"Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door" is moving from a seasonal format to a regular series and will return to viewers.
On the morning of the 16th, at the Seoul Club Hall of the Korea Press Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, EBS held a production presentation for "Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door." At the event, producer Kim Min-ji appeared alongside Seo Jang-hoon and Jang Ye-won to talk about the program.
"Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door" confirmed regular programming after starting season 1 in the first half of this year, and sparked interest with the fundamental question, "Who are the real wealthy people of this era?" It reexamines the meaning of "true wealth" by showing the shining values and philosophies hidden behind millionaires' flashy assets, as well as their practices of responsibility and sharing.
In the regular lineup, the "2-trillion giant" Seo Jang-hoon will be joined by new partner "tension fairy" Jang Ye-won, and the two are expected to show a delightful chemistry. Seo Jang-hoon's sharp and intuitive speaking style and Jang Ye-won's bright and lively energy will blend exquisitely, and honest stories of millionaires are expected to be portrayed.
At the event, producer Kim Min-ji expressed gratitude, saying, "I think we were able to secure regular programming largely thanks to viewers' interest and support. The life philosophies of the 12 millionaires seem to have had a positive impact on viewers, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them."
Seo Jang-hoon also said, "First, I was so happy to hear the news that we were picked up for regular programming, and I am very thankful to EBS. I am grateful to the production team and to the millionaires who appeared on the show," adding, "Having taken on this program and seeing it become regular and last a long time gives me a sense of fulfillment." He then joked, "Many of the programs I do run for a long time. I hope Millionaire Next Door reaches about 300 episodes."
Asked whether the regular series will show a more radical side different from season 1, he said, "Just because it's regular doesn't mean I will change. There will be no radical changes; I will continue to do what I have always done and wholeheartedly deliver their lives so they can shine."
Jang Ye-won said she agreed to appear without a second thought after being contacted for casting. She said, "First, as a viewer I really enjoyed all 12 episodes. I was such a fan that I watched the teaser and even contacted senior Jang Hoon, but I never imagined I would join. Rather than me choosing, I feel very grateful that I was given the opportunity to join such a great program."
She added, "I've been freelance for five years and have always said I wanted to do a program with Seo Jang-hoon. There weren't many opportunities before and I wondered if there would ever be one. I had no hesitation about joining this time."
How was the actual chemistry with Seo Jang-hoon? Jang Ye-won said, "The tone of the programs I watch and like is similar to senior Jang Hoon's, so I wanted to try it. It might not have been my judgment and our chemistry might not have matched, but it matched better than I expected; I thought it fit more than I imagined."
Jang Ye-won said, "Senior has a very peculiar charm. When you ask something, it seems like he won't do it, but he does, and he playfully accepts teasing and mischievous pranks, so I think viewers will see him laugh much more." She added, "Working together made me understand why he does so many programs. He asks the millionaires the questions I'm curious about and has a strong interest in people and the world. Seeing his sincere approach each time, I am learning a lot about why the production team chooses him."
Seo Jang-hoon will host a title program bearing his name. He said, "These days, it's rare to have a program with a name attached. I'm grateful to the producer and EBS for putting my name on the program... how should I put it. I'm very thankful, but because I don't usually put my name on shows, having it on this one makes me feel more burdened."
Seo Jang-hoon said, "Above all, this is a program where I feel I have a lot to learn even during recordings, and it feels like I'm encountering a new world. I look forward to and anticipate each recording. Every time I do it I feel glad I did, and I'm concerned about whether I can effectively convey the valuable lessons from these people to viewers."
Why can Seo Jang-hoon do so many shows and have a title program? Reflecting on himself, Seo Jang-hoon said, "I think my secret weapon is sincerity. I believe a heartfelt attitude toward the millionaires is most important, and when that feeling is conveyed, the millionaires tend to share deeper stories."
Seo Jang-hoon said, "Above all, sincerity and authenticity are important. As for preparation, since childhood I've been someone with wide-ranging interests. My habit is that when I'm not working during my waking hours, I'm always looking into things and trying to learn new things. I use travel time or spare moments to keep searching and I don't rest."
Specifically about his approach, Seo Jang-hoon said, "For example, information about millionaires comes in limited amounts, so I look up various histories of them while working. I usually have a habit of being interested in many things and trying to learn and look things up. I think that helps a bit."
Seo Jang-hoon said, "These days I'm on many variety shows. From the start, other broadcasters and I have very different starting points, so most of them are far more outstanding than I am. To be competitive among such excellent people, I feel I have no choice but to be honest and make viewers feel I'm sincere." He added, "Honestly, I get tired sometimes, but I try to put my sincerity into every recording and be truly authentic."
Producer Kim Min-ji contrasted the millionaires who appeared in season 1 with those recruited after the show became regular, saying, "Season 1 had a strong pilot character. Through that process we received feedback about what kinds of wealthy people we wanted, and direction and goals became sharper. We've been recruiting for the regular series and discoveries are coming like a bottomless well. People who watch the program recommend candidates from their communities. It's a very grateful response."
She added, "The millionaires on our program are far from conglomerate chairmen and CEOs. The millionaires we focus on live beside us but were hidden from view; this program finds those hidden millionaires. There are admirable elders and wealthy people who have achieved various successes. Internally, we think there is no difficulty in sustaining it."
Kim said, "The show's central question is 'who is truly wealthy,' and true value comes from sharing. A common remark is, 'My success was not mine alone but came with help from many people, and I want to give back to society.' We aim to show not wealthy people who live well just for themselves, but wealthy people who provide value to their communities, and I think viewers will appreciate that."
Hearing this, Seo Jang-hoon said, "I want to add something. We always welcome well-known conglomerate owners and famous CEOs. If anyone is hesitant about appearing, we always hope you will appear. We don't scrutinize specific asset amounts or anything like that. Please don't worry and contact us; we'd appreciate it."
Jang Ye-won also said, "People who are approached often worry, saying 'I'm not a millionaire,' but our concept uses that expression because the life stories they share yield such great lessons. If you're worried but want to try it or want to tell your story, please feel free to contact EBS."
Seo Jang-hoon added with a laugh, "Viewers are very curious about the lives of famous chairmen. If after watching the program you think it's okay, please feel free to contact us."
As Seo Jang-hoon expressed hopes for a long-running program, a question arose about whether colleagues from the entertainment industry might be recruited as future "millionaires." Asked to recommend colleagues, Seo Jang-hoon candidly replied, "There are indeed many such people in the entertainment world, but I worry whether they would agree to appear as millionaires on the show," which drew laughter.
He continued, "Those who would fit our program well would include representatives of major entertainment agencies, and I'd like to invite such people, but I don't think they'd appear. I don't like to say things I don't mean. Even if entertainers are really wealthy, I don't think they'd come on. I hope we can have such people for a special episode someday," but he added, "I don't think they'd appear."
Finally, producer Kim Min-ji wished, "I hope we surpass 300 episodes and reach 3,000 episodes," and Seo Jang-hoon quipped, "If it goes beyond 3,000 episodes, it will be a program that continues even after I'm gone, and that would be especially meaningful," drawing laughter.
Meanwhile, EBS's "Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door" will premiere at 9:55 p.m. on the 17th and will air at the same time every Wednesday.
[Photo] Reporter Min Kyung-hoon
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