A famous announcer recently shared how BTS unexpectedly made a verbal contract to keep working with him years ago.
Kim Il Joong, a veteran announcer-turned-entertainer, is known for his unrivaled mastery of hosting different shows, on and off the screen. In fact, he is probably one of the busiest emcees in the industry, given how often he is called to host idol fan meetings and press events for Korean shows and movies.
Kim’s face is familiar to BTS’s fandom, thanks to the multiple times he has hosted the group’s press events in Korea. He has been the go-to host for BTS’s press events for years now, to the point where he jokingly calls himself “the official unofficial exclusive host for BTS.”
If you can make bangtan smile or laugh sincerely & collectively, there is a high chance you will be in their good book and ARMY’s. Lol the way Kim Il Joong sang to #BTS_Butter got @BTS_twt chuckled.
pic.twitter.com/6ZIzifa0Cz
— cestlavie_90⁷
(@cestlavie9090) May 22, 2021
During an appearance on Happy Together a few years ago, he had revealed that BTS were the first group he started working for post quitting his news anchor life, and since then, they always kept calling him back for more events.
Whenever they hold concerts outside Korea, they hold a press conference once they arrive. For most, they have gotten in touch with me to host those conferences.
— Kim Il Joong
Kim recently appeared on another variety show called Immortal Songs and reminisced about his relationship with BTS. In his long career, he shared that he has been a part of many idols showcases, including the likes of Lee Hyo Ri, IU, and BTS. But right now, he is waiting for the group’s return from their military service to see if his role as the “unofficial official” MC for BTS gets reprised when they reunite.
Kim also recalled the wholesome story of how he got into a verbal agreement with the group to keep working with them. It turns out the group’s leader RM approached him after an event, asking him to “take care” of them until they all go to the military. Kim had shared the story a bit more in detail back in 2019 on Happy Together.
At one of the shows, after the event was over, I was saying goodbye to everyone off stage. That’s when RM approached me. He said, ‘Please take good care of us until we’re off to serve military duties.’ And RM being BTS’s leader… I decided that’s a promise with the whole group!
— Kim Il Joong
Will 2025 see BTS reunite with their beloved MC too?
