Kim Dae-ho's Freelance Leap: Freedom or Risk?
After decades of working as a news anchor at MBC, Kim Dae-ho made headlines in early 2025 by stepping away from his secure job to become a freelance broadcast personality. His announcement struck a chord—not just with fans, but with anyone who's ever wondered whether taking that leap into the unknown is worth it.
His emotional appearance on the popular reality show “I Live Alone”, where he reunited with his childhood mentor after 30 years, added depth to his decision. Shedding tears on national television, Kim offered a glimpse into the emotional weight behind his professional move, revealing that it wasn’t about money, but freedom and personal growth.
Why Now? The Motivation Behind the Move
Kim explained that he left MBC not due to dissatisfaction but because he felt a moral debt to the company had been fulfilled. At mid-life, he wanted to reclaim control of his career and inject new meaning into his work. This speaks to a growing trend among professionals—not just in South Korea but globally—choosing autonomy over security.
Since going freelance, Kim has seen his opportunities multiply. He's been offered more diverse roles, has flexibility in choosing projects, and reportedly experienced a stunning 150-fold increase in appearance fees. But while many focus on the upside, Kim doesn’t shy away from discussing the pressure and uncertainty that comes with the freedom.
Freedom to Grow: Bright Sides of Freelancing
Freelancing allows people like Kim to break free from institutional limitations. Without network contracts tying him down, Kim can now pursue a broader range of projects. He’s appeared not only on reality shows but also as a guest in talk shows, podcasts, and even new digital media platforms.
There’s also the financial liberation—appearance fees, sponsorships, and personal branding revenues that can dwarf a salaried job. In this sense, Kim’s transition echoes that of Oprah Winfrey, who left mainstream networks to establish her own media empire. Auto-determination and owning your brand isn’t just fulfilling—it can be extremely profitable.
Perhaps most importantly for Kim, freelancing offers the chance to rediscover his voice. No longer hemmed in by newsroom conventions, he can share his story honestly, which resonates deeply with a public hungry for authenticity.
The Catch: Fear, Fatigue, and Financial Fluctuation
But freelancing isn’t all upward graphs and glory. With great freedom comes great responsibility—and a serious uptick in workload. Kim is now his own manager, scheduler, promoter, and strategist. Every project, every contract, every appearance is on his shoulders alone.
One major downside? Financial unpredictability. Unlike a salaried anchor, Kim has no guaranteed monthly paycheck. His income depends on how often he appears and whether those gigs pay on time. There have been controversies in Korea around freelancers getting underpaid or being ghosted by agencies—a problem especially hard to tackle without legal teams or union backing.
Health risks also spike with a freelance lifestyle. Longer hours, irregular rest, and the stress of constant competition can quickly lead to burnout. Unlike salaried workers, freelancers in South Korea often don’t have employer-provided insurance or retirement savings plans.
Public Reaction: Cheers, Concerns, and Caution
Kim Dae-ho’s story has drawn mixed reactions online. Many admire his courage, especially his transparent moment on I Live Alone where he cried while talking to his longtime mentor. Fans praised his emotional honesty and the way he’s rebranding himself—not as a polished TV anchor, but as a relatable person.
Others, however, are more skeptical. Freelancers today may enjoy the limelight temporarily but, without long-term planning, they can struggle to maintain steady careers. A few viewers feared Kim's shift might be a midlife impulse rather than a calculated strategy.
Still, the debate reflects larger conversations happening globally. In the U.S., for example, the gig economy has drawn both praise for flexibility and criticism for its lack of support structures. Kim’s transition feeds into that same tension: dream job or high-risk hustle?
Balancing Act: Choosing Freelance with Eyes Wide Open
Ultimately, Kim Dae-ho’s move is neither simply inspiring nor foolish—it’s complex. It’s a brave step into a world full of opportunity, but also full of challenges. It symbolizes the duality many modern professionals face: the craving for autonomy versus the craving for stability.
For aspiring freelancers, Kim’s experience is both a cautionary tale and a motivational example. Make sure you're prepared—financially, emotionally, and professionally—before cutting ties with corporate structure. Know why you want freedom; plan for how to thrive after you get it.
Kim’s journey is still ongoing, and how his freelance chapter unfolds will likely influence a lot more than just young broadcasters. His story is about courage, reinvention, and the tough reality of chasing a dream on your own terms.
