Learn Korean: Korean Celebrities' Retirement from Food Shows

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Korean Reading Practice

‘14년 최불암, 7년 허영만’…식탁 지키던 두 거장의 ‘퇴장’

Date: June 17, 2026

Introduction

This article discusses the recent health-related departures of two beloved Korean television personalities who hosted long-running food and dining shows. The piece reflects on the cultural significance of these hosts in Korean broadcasting and their lasting impact on audiences who grew accustomed to their presence at the dinner table. It explores how their absences have created a noticeable void in Korean television programming dedicated to traditional Korean cuisine and local food culture.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
거장 geojang master; maestro 두 거장의 퇴장으로 시청자들이 아쉬움을 표했다.The departure of the two masters prompted viewers to express regret.
식탁 siktak dining table; dinner table 식탁을 지키던 그의 역할은 대체하기 어렵다.His role of presiding over the dining table is difficult to replace.
건강상의 geongangsangui health-related; regarding health 건강상의 문제로 인해 치료에 전념하고 있다.He is focusing on treatment due to health-related issues.
의료진 uiryojin medical team; healthcare professionals 의료진의 권고에 따라 회복에 집중하고 있다.Following the medical team's recommendations, he is concentrating on recovery.
노포 nopo long-established shop; old restaurant 전국의 노포를 방문하여 그 역사를 소개했다.He visited long-established restaurants across the nation to introduce their history.
백반 baekban Korean table d'hôte; set meal of rice and side dishes 백반집의 소박한 음식이 많은 이들의 마음을 사로잡았다.The simple fare of set-meal restaurants captured the hearts of many.
공백 gongbaek void; gap; absence 그의 공백이 시청률에 영향을 미쳤다.His absence affected the viewership ratings.
하차 hacha withdrawal from a show; stepping down 장기 진행자의 하차는 많은 아쉬움을 남겼다.The long-time host's withdrawal left considerable regret.
재활 치료 jaehwal chiryo rehabilitation therapy; rehabilitation treatment 병원에서 재활 치료를 받으며 회복 중이다.He is recovering while undergoing rehabilitation therapy at a hospital.
근황 geunhwang current situation; recent circumstances 최근 그의 근황이 팬들 사이에서 화제가 되었다.His recent circumstances became a topic of conversation among fans.
방송 중 bangsong jung currently airing; on air 그 프로그램은 여전히 방송 중이지만 시청자들은 변화를 느낀다.The program is still on air, but viewers sense the change.
목소리를 떠올리다 moksorireul teoolrida to recall one's voice; to remember someone's voice 많은 시청자들이 여전히 그의 목소리를 떠올린다.Many viewers still recall his distinctive voice.

Reading Text

한국 방송계의 식탁 문화를 대표하던 두 명의 거장이 동시에 무대에서 물러나게 되었으며, 이는 오랫동안 시청자들의 일상을 함께해온 프로그램의 공백을 의미한다.

Two masters who represented Korean broadcasting's dining culture have simultaneously stepped away from the stage, signifying a void in programs that have long been part of viewers' daily lives.

최불암은 십사 년이라는 긴 세월 동안 '한국인의 밥상'을 진행하며 한국의 전통 음식과 그에 얽힌 인문학적 이야기를 시청자들에게 전달해왔으나, 지난해 건강상의 이유로 하차함으로써 많은 팬들의 아쉬움을 샀다.

Choi Bool-am hosted "The Korean Dining Table" for fourteen years, conveying to viewers the stories of traditional Korean cuisine and the humanistic narratives intertwined with it, but his withdrawal last year due to health reasons disappointed many fans.

한편, 허영만 화백은 이십 년 가까운 경력 속에서 '식객 허영만의 백반기행'이라는 프로그램을 통해 전국 곳곳의 오래된 음식점과 소박한 백반 문화를 소개하며 깊은 사랑을 받았다.

Meanwhile, artist Heo Young-man earned profound affection by introducing long-established restaurants and humble set-meal culture throughout the nation via the program "Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey" over a nearly twenty-year career.

그러나 최근 허영만 화백의 건강상의 문제가 대중에 알려지게 되었으며, 의료진의 권고에 따라 현재 치료와 회복에 전념하고 있다는 소식이 전해져 시청자들 사이에서 걱정의 목소리가 높아지고 있다.

