Hong Dan-bi releases debut single 'Saram Naemse' after 32-year career rebrand

Hong Dan-bi — formerly Kim Jung-yeon, the broadcaster Koreans knew as the '국민 안내양' (national tour guide) — released her debut single Saram Naemse (사람 냄새, "Human Scent") on August 31. The track was composed by 알고보니 혼수상태.

Eleven years had passed since her last release. "This album is actually my first in 11 years," she said. "I prepared it with the heart of a newcomer, carving into my bones." She stepped down from KBS 6si Naegohyang in March after 17 years guiding the show. "The segment remained but only I was replaced, so the shock was great."

Before the digital drop, Hong Dan-bi performed Saram Naemse live on KBS 1TV Achim Madang's '별부부전' segment on the 31st, appearing alongside her husband Kim Jong-won, a veteran festival director nine years her senior. The segment was titled '단비 같은 인생 2막을 열다' (Opening a Second Act of Life Like Dan-bi) and hosted by announcers Park Chul-gyu and Eom Ji-in. After the performance, MC Eom Ji-in said: "It smells like a big hit."

Hong Dan-bi was previously a member of folk group 노래를 찾는 사람들 before becoming known as a rural bus reporter. She met Kim Jong-won during an interview when she was a broadcast reporter and he owned a food service business. "Now that I have passed the midpoint of my life, before it gets too late, I wanted to do my best as a singer, my true profession," she said. Her husband's full support made the rebrand possible. She now runs a YouTube channel meeting people and listening to their stories—the same instinct, different bus.