Kim Sung-joo showed keen interest in overseas food service business.
In the episode of MBN and MBC Drama Net's entertainment program "Living Report" that aired on the 16th, Kim Byung-hyun, who has wrapped up his 30-year baseball career and entered the food service industry, appeared as a "client looking to experience living."
On this day, Lee Ji-hye asked Kim Byung-hyun who he would like to partner with in starting a business among himself, Kim Sung-joo, and Jasson. Jasson emphasized being trendy, and Lee Ji-hye said, "I am meticulous." In response, Kim Sung-joo appealed, "I have financial resources" to capture Kim Byung-hyun's interest.
Meanwhile, Kim Sung-joo focused on a video introducing Taiwanese foods and jokingly told Kim Byung-hyun, "I'm going to do it first."
Various stores run by senior entrepreneurs from Taiwan were introduced, and Kim Byung-hyun, who showed interest in a store that introduced a machine that cuts kimbap instead of just rolling it, subtly suggested, "If you'd buy it for me, brother."
In response, Lee Ji-hye asked, "If you were to partner with Kim Byung-hyun, would your wife allow it?" Kim Sung-joo replied, "No, she wouldn't." He honestly added, "We get along too well, but my wife has great distrust regarding Kim Byung-hyun's business abilities," which drew laughter.
The second overseas business candidate was Cambodia. Cambodia was experiencing a Korean Wave to the extent that K-food was establishing its presence. The pricing was also similar to that of Korea, which surprised the panelists. Moreover, while the startup capital had a price range, labor costs were a significant advantage being low. Kim Sung-joo said, "Then it's competitive. You can't ignore labor costs when doing business," and Kim Byung-hyun responded, "Labor costs typically make up 30%."
The net profit for stores is also generally higher compared to Korea. The members then asked Kim Byung-hyun about his hamburger shop's monthly sales. Hesitating, Kim Byung-hyun replied, "Not much comes out. The net profit is now... if I work hard." Hearing this, Kim Sung-joo reacted, "A partnership is not possible yet."
After visiting a restaurant operating in Cambodia's food service and furniture factory, Kim Byung-hyun said, "But I didn't know that food prices in Cambodia would be that expensive," mentioning his most impressive experience was "jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). It's a bit late, but I plan to visit again," revealing his lingering thoughts about a previous plan to start a jajangmyeon business in the United States.
After all the videos ended, Lee Ji-hye asked whether he would go into business with Kim Byung-hyun, inquiring about the final choice. Kim Sung-joo rejected, saying, "I won't partner. It would just ruin our relationship."
Meanwhile, Kim Byung-hyun chose Taiwan, where there are baseball fields, over Cambodia. He stated, "There is enough baseball infrastructure there, so even if I run a food service business, it would be good to have a "hamburger shop run by a major league player." Conversely, Kim Sung-joo said, "I went to Cambodia in 2017, and it has grown tremendously since then. It's a complete land of opportunity. If I have to choose between the two, I'll pick Cambodia," showing a keen interest. In response, Kim Byung-hyun, who easily sways, humorously asked, "Can I change my mind?"
[Photo] Captured from "Living Report" broadcast.
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