Announcer Lee Seong-bae Bids Farewell to MBC After 17 Years

Lee Seong-bae (이성배), a 44-year-old announcer, has announced his departure from MBC after 17 years with the network. On April 14, he shared a heartfelt message on his personal social media accounts, stating, "Today, I say my final goodbye to MBC." He reminisced about his first day at the broadcasting station, recalling how he entered with a foreign ID badge around his neck, and today he is letting it go.

Lee expressed that MBC was more than just a workplace for him; it was a foundation that shaped him into a communicator, thinker, and storyteller. He reflected on the countless moments of joy and sorrow he experienced, crediting his colleagues and viewers for his growth.

He mentioned, "Now, I have decided to step back from that familiar and warm place and leap into a chaotic era. I know this is a path I cannot return from, but I am throwing my life into a new direction." He concluded with hopes that this journey would lead to meaningful change for someone, wishing for it to be filled with the 'public language' and 'sincere attitude' he learned at MBC.

Lee's sudden resignation has sparked curiosity about his future plans. Earlier reports from TV Chosun indicated that he would join the presidential campaign of former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo (홍준표) as a spokesperson. Hong is expected to announce his campaign appointments, including Lee's role, during a press conference at 4 PM on the same day.

Lee joined MBC as a public announcer in 2008 and has been active in various roles across news and radio, including programs like Live Morning (생방송 오늘 아침), Live Friday Wide (생방송 금요 와이드), Sports Magazine (스포츠 매거진), and Section TV Entertainment Communication (섹션TV 연예통신). He has also participated in entertainment shows such as Real Men (진짜 사나이).

In 2023, he founded a non-profit social cooperative, the Korea Data Information Society Research Institute (한국데이터정보사회연구소), focusing on research related to personal data and security issues. Lee was previously married to MC Tak Ye-eun (탁예은), whom he met on the show Our Night (우리들의 일밤-신입사원), and they have a son together but divorced after a year. He later remarried in 2022 to a company employee who is four years younger than him.