Kang Ho Dong

Kang Ho-dong (born July 14, 1970, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province) is a South Korean television host, comedian, and former ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) champion who holds the rare distinction of achieving entertainment's Grand Slam -- winning the Daesang at all four major Korean awards ceremonies: KBS, MBC, SBS, and the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. Before entering entertainment, Kang was a dominant force in ssireum, winning the Cheonhajangsa title (awarded to the nation's strongest) three consecutive times from 1990 to 1992 and becoming the youngest person ever to hold the honor. His physical presence and competitive instincts translated seamlessly to the screen when he transitioned to a broadcasting career in 1993 on MBC. His variety show trajectory accelerated through the late 1990s and 2000s with anchor roles on SBS X-Man and Love Letter before he became the defining host of SBS Star King, KBS 2 Days & 1 Night, and SBS Strong Heart. In 2007 he won the Daesang at the SBS Entertainment Awards for Star King. The following year, he made history at the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards as the first comedian ever to win the Television Daesang, completing his Grand Slam across all major broadcasters. In 2011, Kang temporarily stepped back from public life amid tax evasion allegations, but returned to reclaim his position at the top of Korean variety. He has since anchored tvN travel series New Journey to the West and become a permanent fixture on JTBC's Knowing Bros. His signature energy -- part pro wrestler, part class clown -- has defined Korean variety television for over three decades. He is managed by SM C&C and has been married to Lee Hyo-jin since 2006.