Seo Jang-hoon (51) and Jang Ye-won (35) find themselves so engrossed in a trout feast that it nearly halts the filming.
Airing on November 4 at 9:55 PM, EBS's 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire' will feature the dramatic life story of Kim Jae-yong, the 'Trout Millionaire' who built a 'trout legend' in the pristine waters of Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. Kim Jae-yong, who farms an impressive 80,000 trout on a 30,000-pyeong estate, continues the legacy of his father, who founded Korea's first trout farm. The episode will reveal the determined saga of transforming a land with no trout into the holy ground of trout farming in Korea.
The history of trout farming dates back to 1965. Introduced by the government to alleviate the hardships of Gangwon residents, the trout farming initiative was state-run for a decade before being sold to Kim Jae-yong's father in 1975. Originally running a bookstore and an electronics dealership, Kim's father was captivated by the exquisite taste and appearance of trout sashimi, prompting him to abandon his businesses and dedicate his life to trout. Kim Jae-yong joined his father in the venture at the young age of 23, devoting his life to trout farming.
However, the path to success was not easy. Kim candidly shares the intense family conflicts that marked their journey, revealing the harsh realities behind their achievements. The family's determination, tears, and generational responsibility are expected to resonate deeply with viewers.
The episode will also showcase a variety of trout dishes that captivate the 'picky gourmet' Seo Jang-hoon. From freshly caught trout sashimi to crispy-skinned grilled trout, the array of dishes leaves Seo in awe, as he exclaims, "I haven't eaten like this often."
Seo further comments, "The skin is really crispy, and the flesh is so full. The value for money is also very important," as he indulges in the feast, momentarily forgetting the filming. Observing this, Jang Ye-won humorously asks, "Would you like to eat more before returning?" bringing laughter to the set. The allure of trout that captivates even the usually composed Seo Jang-hoon, along with the hidden history of Korea's first trout farm and the family's determined success story, can be seen on 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire.'
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr