Comedian Kang Ho-dong joins SM C&C board

Comedian and TV presenter Kang Ho-dong [SM C&C]

Kang Ho-dong, a veteran comedian and show host of more than 30 years, became a member of entertainment company SM C&C’s board of directors.

Kang was elected at a management committee meeting held earlier this month, according to SM C&C on Wednesday.

SM C&C, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, operates as a talent agency, television production, advertisement and travel company. It currently also houses TV presenters including Jeon Hyun-moo, Seo Jang-hoon and Kim Jun-hyun as well as actors such as Kim Su-ro.

The comedian debuted as a comedian in 1993 after a prolific career as a ssireum, or Korean traditional wrestling, athlete. He signed with SM C&C 12 years ago in 2012.

“Kang Ho-dong is Korea’s top entertainer and an artist who represents SM C&C,” SM C&C CEO Namgoong Chul said. “The knowledge and experience he has acquired over working in various programs and comedy shows will be valuable in multiple industries such as in advertisement, media content and travel.”

In 2008, Kang won the grand prize in the Television category at the Baeksang Arts Awards, becoming the first comedian to do so. He is known having hosted a variety of comedy shows including SBS’s “Star King” (2007-16), the first season of KBS’s “Two Days and One Night” (2007-11), tvN’s “New Journey to the West” (2015-) and JTBC’s “Knowing Bros” (2015-).

Kang announced his “temporary” retirement in 2011 after being accused of tax evasion. He was issued a fine by the National Tax Service for underpaying taxes for his declared assets, and returned to show business in 2012.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]