Communication expert Kim Chang-ok joins 'Table Tales' to boost viewership

tvN STORY is recruiting communication expert Kim Chang-ok as a new fixed MC starting from the 63rd episode on the 19th to break a viewership slump that saw ratings fall back to 0.5% on October 12. The move aims to combine mukbang with healing talk to revitalize the program.

Despite featuring strong entertainment cards Lee Young-ja and Se-ri Pak, tvN STORY's 'Table Tales' has struggled to escape low viewership ratings and has ultimately chosen a new direction. As viewership repeatedly stalled in the 0% range, the program is attempting a turnaround by recruiting communication expert Kim Chang-ok as a new fixed MC. Attention is focused on whether this new combination, which blends mukbang with healing talk, can provide a breakthrough for the stagnant program.

Having premiered in 2025, 'Table Tales' has recently struggled to find a momentum for a viewership rebound. From late August to mid-September, ratings remained at 0.5% for four consecutive weeks. Although it appeared to rebound briefly with a 1.0% rating for the October 5 broadcast, the momentum did not last, as the October 12 episode fell back to 0.5%, continuing a frustrating trend.

Lee Young-ja and Se-ri Pak are well-known entertainers, with Lee specializing in mukbang and Se-ri Pak known for her witty and honest charm. While their meeting alone raised expectations, the program fell into a period of stagnation without creating a clear upward trend. Given that a combination of famous cast members alone makes it difficult to sustain viewer interest, attention is being paid to whether this MC change will serve as an opportunity to reorganize the program's identity beyond mere cast reinforcement.

Seeking a desperate boost in viewership, the production team will introduce Kim Chang-ok as a new fixed MC starting from the 63rd episode airing on the 19th. The strategy is to add elements of sincere conversation and empathy to the existing food-centered composition through the addition of Kim Chang-ok, known as a leading communication expert in South Korea. A change in the program's atmosphere is expected as Kim Chang-ok's characteristic comfortable wit and life stories combine with the mukbang chemistry of Lee Young-ja and Se-ri Pak.

The first meeting of the three will take place at a kalguksu restaurant located in an ironworks alley in Mullae-dong, Seoul. Taking on the role of a fixed MC in a food variety show for the first time, Kim Chang-ok reflected on his past experience appearing as a guest and noted the connection between food and communication. He expressed expectations for the new program, stating, "I think food serves as a good window for communication with people. What people really want to eat is memories and conversation."

The existing MCs also welcomed Kim Chang-ok's arrival. Lee Young-ja expressed her anticipation, saying, "'Table Tales' with Kim Chang-ok will be a program that fills not only the stomach but also the heart." Se-ri Pak also added to the curiosity regarding the new chemistry the three will create, stating, "I have great expectations for the new mental dining table."

The first guests will be actress Kim Sung-ryung and musical actress Choi Jung-won. In particular, Kim Chang-ok is expected to show his "President of Communication" side by sharing sincere empathy and conversation based on his own experiences regarding the concerns shared by Kim Sung-ryung. It is expected that the comfortable meetings mediated by food will showcase a different charm from existing broadcasts by expanding into personal worries and life stories.

However, it remains uncertain whether the introduction of a new MC will lead to an actual increase in viewership. This is because it is not easy to hold the interest of viewers for a long period simply by adding topical cast members. The key will be how naturally Kim Chang-ok's strengths of communication and empathy can be integrated while maintaining the unique fun of the program.

Whether 'Table Tales,' facing the reality of 0% viewership, can reach a new turning point through Kim Chang-ok's joining remains to be seen. Eyes are on the success or failure of this change to see if the "dining table that fills the heart," combining mukbang and life talk, can draw viewers back.

Read the original (Korean)