Novelist Bernard Werber and Professor Mark Petersen delivered touching moments to viewers by sharing their deep perspectives on life and their passionate affection for Korea.
Episode 36 of MBN's issue-maker talk show 'Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night,' which aired on the 1st, recorded a peak viewership rating of 2.1% based on Nielsen Korea's nationwide audience measurement.
Bernard Werber, the number one foreign author loved by Koreans who appeared as the first guest, shared behind-the-scenes stories of his debut novel 'Ants'. Having started writing from the age of 16 and working as a science reporter while writing 'Ants' for 12 years, he expressed affection upon hearing that the novel surpassed 3,000 printings in Korea, saying "Korean readers seem to be very curious about new stories." Regarding 'The Brain,' which sold over one million copies, he expressed gratitude, saying he was able to reach his current position thanks to Korean readers.
He then introduced his new work 'The Waltz of Souls,' delivering a profound message that "if you spend your life trying to please others, you will live a completely wasted life." He also confessed to a dangerous impulse he felt during the most beautiful moment of his life when 'Ants' was published, and shared how he overcame that moment by talking with friends. Werber, who felt Korea was a second homeland since his first visit 32 years ago, left words of encouragement to live the adventure of life to the fullest and find one's own happiness.
Following him was Professor Mark Petersen, a Harvard-educated Korean studies professor, who shared his love for Korea that has continued for 61 years since his first visit through missionary work in 1965. Professor Petersen, who began his research after being captivated by the strong gaze in the eyes of Koreans during those impoverished times, pointed to Korea's unique educational passion, which has continued since the civil service examination system of the Goryeo era, as the driving force behind Korea's rapid growth. He analyzed that the attitude of continuous learning and practice created the K-culture boom, and defined Korea not as a nation of warriors but as a nation of scholars centered on knowledge and learning.
In particular, he cited General Yi Sun-sin as the greatest figure in the world, and publicly revealed that he owns a turtle ship business card holder, old 500-won notes, and genealogies of the Deoksu Yi clan, authenticating himself as a true General Yi Sun-sin enthusiast. With the Korean name Bae Do-seon and a history of receiving the Cultural Medal of Service, he showed strong confidence, saying "I have witnessed overcoming difficulties for 60 years. There is hope in Korea."
After the broadcast, viewers sent enthusiastic empathy and praise, commenting that the episode featured sincere stories that touched the heart and was highly informative. Episode 37 of MBN's 'Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night' will air on Saturday, the 8th, at 9:40 PM.
