Actor Kim Woo-bin has been named the new host of music channel Mnet’s “M Countdown.”

The previous hosts of the program were Tony An of H.O.T. and FT Island’s Lee Hong-gi, making Kim the only host who did not debut as a K-pop artist. Kim appeared as a special guest emcee on the program in April and received positive feedback for his hosting abilities. 

“Kim Woo-bin has a steady voice and has the ability to be a capable host,” the production team for “M Countdown” stated. “He has gained recognition abroad for his roles in various TV dramas, and we thought he would be a good fit to host the program.”

Kim gained widespread popularity after appearing in KBS 2TV’s “School 2013” as rebellious schoolboy Park Heung-soo. He is set to appear on the much-anticipated SBS TV drama “Those Who Want the Crown, Withstand the Weight of it ― The Heirs” in October.

“M Countdown” airs live every Thursday, featuring performances by popular K-pop artists. The program is also aired in countries including China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, Malaysia and Singapore.

Kim is set to make his first appearance as official host of “M Countdown” on Thursday at 6 p.m.

By Cha Yo-rim (yorimcha@heraldcorp.com)