Kim Junsu, despite being the CEO of his company, revealed that he does not receive a corporate card or salary. This comes in contrast to actor Kim Seon-ho, who previously faced allegations of tax evasion through a one-person corporation and returned all expenses made with the corporate card, family salaries, and corporate vehicles.
On the October 21st episode of MBC's variety show 'The Manager,' the spotlight was on Kim Nari, the pastry chef behind the 'Dubai Chewy Cookie' craze. Her meticulous dedication, honed from her time as a naval sonar operator, translated seamlessly into her business endeavors. She persuaded her former naval colleague, Lee Yoon-min, to join her as a business partner, growing from a small 9-pyeong store to achieving a monthly revenue of 2.5 billion won. Her relentless work ethic, even on weekends and holidays, impressed the show's commentators.
Kim Nari's hands-on leadership was key to her success. She memorized each employee's name and maintained constant communication, embodying the same perseverance that saw her record the longest flight hours during her military service. Lee Yoon-min supported her by securing scarce ingredients like pistachios and kadaif, ensuring the business's growth. Their decision to share recipes openly, viewing fellow entrepreneurs as partners rather than competitors, further amplified their positive impact.
The episode concluded with a tasting event for the new 'Belgian Chewy Cookie,' part of their ongoing research and development. Kim Nari's intense focus on creating new ideas, sampling a variety of unique dishes, left the cast in awe.
The episode also featured a meeting with Jeon Hyun-moo, known for ending trends with his endorsements. Despite Kim Nari's playful confession of monitoring his social media to protect her brand, the studio's tasting of the cookies received high praise, leaving viewers curious about the outcome of this encounter.
Musical legend Kim Junsu's day began with his unique passion for cars. Known for owning 15 supercars, he arrived in a futuristic electric pickup truck, showcasing its autonomous driving capabilities. His decision to import the vehicle at double the cost and repaint it gold, inspired by Elon Musk's future robot taxi, highlighted his forward-thinking nature.
This dedication extends to his management company, where he operates without a personal office, corporate card, or salary, yet remains loyal to his long-time staff. His gaming prowess, ranking in the top 1% of players, led him to recruit his gaming friend, Seok Hyuk-jin, as a manager, emphasizing his belief that gaming is the ultimate character test.
Kim Junsu's passion also shines in his hobbies and on stage. Recently, he indulged in horror-themed activities with fellow musical actors Kim So-hyun and Son Jun-ho, showcasing his love for thrills. On stage, he transformed into 'Beetlejuice' for his first comedy musical, flawlessly executing complex lines and choreography. His commitment to delivering unique ad-libs for each performance demonstrated why he remains at the top after 17 years.
Next week's 'The Manager' will feature 'Chinese Cuisine Goddess' Park Eun-young, revealing her contrasting daily life with her identical twin sister and her commanding presence in the kitchen. The episode will also include a heartwarming reunion with her mentor, Chef Yeo Kyung-rae, and a visit from announcer Park So-young, known for her chemistry with Yang Se-hyung, promising an exciting episode.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr