EBS 'The Millionaire Next Door' tension fairy Jang Ye-won, who has made a surprise entry as an MC for the show's full season, shared honest impressions and determination as she takes the first step with the broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon, whom she had wanted to work with for five years.
Korea's representative educational entertainment EBS 'Seo Jang-hoon's The Millionaire Next Door' (hereafter 'The Millionaire Next Door') returns in a more upgraded full season. 'The Millionaire Next Door,' which drew attention by meeting 'real rich' people from various fields each episode and sharing wisdom and philosophy of life, will offer deeper and more varied resonance this season together with Jang Ye-won, who newly joined as an MC. As a true fan who binged all of season 1, Jang Ye-won gladly confirmed her appearance the moment she received the producers' offer, saying there wasn't a "second of hesitation." She also boldly expressed her ambition, saying, "'The Millionaire Next Door' is not a simple entertainment show but a real-life self-help book that asks the essence of life." Below is a one-on-one Q&A with Jang Ye-won.
Q. Why did you decide to appear on 'The Millionaire Next Door' and what are your thoughts on joining?
A. Rather than me choosing, I am truly grateful that the production team chose me. The moment I heard about the casting, I answered "I want to do it!" without a second of hesitation. I usually like listening to the stories of life seniors, and I'm excited and expectant because I can meet millionaires from various fields whom you don't easily encounter in daily life and have sincere conversations.
Q. As a true fan who watched all of season 1, what do you think is the charm of this program?
A. I think the program's essence is shown by the final fixed question, "With what heart do you live?" This question has the power to make not only the guests but also the viewers reflect on their lives. Rather than simply injecting lessons, the greatest charm is that it naturally delivers resonance through sincere conversations. I would sum up this program as a "real-life self-help book."
Q. What do you pay the most attention to when filming 'The Millionaire Next Door'?
A. I thought it was important not to proceed merely formally but to ask questions and converse with sincerity. So I focused above all on "listening well." I need to immerse myself first to draw out stories viewers would be curious about. The only concern is that time is limited while the questions I want to ask keep pouring out.
Q. How was your first chemistry with Seo Jang-hoon?
A. Actually, Seo Jang-hoon was the person I had wanted to work with for the past five years. I'm so happy we can finally work together. Although we've known each other for a long time, it was our first time working together on a broadcast, so I was worried, but those concerns disappeared right after the first recording. Even when I lightly joke to ease the atmosphere, he always responds flexibly, and I'm amazed each time by his extensive knowledge and insights on various fields. He has great intellectual charm. I'm feeling firsthand why many producers choose Seo Jang-hoon.
Q. What advice did Seo Jang-hoon give regarding the program?
A. On the plane home after the first recording we talked a lot. Among his words, the one that stuck with me most was, "The production team is very veteran and there is chemistry built through season 1, so you can be yourself and feel comfortable." Thanks to that, I was able to approach subsequent recordings with much more confidence.
Q. What do you think your role is within the program?
A. Every time guests say, "Ye-won listened so well that the words just flowed," I become more confident in the role I play. Some people are nervous or cautious in front of the camera, but if they feel that I am sincerely listening, deeper stories come out. I believe my role is to create a comfortable and warm atmosphere that draws out people's inner thoughts.
Q. Lastly, please say a word to the viewers.
A. Everyone lives with big and small worries like "How should I live my life?" or "What do I really like?" 'The Millionaire Next Door' doesn't give direct answers to those questions but helps viewers find answers themselves through someone's real story. Having already established itself as a good program, you can expect the full season as well. I, too, am waiting for the first broadcast with an excited heart.
With Seo Jang-hoon's weighty insights complemented by Jang Ye-won's lively and warm energy, the enriched life talk show EBS 'Seo Jang-hoon's The Millionaire Next Door' will premiere its full season on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 9:55 p.m.
[Photo] EBS 'Seo Jang-hoon's The Millionaire Next Door', SM C&C
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