SBS '8 News' Changes Anchors After 8 Years

SBS's flagship news program '8 News' is undergoing a significant change.

On the 10th, SBS announced that starting from the 21st, it will completely overhaul the anchor team for its weekday main news program 'SBS 8 News' and 'Morning Wide.'

This change comes as anchor Kim Hyun-woo, who has been delivering trusted news to viewers for the past eight years, will step down to embark on training in the United States this August.

Having maintained a position at the center of SBS news with in-depth reporting and dignified presentation, anchor Kim has decided to temporarily leave the viewers to gain a broader perspective on the world.

Born in 1979, Kim Hyun-woo joined SBS as a reporter in the 13th batch of 2005 and has been serving as the main anchor of 'SBS 8 News' since 2017.

His calm and trustworthy presentation has left a deep impression on many viewers.

Young and Dynamic New Faces, Who Will Take Over?

The upcoming revamp aims to strengthen communication with viewers and enhance the credibility and competitiveness of the news by introducing four young and dynamic new anchors.

The new faces leading 'SBS 8 News' following Kim Hyun-woo will be reporter Sa Gong-seong and announcer Joo Si-eun.

Reporter Sa Gong-seong joined SBS in 2022 after working as an announcer at Daegu Broadcasting and as a correspondent in Beijing for Channel A.

As a reporter in the social affairs department, he has been quick on the ground for reporting and has gained experience as the anchor of 'Morning Wide' since late last year.

Despite his relatively short career, reporter Sa has gained attention for his concise remarks and stable presentation, stating, "Truth might be uncomfortable and facts heavy, but I will show a change that makes '8 News' a must-watch."

Joo Si-eun, who will also co-anchor '8 News', has built a solid foundation as a news anchor by presenting weekend '8 News' and 'Morning Wide' since joining SBS in 2016.

Joo expressed her ambition, saying, "I will strive to make 8 News the first place that comes to mind when news is needed," and "I want to be an anchor who is close to the viewers."

For 'Morning Wide,' reporter Park Chan-geun and announcer Kim Ga-hyun have been selected as the new anchors.

Reporter Park, who joined SBS in 2016, is a veteran journalist who has passed through major news departments including social affairs, economy, and politics.

Known for his sharp analytical skills and calm delivery, he stated, "I want to create news that helps start the day and helps viewers learn at least one new thing."

Joining him, Kim Ga-hyun, who joined SBS in 2021, has been active as the main anchor for weekday '8 News' since April 2023, receiving viewers' trust with her youthful sensibility and sophisticated presentation.

This time, shifting to the morning news, she expressed her determination for new challenges, saying, "I will deliver friendly news that resonates with the viewers."

SBS stated, "This anchor change embodies our commitment to not only a generational shift but also to conveying young sensibilities and energy to the audience," adding, "Together with these four anchors who excel in communication and empathy, we will provide in-depth news from a fresh perspective."

Amid this anchor change, there will also be an enhancement of in-depth investigative reporting, the introduction of differentiated content unique to SBS, and the establishment of new segments to enhance the news's competitiveness. Thus, there is anticipation about how SBS's new changes will present themselves to viewers.

Image Source: Kim Hyun-woo Anchor / SBS, 'SBS 8 News' Sa Gong-seong, Joo Si-eun Anchor / SBS, 'Morning Wide' Park Chan-geun, Kim Ga-hyun Anchor / SBS