also launched emergency meetings to determine their follow-up on the shocking development. A representative stated, “We have gone into several meetings to discuss what we will be doing, but there are many difficulties being met with all of the options we are coming to. We will be releasing an official statement from the producers’ side soon.”

The three broadcasting networks revealed, “We have enough footage to release for the time being, but the future is a grave problem. We will release an official statement after we go through internal meetings.”

Source + Photos: Mydaily via Naver, Segye via Naver

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Kang Ho Dong to temporarily leave the industry to reflect on his actions

Kang Ho Dong, who was recently involved in a tax evasion controversy, has announced that he will temporary retire from the entertainment industry.

On September 9th, an emergency press conference was called at the Seoul Garden Hotel, where Kang Ho Dong stated, “I’m sorry for causing the public to worry. From this moment, I will temporary retire from the entertainment industry.”

Shedding tears, he continued, “I would like to sincerely apologize to the public for the recent tax scandal.” He then stood up and bowed deeply to the audience.

Kang Ho Dong stated, “I wrestled when I was young. When I was a professional wrestler, I even received the “man of great strength” title with the public’s support. After becoming an entertainer, I landed MC positions on many programs thanks to the high level of interest the public had in me. Without your love, I know that the Kang Ho Dong today would not exist. Knowing this, I have let down and disappointed you.”

“The tax problem is my fault for not thoroughly managing myself. I’m quite aware that the public’s hate for me right now is great. I’m a person who has a job as an entertainer. My duty is to give viewers laughter and happiness through the TV. In a situation like this, how can I shamelessly laugh and talk on TV?”

Kang Ho Dong continued, “From this moment on, I will be temporarily retiring from the entertainment business.”

“I will be taking this conference as an opportunity to tell my viewers that I will be tentatively retiring from the industry. I will discuss with the producers of the programs I am a part of to negotiate my leave without any losses suffered on their part.”

 

“After I retire, I will be reflecting on my actions and looking back on whether I was too assured of my high fame. I would like to apologize once again for causing a disturbance to society.”

Meanwhile, the Korean Taxpayers Union submitted a bill of indictment, accusing the National Tax Service for releasing personal information to the public. The Korean Taxpayers Union stated, “We have decided to report the National Tax Service for violating the ‘Personal Information Protection Law’ by releasing the information of a popular celebrity to the public.”

Source + Image: Star News

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Industry defends Kang Ho Dong against rumors saying he earns $30 million USD a year

Kang Ho Dong‘s associate has stepped up to dismiss rumors speculating that his yearly income was $30 million USD. The rumors first came about when news of his tax evasion came to light, causing an angered citizen to file a lawsuit against the MC for dodging taxes when he made $30 million USD a year.

One broadcasting representative explained, “Logically, it makes no sense that Kang Ho Dong would make $30 million USD a year. Let’s say he makes $10,000 USD per episode from the four programs he stars in on the three broadcasting channels – that only amounts to $2 million USD for 52 weeks. Even including his various advertisement income and events, you can’t make $30 million like that. That rumor is completely unfounded.”

He continued, “Kang Ho Dong also doesn’t perform at night events or cable programs — he only stars in three or four programs. Where are people even getting these numbers? Kang Ho Dong and other celebrities get their taxes done by a tax accountant. Logically speaking, how much do you think these celebrities would know about the tax system? They have everything done by an accountant. There isn’t even an exact figure on the amount that Kang Ho Dong specifically owes yet.”

Another close industry representative of Kang Ho Dong added, “He has nothing to earn out of recapitalizing. He was met with a loss for a very long time, and a lot of people know how much he suffered because of that.”

Kang Ho Dong’s agency had also previously explained, “There was a slight misunderstanding by the accountant that handles Kang Ho Dong’s taxes. He did not purposely avoid paying his taxes. We acknowledge his mistake and promise that this will never happen again.”

Source + Photos: Newsen via Nate

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Kang Ho Dong to pay a fine for tax evasion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On September 5th, representatives of Kang Ho Dong revealed that he was investigated for tax evasion, and was eventually charged a fine.

Through an official press release, representatives stated, “We’d like to first apologize to the fans for concerning them with such unfortunate news. During his recent investigation by the National Tax Service, it’s been discovered that he was charged additional fees of a couple hundred million won. For the past five months, he’s been working with his lawyer for all of the necessary steps required by the National Tax Service and genuinely did all he could for the investigation.”

They continued, “What was found in his declaration was that he did not pay enough taxes, which was why he was charged additional fees. Kang Ho Dong will make the appropriate payments immediately. Whatever the reason, we would like to apologize to his fans and the citizens of Korea for concerning them with this issue.”

Concluding, they added, “We would also like to promise that Kang Ho Dong will abide by the law, since it’s his duty as a citizen of this nation. We bow our head in apology once more.”

Source + Photos: Star News, Joy News 24 via Naver

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