Jun Hyunmoo has become a ubiquitous presence on TV: gracing screens with an irrepressible enthusiasm and verve. A busy man, he brings gravitas to his shows, whether on terrestrial or digital TV channels. Let's meet Jun Hyunmoo and find out more about his goal of becoming the nation's favorite TV presenter.

Jun Hyunmoo joined Chosun Ilbo in 2003 as reporter in the 43^rd open recruitment campaign. The following year, he joined YTN as an announcer in the 8th open recruitment campaign, where he began broadcasting as a news anchor. In 2006, he joined KBS as announcer in the 32^nd open recruitment campaign, and caught the public's imagination with his witty banter on many reality TV shows. He achieved a grand slam in media exams by passing the exams required to be a reporter, anchor and announcer, and in September 2012, he declared that he would become a freelancer with the dream of becoming the nation's leading TV presenter. Jun's weekly schedule is always fully packed. He spends a hectic week with MBC's I Live Alone on Monday, tvN's Birth of a Song on Tuesday, tvN's Wednesday Food Talk and O tvN's Free 19 on Wednesday, and tvN's Problematic Men on Thursday. Then on the weekend, he is busy filming KBS2's Happy Together on Saturday and JTBC's Non-Summit on Sunday. In addition, he recently accepted the offer to host JTBC's Phantom Singer and KBS2's Trick & True. It's amazing with all these commitments on his time that he manages to keep track of them all – and yet he does, and with such a winning on-screen presence that he's widely loved.

I left my company to become a freelancer in the dream of using my own efforts to achieve success. Being busy isn't about earning money, but about doing what I love – I'm really interested in pushing the bounds and representing myself to my best ability on screen. It's strange, but when you live like this for so long, eventually it just becomes the norm. That's why, whenever one program ends, I feel this compelling need to replace it with another.

I've recently focused a lot on Trick & True and Phantom Singer. Trick & True is a science show that presents supernatural phenomena using science and magic, while Phantom Singer is an audition program that selects Korea's best male quartet group. I love how both shows present such unique and informative contents. I'm looking forward to appearing in award ceremonies at the end of the year.

I always try never to repeat the same story or ad lib I shared on a different show. I'm very much aware that viewers may become tired of always seeing me on so many different shows. So, I make sure to think carefully before I speak, and also try to regularly update my clothes or appearance. I've recently become very interested in fashion, so I'm attempting to bring out different sides of my character through what I wear.

The toughest show I hosted was JTBC's Hidden Singer. It was a music program designed around a whole new concept featuring talented people who can completely mimic the voice and singing style of famous Korean singers. These people would hide behind the curtains and sing, and the panel, audience and viewers could only listen to their voices before trying to find the real original singer. This show required me to embrace the original singer, the mimicking singers, the panel of celebrities, the audience on site and even viewers watching the TV. It felt like I was taking part in a one-man show. That's how much responsibility I felt.

There are four elimination rounds. I had to keep reminding the original singer that he or she may also drop out, while also controlling the level of tension so that he or she wouldn't feel offended or intimidated. Even as the tension built, I had to keep the audience entertained so they didn't tire, while also taking care of all the celebrities sitting in on the panel. This meant I was hosting the show almost omnidirectionally. I found it really tough, but also deeply rewarding. That's what I think being a good TV presenter is all about. Looking back, I'm so glad for having been part of that show.

I was really excited that Problematic Men, the show I've helped make, was selected in the entertainment contents category of the tvN 10 Awards held in October to celebrate the channel's 10^th anniversary. It's less than two years old, but I think the contents are unique and create a strong attachment like MBC's long-lived program, Infinite Challenge. At first, I thought it might be difficult for viewers to understand math problems or cerebral challenges, so it was an incredible honor and surprise when the show was awarded as part of the tvN's 10 year anniversary. This gave me a greater sense of responsibility for my future attitude.

It's been 5 years since former anchorman Jun Hyunmoo switched to being a host in reality TV shows. Yet, he has also recently returned to his home ground of KBS where he had been banned for three years after quitting and announcing his new position as freelancer. His email address comes from the American talk show master Larry King. This conveys his ambition to become Korea's Larry King, and it shows his meticulous attention to detail. His sense of purpose and faithful attitude to serve others host like Larry King.

I'm always looking for something new. I prefer infotainment shows that provide both fun and information over pure entertainment shows. Non-Summit, Problematic Men, and Free 19 are like that.

I just try to host a fun and educational show that makes me laugh. Some entertainers are good at hosting a show, others are good at being panel members: I like to think I can do both. (Laughs)

If I do, I think it would be that, as a broadcaster, nothing's worse than being boring. It doesn't matter whether you're making an entertainment show, a cultural show, a documentary or even just the news, you have to keep it fun. Of course, fun can mean different things to different people. But, there has to be a hook that connects with viewers and keeps them interested in what's going to happen next, because otherwise they'll quite simply switch over.

Being a TV presenter isn't just about being able to speak well: it's about helping others to find their voice. That's why it's so important to listen attentively to guests on the show. This enriches the program without being limited by what's in the script only. You need to have the composure to be able to listen slowly and understand what others have to say, instead of being hasty to try to say something to make yourself stand out.

Jun has gone against type as a former anchorman turned reality TV show host. His vivid wit, humor and quick responses come through in various shows. He has focused on building his own character while working with stars like Yoo Jaesuk, Shin Dongyup and Kim Gura. As a result, he is carving out his own niche with shows that combine fun and culture, entertainment and current affairs. Jun's vision of the future is to become a TV presenter that can shine a light on the problems of this world.

Many people assume that I love to go out, but I actually prefer staying in relaxing at home. I usually take a bath or go for a massage in my free time. It's relaxing not to have to talk. Usually we call it spacing out, right? I just sit there doing nothing to regain my energy. I like to catch up on my sleep.

My goal is to reduce the number of shows I'm hosting, while also increasing their quality. I want to improve my quality of life. I barely have enough time to think right now, but I want to make time to travel and read the books I've bought but not even opened yet. I'm also about to restart learning foreign languages, which used to be a passion of mine.

Being the nation's leading TV presenter. That's what I want.

If you face a difficult situation or are thinking about your future direction, of course it's good to hear other people's advice, but ultimately you're the person who knows the right answer. In the end, you're the one who knows yourself best, not your family, coworkers or friends. Don't hesitate to push forward with the things you believe are right, and the things you want to do. The answer to your life lies in you.

Some say that the key to Jun's success is his natural-born intelligence, while others say that it's his quick reaction to different situations or his sense of humor. But, actually, his success begins in his efforts and passion, rather than being something that he was born with.
Jun never stops striving to consolidate his competitive edge, aware as he is of the perennial threats to his status. He considers himself a brand, and fills it constantly with new stories, and never fears to take new challenges, which fills up his footsteps with confidence. We look forward to his next step, as he has never settled for his given position, but has constantly upgraded himself in pursuit of his passion for broadcasting.