What truly makes a music show memorable — the energetic performances, or the MCs who facilitate everything?
Does a cheery host change the vibe for the artists, and the fans?
What happens when an MC everyone loves, who was steps from the action, says goodbye?
This week, M Countdown’s fans are preparing for a bittersweet goodbye. Boynextdoor’s Myung Jae-hyun is leaving his role as MC on September 4, 2025, bringing an end to his 1 year 8 months on the show. With the exit of Sohee from the RIIZE program this spring’s season, fans began to long for the unforgettable trio that marked the show. This recent exit of Jaehyun only deepens that feeling.
Let’s dig deeper into what Jaehyun has done, his mark on the show, and what his exit means moving forward.
Who Is the New M Countdown MC in 2025?
With Jaehyun stepping down, fans are eagerly waiting for the M Countdown new MC 2025 announcement. Mnet usually reveals its new MC lineup within a few days after a departure, so fans can expect updates soon. Social media is already buzzing with speculation about who might take over the role — and whether the next MC will continue the cheerful and friendly vibe Jaehyun brought to the stage.
Stay tuned — we’ll update this article as soon as the official announcement is made.
Myung Jae-hyun’s Tenure on M Countdown
Myung Jae-hyun was inducted onto the cast of Mnet’s M Countdown as an MC in January 2024, alongside Sung Han-bin of Zero Base One, and Sohee of RIIZE, a trio that was dynamic and immediately in sync with the viewers. Their team chemistry offered a refreshing blend of professionalism and exuberance that showcased M Countdown.
For almost two years, Jaehyun was a staple on Thursday broadcasts, on display throughout his unfailingly sunny disposition and consistency. The viewer community coined the trio “Shine Mongtocat,” embodying a bright and buoyant atmosphere. To a certain extent, their inherent chemistry begins to reconstitute the identity of M Countdown in this time.
Hosting Style & Fan Reception
Jaehyun wasn’t just distinguished by his look on stage, but by the atmosphere he cultivated. His approachable energy brought warmth to the live broadcasts; both fans and even the performers would often say they loved the way he tended to make artists feel comfortable, especially when they were to perform during a nerve-wracking comeback stage.
Jaehyun’s relaxed manner didn’t just help artists find their sense of relaxation, it allowed for more authentic moments for the spectators at home, which in turn provided an overall better experience for everyone involved with the craft.
From playful banter to amazing transitions, Jaehyun proved that he was more than just presenting. He truly became a part of M Countdown itself, which not only increased the entertainment but the emotion between the audience and the show itself.
Departure Details
As mentioned in a report by IZE on September 1, Jaehyun will have his last broadcast as MC on September 4, 2025. His final MC post is after Sohee’s exit as MC in February, when she stepped down to focus on the group activities. Sung Han-bin is now the only member of the trio left as the M Countdown lineup steers into a new landscape.
This is the end of an era for many fans, because Jaehyun, Sohee and Han-bin developed chemistry that made the show M Countdown unlike any other. Things will be different without any of them involved as they defined the tone and chemistry of the M Countdown format. While one era is closing, we wonder what will be in store for the next.
Boynextdoor’s Ongoing Success
Although Jaehyun has stepped away from his MC role, he won’t be lacking in visibility, as Boynextdoor has quickly ascended into the K-pop landscape. Boynextdoor’s mini-album, 19.99, released in 2024, was able to achieve “million-seller” status, making them one of the most promising boy bands of their generation.
This quick ascension found momentum in 2025, with the release of No Genre in May which also was able to bank a million in sales. To top it off, Boynextdoor would go on to chart on Billboard’s main music album chart, Billboard 200, for four weeks; Boynextdoor has now only grown their international reach, and today they are a recognized “Top Tier 5 K-pop group, actively active both domestically and internationally“.
While Jaehyun may not be on M Countdown weekly, this certainly won’t be the last time it will be seen in the music space and all for good!
Fan Reactions & Industry Impact
Unsurprisingly, Jaehyun’s departure has prompted an outpouring of emotions. Fans took to social media to share their sadness, and a number of listed their most memorable moments with Jaehyun on stage, as well as moments he shared with his co-MCs.
The fact that Sohee and Jaehyun are both leaving in the same year makes it feel even more impactful. “Shine Mongtocat” had become more than a nickname for many — it was a representation of the happy energy that brought fans back week after week. With two-thirds of the trio gone, the big question is who will step in to fill the void and will they be able to replicate that legacy?
Industry observers point out that M Countdown has always done well at revitalizing itself with new ideas and new faces, but it is still going to be a challenge for someone to pick up and carry on when these cherished figures leave. Whoever takes over will now have the pressure of keeping the fan base engaged, while being true to their style and approach.
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Conclusion
Myung Jae-hyun’s departure from M Countdown represents the end of an era not only for the program, but also for fans as many of them had come to admire his presence. Jae-hyun’s bright personality, approachable demeanor, and genuine concern for the artists made him a pleasant host during his time on the show.
While it may be difficult to replace the energy of Boynextdoor, the group’s success overseas is a contribution to Jae-hyun’s legacy in the future. With the iconic “Shine Mongtocat” era over, fans can only hope and anticipate who will next bring their own wave of enthusiasm to the stage, and whether they will be successfully able to recreate the same magic that the trio possessed.
