'Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door' spotlights Park Se-hoon's rags-to-riches story, who started by selling Korean melons from a handcart and built an air conditioner business that achieved a peak annual sales record of 140 billion won.
Today (25) at 9:55 p.m., EBS's Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door will reveal the turbulent life story of Park Se-hoon, the man who built an urban silver town in Gangnam with a brand value of 200 billion won. The silver town in question is an innovative space that for the first time in Korea combines a silver town and nursing care facilities in one building, and it has been attracting attention as a future residential model that takes responsibility for seniors' safety, health and dignified old age. In particular, his distinctive philosophy, "I will not take a single penny of profit from the silver town," has been conveyed, drawing interest in his secret to success that realizes social value beyond wealth.
After failing to get into college, Park Se-hoon bought a handcart for only 1,500 won and began selling Korean melons at the market. But his first sale ended bitterly without making any notable revenue. He entered several businesses afterward but met failure each time, and in 1985 he faced the greatest trial of his life, overwhelmed by massive debts from an unbearable business failure. He had to sell everything that could fetch money, including the apartment he was living in at the time, his children's dol rings and household goods. Park Se-hoon recalled, "I hugged my wife, who was stifling her sobs on the balcony for fear the children would hear, and we cried together. I blamed myself," and his eyes finally welled up.
After many trials and errors, Park Se-hoon entered the heat exchanger business, a core component of air conditioners, and it became a decisive turning point in his life. His outstanding foresight in accurately reading global market trends paid off, and orders began to flood in from leading domestic conglomerates such as Sam○·El○. Even running the factory 24 hours a day, production could not keep up with demand. His business continued its explosive growth, eventually achieving the astonishing record of 140 billion won in peak annual sales. His perseverance in rising from failure, the secrets of his success and the management philosophy he has maintained unchanged for decades are expected to deeply resonate with viewers.
Meanwhile, this broadcast will also reveal Park Se-hoon's ultra-luxurious home in Hannam-dong for the first time. Seo Jang-hoon exclaimed, "This is my first time here too, but it's a very famous luxury apartment," unable to hide his admiration. This place is said to be an apartment where famous figures from all walks of life live, and Park Se-hoon said, "BTS RM is a neighboring resident," causing surprise. Amid the splendor, traces of frugality are evident throughout Park Se-hoon's home, which is filled with his love for his family and the marks of past years.
[Photo] Provided by EBS
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