Choo Sung-hoon. [Yonhap]
Choo Sung-hoon. [Yonhap]

MMA fighter and broadcaster Choo Sung-hoon is stepping back from variety shows and YouTube to focus on his retirement bout.

Choo is set to compete in Black Combat 17, a mixed martial arts event scheduled for Nov. 21 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.

The bout will mark the end of his fighting career. He is currently deep in training and plans to keep his entertainment and broadcast commitments to a minimum until fight night.

Choo has been a fixture on television and YouTube in recent years, but with his final fight approaching, he is returning to his roots as a fighter.

The production team behind his YouTube variety series "Sajangnim-i Michyeosseoyo" has rallied behind his farewell challenge.

"We are more sincerely behind his challenge than anyone, given that we get to be with Choo Sung-hoon the entertainer as he prepares one last time to show his fighter's side," the team said. "We hope he puts on a great fight and creates a wonderful moment."

Over the years, Choo has built a second career as an entertainer, winning fans with his candid wit and approachable charm across variety programs and online content.

For now, however, he is setting aside the camera to concentrate on training as he readies himself for the final chapter of his fighting life.


min3654@heraldcorp.com