Actor Lim Chae-moo, who has operated the amusement park Duriland for about 40 years, appeared on KBS2's "Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears" and shared touching and humorous stories about his love for children and becoming the "debt icon."
The 315th episode of KBS2's entertainment program "Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears," directed by Ahn Sang-eun, which aired on the 20th, recorded a highest rating of 7.7%, ranking first among entertainment programs in its time slot for 164 consecutive weeks. (according to Nielsen Korea)
In the popular segment "Walk to Boss's House," Lim Chae-moo appeared and drew attention. Lim Chae-moo expressed pride, saying, "Duriland is the only amusement park operated by an individual, not a corporation." He recalled, "I once visited the Jangheung resort for a drama shoot, and I saw children getting hurt from soju bottles that adults left behind. I decided that when I made money, I would create a place where families could enjoy together, and that was the start of Duriland."
Lim Chae-moo has not charged admission fees at Duriland for years and has devoted efforts to ensure that any ride malfunction is addressed immediately for the sake of the children, but he ended up with a debt of 19 billion won. In response to Park Myung-soo's comment that "it seems profitable to close the door at that point," Lim Chae-moo revealed his sincerity, stating, "The children's business is not a revenue-generating enterprise. Even though I'm struggling without money, it feels really good when kids come running to hug me. I can't give up Duriland because of the children's smiles."
Lim Chae-moo shared the story of borrowing a large sum of money from comedian Lee Yong-sik and the late Lee Joo-il while building Duriland. On this day, special guest Lee Yong-sik mentioned, "Lim Chae-moo promised to pay back the money exactly 15 days later, and he returned it on the exact date and time without being late even by a day, which built trust. However, seeing him struggle at this age is heartbreaking."
Lim Chae-moo, who went through long years of obscurity, also shared the behind-the-scenes story of being cast as the lead in the drama "Love and Truth," which recorded a top viewership rating of 87% when it aired in 1984. Lim Chae-moo stated, "After overcoming odds of more than 400 to 1, I never arrived late for script rehearsals and even cleaned up afterward. Because I worked so diligently, I caught the attention of writer Kim Soo-hyun. When I was cast in 'Love and Truth,' Kim Soo-hyun said, 'I wrote this thinking of Lim Chae-moo,' which made me really happy."
On that day's broadcast, Lim Chae-moo's wife, who manages the affairs of Duriland, appeared and added more fun to the show. With a gentle and loving smile, Lim Chae-moo's wife expressed her disappointment, saying, "Even when I ask him to buy me just one flower, he refuses to do it at all. I didn't even get a proposal when we got married." Seeing this, Lee Yong-sik remarked, "Although Lim Chae-moo seems like a tough guy, when the two of them are alone, he is actually really affectionate. I heard he sends heart signs 60 times a day," revealing the surprising story of Lim Chae-moo and filling the studio with laughter.
"Yuta Sexy Hot Boss" Song Jeong-hoon went out to find an acquaintance for a new menu test. The main character is Robert, who operates more than 70 stores of the American handmade burger "Five Guys," which has gained great popularity in our country, and he was further noted for enjoying cupbap daily.
Visiting Robert's house, Song Jeong-hoon presented him with acupressure slippers, a face roller, and an acupressure hula hoop, bringing laughter for the health-conscious Robert, who boasts multiple victories in international arm wrestling competitions. Robert engaged in an impromptu competition with Song Jeong-hoon but effortlessly claimed victory, showcasing his champion prowess.
Song Jeong-hoon, seeking advice from Robert, who has high understanding of the Canadian food market, presented Korean dishes like seasoned fried chicken and kimchi tofu pork belly. Robert, who usually enjoys Korean food, expressed high satisfaction with Song Jeong-hoon's cooking and praised the potential global appeal of the new cupbap menu featuring seasoned fried chicken. Facing another significant challenge, Song Jeong-hoon hinted at an on-site test to gauge the response to cupbap at a busy soccer stadium, raising expectations for the next episode.
Meanwhile, Jung Ji-sun, who has transformed into a global star chef after "Culinary Class Wars," made a long-awaited visit to "Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears" and provided updates on his recent activities, saying he had just returned from a magazine photoshoot and beer advertisement in Taiwan. Park Myung-soo expressed his envy, saying, "I can't do the broadcast feeling inferior."
Jung Ji-sun visited the restaurant run by junior chef Park Jin-mo to encourage him. The lower floor of the restaurant belongs to singer Haha, and upon seeing his signature overshadowed by Haha's treasured items, Jung Ji-sun said, "I'm also close with Haha. My wife is a regular at our restaurant. The youngest, Song-i, said she wants to become a chef," subtly confirming their friendship and adding to the fun.
As soon as Haha saw Jung Ji-sun, he came up with an idea to collaborate his store's pork belly with Jung's Dongpo pork to overcome the crisis. Haha had closed his Myeongdong store and retained only the Hongdae location. To impress Jung Ji-sun, he suggested an impromptu featuring, saying he thought his husky voice suited reggae well. Jung Ji-sun replied, "Since I'm a regular, I can't refuse," and performed a reggae-vibed rap according to Haha's and Skull's guidance, surprising everyone. Haha praised, "Jung Ji-sun's voice has a vibe reminiscent of Lee Young-ae," while Park Myung-soo and Kim Sook joked, "It seems like a fraud group," causing laughter.
Meanwhile, various communities and SNS platforms reacted heatedly after the broadcast, commenting, "Lim Chae-moo is really amazing," "Santa Claus of Korea, Uncle Lim Chae-moo," "Lim Chae-moo brother is someone who lives on children's love," "I'm curious about the new chicken test by Boss Song Jeong-hoon," "Jung Ji-sun is gaining insane popularity in Taiwan," "MC Dongpo pork's rap name is spot on," among other reactions.
"Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears" airs every Sunday at 4:40 p.m. on KBS 2TV.
[Photo] "Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears"
[OSEN]