Idol-hosted radio has a new face joining its ranks. ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Tae Rae has officially been announced as the new DJ of MBC Radio’s “Close Friend,” stepping into a legacy that’s been shaped by some of K-pop’s biggest names before him.
The big update: Kim Tae Rae will host the rebranded show, now titled “ZEROBASEONE’s Close Friend,” premiering August 31 on MBC FM4U.
“Close Friend” isn’t a new show — it’s a long-running radio program that first aired back in 2003, and over the years it’s been helmed by idols known for strong vocal, entertainment, and hosting skills, including Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and GOT7’s Youngjae. Kim Tae Rae now joins that lineage, continuing a tradition that’s lasted over two decades.
Table of Contents
ZEROBASEONE details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| New DJ | Kim Tae Rae (ZEROBASEONE) |
| Show Title | ZEROBASEONE’s Close Friend |
| Premiere Date | August 31, 2026 |
| Air Schedule | Monday–Wednesday, 10 p.m.–midnight KST |
| Network | MBC FM4U |
| Also Available On | MBC Radio’s “Idol Radio Universe” YouTube channel |
| Previous Notable DJs | Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation), Youngjae (GOT7) |
Beyond the traditional radio broadcast, the show will also air as a visual radio program, meaning fans won’t just be able to listen — they’ll get to watch Kim Tae Rae host live via YouTube, a format that’s become increasingly popular for idol-led radio shows since it lets viewers see real-time reactions and chemistry with guests.
This isn’t Kim Tae Rae’s first time in front of a camera in a hosting-adjacent role either. Fans can currently catch him on ZEROBASEONE’s variety show “CAMP ZEROBASEONE” on Viki, which offers a preview of his on-air personality ahead of his radio debut.
Landing a DJ slot on a show with this kind of pedigree is a notable milestone for any idol, and it signals growing trust in Kim Tae Rae’s ability to carry a live, unscripted format three nights a week — a different skill set entirely from performing or acting.
For more context on the format and history of Korean idol-hosted radio programming, Wikipedia’s page on radio programming offers useful background on how these long-format shows are structured and sustained over decades.
And for more K-pop idol news and show announcements as they break, TechnoSports’ entertainment section keeps everything tracked in one place.
With a premiere just days away, fans won’t have to wait long to hear how Kim Tae Rae settles into his new role behind the mic.
FAQs
Q1. When does ZEROBASEONE’s Close Friend premiere?
It premieres on August 31, 2026, airing Monday through Wednesday from 10 p.m. to midnight KST.
Q2. Who was the DJ of Close Friend before Kim Tae Rae?
Previous DJs have included Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and GOT7’s Youngjae.
