Kim Tae-woo

Occupation

Sports Caster of IB Sports

Major

KU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

1. Would you introduce yourself?

Hello. I am IB Sports caster, Kim Tae-woo. I graduated from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Konkuk University. In the past, I have broadcasted Major League Baseball (MLB), LaLiga, Bundesliga, Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), and so on.

2. Why did you start this work?

I have loved sports since I was young and made many chances to watch sports games via TV or in person. When I was young, I watched many sports such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and MLB for free through the American Forces Korean Network (AFKN) on channel two. I also used to go to a sub baseball stadium of “Taepyeongyang” near my house in Suwon. They came to my city nine times per year and I went there every time the game was held. After I became a university student, I used to go to Jamsil baseball stadium to cheer Hyundai Unicorns that acquired “Taepyeongyang”.

3. How did you get a job outside your major?

I wanted to work in the sports area as a caster after I discharged from the military. Therefore, I took a course in broadcasting and journalism at university. I also went to the caster academy. However, there were many problems studying to be a caster. It was quite different from what I had studied before. In the beginning, I just thought my passion could help me become a caster, but things were different. I practiced hard and worked hard even though there were many obstacles in front of me. Finally, I could get into the sports caster company.

4. You have broadcasted a lot of games so far, but are there any specific channels or games you would like to do in the future?

No, I would not. I really wanted to do this in the past but not now, because I have already done a lot of nice games and channels with my first company, XSPORTS. I broadcasted MLB highlights, KBO, LaLiga and the retirement game of Park Chan-ho. I broadcasted Futures League; the second division league of KBO, as a freelancer after my first job. I broadcasted high school baseball league for four years with this company. Finally, I have been working in the opposite direction from others who normally do lower league at the beginning of their career.

5. What are the most memorable scenes of your sports caster life during 10 years?

The most memorable memory is broadcasting the retirement game of Mariano Rivera, one of the greatest closers1) in the world who was selected as inductee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum by reporters. I was choked up remembering my past life and felt the passage of time with this great player when his colleagues came out to accept his ball. Another memory is when I was hosting the MLB show on the Naver sports radio. When I stepped down as a show expert, I was able to watch my first recording with a colleague.

6. Can you say something to juniors who are currently working as sports caster or KU students who have the dream to be a caster?

It is true that the caster market has recently become more competitive than it used to be. However, instead of trying to competitively show yourselves, I hope they watch the shows of great seniors and find their own pace. I want to tell KU students that being a caster is very nice and it will not be disappeared as long as sports exist. They also can get a great sense of accomplishment and various experiences, so do not be afraid to try.

1) Closing pitcher in baseball games