However, when news of artist Heo Young-man's health issues recently became public, and it was reported that he is currently focusing on treatment and recovery following medical professionals' recommendations, voices of concern have risen among viewers.

이 두 프로그램은 단순한 음식 소개를 넘어서 한국인의 밥상 문화와 그 안에 담긴 인간관계, 지역 공동체의 가치를 탐구하는 교양 프로그램으로서의 역할을 해왔으며, 진행자들의 따뜻한 목소리와 진정성 있는 태도가 시청자들의 마음을 사로잡았다.

These two programs have served roles beyond simple food introduction, functioning as educational programs that explored Korean dining culture, the human relationships contained within it, and the values of local communities, with the hosts' warm voices and authentic attitudes captivating viewers' hearts.

'한국인의 밥상'은 여전히 방송을 지속하고 있지만, 시청자들은 최불암의 독특한 목소리와 그가 전달하던 인문학적 깊이를 그리워하고 있으며, 이는 진행자의 존재가 단순히 프로그램의 형식을 넘어 시청자들의 정서적 유대감을 형성하는 데 얼마나 중요한지를 보여준다.

Although "The Korean Dining Table" continues to broadcast, viewers long for Choi Bool-am's distinctive voice and the humanistic depth he conveyed, demonstrating how crucial a host's presence is in forming emotional bonds with viewers beyond merely fulfilling the program's format.

두 거장의 부재는 한국 방송계에서 음식 문화를 매개로 한 깊이 있는 이야기 전달의 시대가 한 획을 긋는 순간이며, 이들의 빠른 회복과 언젠가의 복귀를 바라는 시청자들의 염원이 커지고 있다.

The absence of these two masters marks a turning point in Korean broadcasting's era of conveying profound narratives mediated through food culture, and viewers' hopes for their swift recovery and eventual return are growing stronger.

Grammar Points

-게 되다 come to / end up

Attached to a verb stem to express that a situation comes about or an outcome is reached, often without the subject's full intention. Formation: verb stem + -게 되다.

📖 한국 방송계의 식탁 문화를 대표하던 두 명의 거장이 동시에 무대에서 물러나게 되었으며, 이는 오랫동안 시청자들의 일상을 함께해온 프로그램의 공백을 의미한다. Two masters who represented the dining culture of Korean broadcasting both came to step down from the stage at the same time, which signifies a void in programs that had long been part of viewers' daily lives.

✏️ 열심히 공부한 덕분에 좋은 대학에 가게 되었어요. Thanks to studying hard, I ended up getting into a good university.

얼마나 -(으)ㄴ/는지 how (much / very)

Used to express 'how (much/very)' in an embedded clause, often conveying emphasis or rhetorical force. Formation: 얼마나 + verb/adjective stem + -(으)ㄴ/는지.

📖 이는 진행자의 존재가 단순히 프로그램의 형식을 넘어 시청자들의 정서적 유대감을 형성하는 데 얼마나 중요한지를 보여준다. This shows how important the host's presence is in forming an emotional bond with viewers, beyond merely the format of the program.

✏️ 그 영화가 얼마나 슬픈지 보는 내내 눈물이 났어요. The movie was so sad that I cried throughout the whole thing.

Cultural Notes

In Korean culture, the concept of "밥상 문화" (dining table culture) holds profound significance beyond mere sustenance—it represents family bonds, community values, and the transmission of cultural heritage. Korean television programs featuring food and dining, particularly those hosted by beloved personalities, serve as vessels for exploring not just recipes but the stories of ordinary people, local histories, and the emotional connections that bind communities together. The reverence shown toward long-established restaurants ("노포") reflects Koreans' respect for tradition and continuity, making programs like these important cultural institutions that preserve and celebrate the nation's culinary heritage and the human narratives intertwined with it.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

How long did Choi Bool-am host "The Korean Dining Table," and what was the primary reason for his departure from the program?

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Q2

What distinguishes the role of these two food programs beyond simply introducing dishes and recipes?

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Q3

According to the article, what specific aspect of Choi Bool-am's presence do viewers currently miss the most?

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Q4

What does the article suggest about the relationship between a television host's personal qualities and viewer engagement?

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Q5

How has the situation of these two hosts' departures affected Korean broadcasting, and what do viewers hope for regarding their future involvement in television?

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