Kim Gura

This is a Korean name; the family name is Kim.
Kim GuRa
김구라
Birth name Kim Hyun-dong (김현동)
Born October 3, 1970
Incheon, South Korea
Medium television
Nationality South Korean
Years active 1993-present
Genres Situation comedy
Influences Lee Kyung-kyu
Notable works and roles Radio Star, Line Up, Quiz that Changes the World, Intimate Note
Stage name
Hangul 김구라
Revised Romanization Gim Gu-ra
McCune–Reischauer Kim Ku-ra

Kim Hyun-dong[1](Hangul: 김현동, born October 3, 1970), better known as his stage name Kim GuRa (Korean: 김구라) is a Korean MC, comedian and radio host.

Career

He first appeared on television in the 1990s in comedy shows and comedy skits. Kim was blasted by the Korean public for harshly criticizing boy band H.O.T. member Moon Hee Jun of his musical style, fashion, and hairstyle on his radio show (yet ironically he would be paired with the said musician when hosting shows). He was also well known for being one of the main MCs of popular Korean variety show Line Up being on the Kyu Line. He was also one of the main MC'S of popular South Korean shows Quiz that Changes the World,[2] Radio Star and The Moments of Truth Korea. He is well known for his blunt yet humorous attitude when hosting TV shows. He has also appeared as a guest on A Table for the Gods.[3]

His son, Kim Dong-hyeon, also appeared on television in Bungeoppang[4] and other shows as well, most notably Star Golden Bell and also in the MBC drama 'May Queen' as the younger version of the main female character's older (step) brother.[5]

In April 2012, Kim quit the eight entertainment programmes he hosts, following controversy over a 2002 audio clip from a radio programme, where he likened comfort women to prostitutes.[6]

He is set to return to television in January 2013, hosting new variety show Men's Stuff with Lee Sang-min on cable channel JTBC.[7]

References

  1. Park Jeong-Hoon (April 9, 2012). "김구라의 막말 업보". donga.com. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  2. Han Sang-hee (December 30, 2009). "Yoo Jae-suk Named Top Entertainer at Year-End Event". Korea Times.
  3. Han Sang-hee (June 28, 2010). "Stay healthy by studying your genes". Korea Times.
  4. Han Sang-hee (January 28, 2009). "Stars' Families Stealing Spotlight". Korea Times.
  5. Kim, Mi Hwa (2012-06-14). "김구라子 김동현, '메이퀸' 캐스팅..'김유정 오빠'". Star News. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  6. "Comedian Quits Over Insults to Comfort Women". Chosun Ilbo. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  7. Ho, Stewart (27 December 2012). "Kim Gura and Lee Sang Min to MC New jTBC Variety Show, Men’s Stuff". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Retrieved 2 January 2013.