TV
SBS Plus Show 'Anyone Can Be a Boss' Offers Real Survival Solutions for Struggling Entrepreneurs

"The goal of the program is to curb the desire to start a business without proper preparation. I've witnessed people running businesses without even knowing about VAT or accounting. If you're thinking, 'Maybe I'll open a cafe?' I urge you to reconsider."
Amidst a sea of celebrity-centric shows, a new kind of reality show has emerged, offering a helping hand to those in need. SBS Plus's 'Anyone Can Be a Boss' (hereafter referred to as 'Boss') is a refreshing take on reality TV, focusing on the real struggles of South Korea's 6 million small business owners. Premiering on the 14th of last month, the show follows 'Neighborhood Hotspot' and provides real survival solutions for entrepreneurs on the brink.
On the 24th, I met with Kim Myung-ha, the director of 'Boss', at a cafe in Seongnae-dong, Gangdong-gu. Kim, who has previously worked as an assistant director on popular shows like SBS's 'Running Man', 'Inkigayo', 'Law of the Jungle', and 'Same Bed, Different Dreams', made his directorial debut with 'Neighborhood Hotspot' and has been making waves in the industry ever since.

"These days, there are so many entrepreneurs that it's not an exaggeration to say we're in an 'everyone's a boss' era. Consequently, the number of people filing for bankruptcy is also increasing."

"This isn't just someone else's story. It's an important issue for both entrepreneurs and customers. Your favorite local spot could disappear. Through this show, I wanted to highlight the negative societal impact of the delivery system's vicious cycle. I hope viewers think twice about the commission fees when ordering through apps. I recommend opting for takeout or dining in instead."

When asked about the criteria for selecting participants, Kim said, "We look for those who desperately need consulting and are open to expert advice for improvement. Due to the nature of the program, we can't show similar cases repeatedly to viewers. We also focus on differentiating each episode from the previous ones."

He also expressed his passion for creating diverse content. Kim said, "I believe there's a need for programs that can introduce Korean culture abroad. I'm also planning a realistic dating show." He added, "Talk shows are disappearing these days, but I want to reignite the talk show trend," showing his determination for new challenges.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr