Actor Lim Chae-moo expressed his increasing difficulties in managing an amusement park.
In the episode of KBS2's "Boss's Ears Are Donkeys' Ears" aired on the 20th, Park Myung-soo, Ye-won, and announcer Kim Jin-woong visited the Duriland operated by Lim Chae-moo.
On that day, Lim Chae-moo shared his affection for Duriland, which he has operated for almost 40 years, saying, "About 70 to 80% here is drawn by me directly. So, I have more affection for it, and I consider it my alter ego, my life." He added, "I purchased it in 1988, started construction in 1989, and it opened in 1990." He also reflected, "Since I started working at the broadcasting station in 1973, I used to come here for outdoor shoots. Back then, everyone came here. While filming, I noticed that people flocked here during the summer. At that time, we didn't have soju in packs, and when they brought it in bottles, it became a mess as kids would get hurt. That's when I thought. Once I became a star and made money, I would create a space where families could enjoy themselves here. So, I started buying this much land."
He revealed that the size of the amusement park is "16,700 pyeong" and, when asked how he managed to amass the significant total cost needed, even though he bought land little by little, he explained, "I borrowed money from the late Lee Ju-il and also from Lee Yong-sik when making this." In response, Lee Yong-sik remarked, "He's the ultimate man among men. He's the best man among those who keep their promises. He asked to borrow a certain amount, saying he'd pay it back precisely two weeks later. I vaguely remember lending him money around 2 p.m. Then, exactly two weeks later, around 2:30 or 3 p.m., he paid me back. I marked it on my calendar because the date was so precise."
When asked about the money needed for the opening, Lim Chae-moo replied, "It didn't take much. It was around 5 to 6 billion won." Park Myung-soo was astonished, saying, "5 to 6 billion back then is over 500 billion now," while Kim Suk added, "Wasn't an APT. worth 100 million in the 90s? That could buy 60 units." Additionally, he mentioned that in the early days, he even bought houses for employees who worked longer than three years.
Park Myung-soo wondered, "Isn't there a peak in amusement parks? How much revenue did you make at your best?" Lim Chae-moo replied, "I don't remember the year, but on May 5, we made around 120 million won in just one day. I took 120 million won with me, but it was so heavy that I couldn't walk more than 50 meters. However, in business, we look at profitability. But a children's business is not one that makes money. If something goes wrong, the damage is huge. If even just a machine malfunctions, we immediately throw it away and bring in a new one. After almost 40 years, we still have a large liability because of that."
He revealed that the total amount borrowed so far is 19 billion won. Moreover, he disclosed that the interest alone is 80 million won, and the electricity bill is 30 million won, leading to a fixed monthly expenditure of 120 million won for employee salaries and other expenses, which was shocking. When asked, "Are you managing to maintain it?" he responded, "We are just managing. If it was only the amusement park, we wouldn't have sustained it, but there are outside revenues. We paid salaries and taxes using the income from night businesses. It has been like that for 38 years. However, these days, we have been cornered because the night businesses have disappeared. With the broadcasting also diminished, it's becoming quite difficult now."
He added that recently is the worst time for business. Lim Chae-moo candidly stated, "Honestly, daily sales are around 160,000 to 320,000 won." He raised eyebrows by revealing that he sold an APT. in Yeouido and cobbed while living in bathrooms 2 to 3 years ago, but the current price of that APT. has tripled. When asked, "Why go to such lengths?" Lim Chae-moo shared, "My children ask me, 'Why are you holding on foolishly?' Honestly, after nearly 40 years, I am tired too. But when I stand there and the little kids call me 'uncle' and hug me, that's when I feel..."
He mentioned that for a remarkable 18 years, he didn't charge an entrance fee, stating, "When the entrance fee was 2,000 won, a family of four arrived around 10:40 a.m. The dad had his hat pulled down low, and the mom was staring at the far mountain from a corner while the two little ones cried holding their pants. I could hear coins jingling in their pockets. They couldn't get in without 8,000 won for the entrance fee. Right then, I ordered to call a bulldozer the next day and demolish the ticket booth. Anyone should have the right to enter here freely. So, the next day, I got rid of the ticket booth and abolished the entrance fee. I let people in for free for 18 years. That's why I couldn't earn money. But even if I have nothing, my heart is at peace, so I am happy."
Meanwhile, Lim Chae-moo revealed that his monthly income during his peak as a celebrity was 100 million won, surprising everyone. He remarked, "At that time, an APT. in Dongbu Ichon-dong, measuring about 50 square meters, cost 8 million won," highlighting the overwhelming popularity he experienced. He also mentioned that he has released 24 albums, adding, "The royalties are quite substantial. They come to a point where I can treat someone to a meal."
On this day, Lim Chae-moo drew attention by revealing his wife, Kim So-yeon, who is 9 years younger and whom he met through an acquaintance for remarriage in 2016. Lee Yong-sik noted, "His sister-in-law passed away due to illness, and seeing him turn to alcohol for company was truly pitiful. We all thought one of us should show up and take care of him."
When asked, "What did you fall for?" he replied, "She's pretty," revealing that he decided to marry her right from their first meeting. His wife, Kim So-yeon, shared that Lim Chae-moo didn't even propose or give her a single flower, even expressing her thoughts that when he drank, he wished to fall from the 23rd floor and end his life, following the loss. She explained her reasons for marrying him by saying, "Does he express love?" He replied, "I say, 'So-yeon, I love you.'" Lee Yong-sik commented, "Although Lim Chae-moo seems stiff with words, he is warm when they are together. He reportedly creates hand hearts 60 times a day. He does it when no one is around."
[Photo] OSEN DB, KBS2
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