Daily Busan
[INTERVIEW] Kim: English 'is a tool for joy and communication'
Johan Kim entertains audiences with charisma.
Busan English Broadcasting, or BeFM, has achieved remarkable success on its YouTube channel. With just 4,600 subscribers a year ago, the channel now boasts over 120,000.
Originally just a radio station, BeFM added video streaming to its portfolio. The surge in YouTube subscribers reflects BeFM's pivot to supplementing its radio content with long- and short-form news and educational videos that reflect local and international issues.
The channel streams five weekday live shows. Among them, "All-Star English" has gained a significant following by teaching English in a fun and accessible way.
Busan is Good interviewed Johan Kim, a host of "All-Star English." Mr. Kim also serves as an ambassador for Busan's English-Friendly City initiative. However, his biggest claim to fame is as a musician; he is a member of the pioneering hip-hop and R&B group Solid.
The interview has been edited for clarity.
Q. How do you feel about your journey with BeFM so far?
A. Time has flown by since the first broadcast in February 2024. I come to Busan once a week to host the show. Busan is a warm city - the people, the climate, everything.
It's rewarding and satisfying to see our program gaining interest beyond Busan, with enthusiastic responses from people in Seoul, Paju, Suwon, and even from global audiences in places like the U.S. or Canada. I take great pride in that.
With each episode, I focus on my tone and energy to create an experience for listeners that feels like watching a foreign film. I think our audience responds to that.
Q. What do you think is most important when hosting a show?
A. Having been born and raised in the U.S., I wasn't very good at Korean when I first moved here. I often felt embarrassed about my language skills and pressured by the attention of others. Those experiences have shaped how I broadcast. My goal is to create a show that entertains and connects with the audience.
Q. Have you found your role as an ambassador for Busan's English-Friendly City initiative rewarding?
A. I think people may be surprised that Busan has an excellent infrastructure for English speakers, better than many residents realize. My foreign friends are often impressed by how accommodating the city is for international tourists who don't speak Korean. English services are well established, with translated menus in restaurants and transportation and hotel information available in English. I'm optimistic that Busan will become more English-friendly with ongoing efforts.
Q. What do you think Busan needs to become a truly friendly city for English speakers?
A. I recall a guest on my program who said, "Please remember that English is not a difficult burden, but rather a tool for joy and communication."
I completely agree with that sentiment, and Busan must embrace this mindset to become a global hub city. It is important to create an environment where anyone can comfortably communicate in English. When that happens, Busan will be an English-friendly city.
Q. Can you share your impressions of Busan and its people?
A. I come to Busan for work, but I always want to stay longer. I'm happy here. I want to find a house in Busan and settle down. If I could be born again, I would love to live here. Life in Busan feels more laid-back and relaxed. I think Busan people are warmhearted and feel a strong connection with one another. I hope to make deeper relationships with Busan people in the future.
Professionally, I share a strong bond with my colleagues; we are like a family. Our team spirit infuses joy into our work, and I believe our listeners can also sense that connection.
BeFM programs are available via YouTube, its homepage, mobile app or terrestrial radio (FM 90.5 / FM 103.3 in Gijang County, Noksan and Jeonggwan-eup).