Song Hae, the oldest MC in Korea, is expected to leave KBS1's longest-running music program 'National Singing Contest' due to health problems.

In January, Song Hae was hospitalized due to health problems, and in March was quarantined after being diagnosed with COVID-19. As such, it is known that Song Hae has recently suffered from health problems consecutively and told the 'National Singing Contest' production team that he intends to leave the MC position.

A KBS official said, "We are continuing to talk with the production team because it is not a situation where he specified saying 'I will do until this time.' So we're still talking to Song Hae in regards to this." 

As it is known that Song Hae will depart from the 'National Singing Contest' due to health problems, interest in his successor MC is growing.

The candidates for Song Hae's successor are Lee Soo Geun and Lee Sang Byeok.

Song Hae nominated Lee Soo Geun as the next MC for the 'National Singing Contest' in KBS2's talk show 'Win Win' back in 2010.

Song Hae said, "Lee Soo Geun has a talent for wittily handling situations when faced with sudden moments."

Last year, MC Lee Sang Byeok was mentioned as the successor MC. Song Hae said, "There are many of my juniors who are in line. I've decided a long time ago in my heart that it would be Lee Sang Byeok."

Meanwhile, Song Hae is the oldest incumbent broadcaster and the longest-serving MC in Korea, receiving a lot of love. 'National Singing Contest' has been broadcasting special in-studio episodes since March 2020 due to COVID-19 but it is scheduled to resume on-site recording starting from June.