KBS recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary with a special edition of their program, 'Morning Garden', titled 'Challenge Stage Dream', featuring prominent singers who reminisced about their journeys.
On March 5, 2025, stars including Kim Sang-hee, Seol Woon-do, Park Seo-jin, Son Heon-soo, and Park Cheol-kyu shared stories of how KBS has played pivotal roles throughout their careers.
Kim Sang-hee, who debuted as KBS1's exclusive singer back in 1961, reflected, "I was lucky to join when I was just a college freshman. My parents were against me pursuing music, but I secretly followed my passion until they learned about my success. Once my hit songs started coming, they softened and even began supporting me financially." She affirmed her strong connection to KBS, stating, "The 64 years with KBS have shaped my life, and I hope to sing alongside all my fellow artists and viewers until my last breath."
Seol Woon-do, another legendary figure, shared his experience of rising to fame after being discovered on KBS’s 'Birth of a Rookie' program back in 1982. "I spent years out of the spotlight until I found my bridge back with KBS. My song 'Finding the Dispersed Family' brought tears to the nation, and my hit 'Lost 30 Years' entered the Korean Guinness Book of Records for being the fastest to the top of the charts. Although I faced turmoil when my company went bankrupt and sought refuge in Japan, it led to my biggest hits like 'Original Point'." He confidently declared his intentions carrying the legacy of KBS forward, stating, "I will continue as KBS’s representative singer for another 50 years, bringing more songs to the hearts of the people."
Young star Park Seo-jin expressed his aspirations through his own story, proudly declaring himself as the 'first excellent singer' of 'Challenge Stage Dream'. "I was born and raised by the sea, surrounded by fishing boats. I began singing at six, inspired as I played on my parents' boat," he recalled. "When my mother fell gravely ill from cancer, I chose to pursue my dreams of being a singer. Today, I can say I’ve been honored with the Rookie Award at the KBS Entertainment Awards and have even built homes for my parents. It is my deepest goal to see my songs on KBS radio, fulfilling my father’s wish. I want to work harder as KBS’s child."
Throughout the anniversary event, each artist underscored their heartfelt connections to KBS, showcasing their journeys from humble beginnings to stardom.
The stories shared during this 52nd-anniversary celebration serve as heartfelt reminders of the significant footprints left by KBS on the music industry, affirming its role as not just a network, but as the nurturing ground for many of South Korea's most beloved artists.