Inside the World of 'Crazy Rich Koreans': Passion, Dedication, and Unyielding Spirit

Former soccer player Lee Dong-gook was humorously called out by his friend, Coach Kim Sang-sik.

On the October 22nd episode of KBS 2TV's 'Crazy Rich Koreans,' the stories of three world-class K-People were featured: conductor Jang Han-na, Harlem's matriarch Betty Park, and Vietnam's national soccer team coach Kim Sang-sik. Their intense dedication on their respective stages brought laughter, admiration, and profound resonance.

Conductor Jang Han-na showcased her quirky genius charm once again in Hamburg, Germany. Her free-spirited stroll through the serene city, greeting musician statues, left viewers pleasantly surprised. However, as she prepared for a performance in a venue with over a century of history, Jang revealed a completely different side.

Before rehearsals, Jang expressed the pressure of the complex arrangements, jokingly wishing she could make the orchestra work overtime. During the rehearsal, she meticulously adjusted the tones and tempos of the 84-member orchestra, demonstrating her deep commitment.

Immersed in her work, Jang, drenched in sweat, continued her intense practice, unable to put down her sheet music even during breaks. The cello section, in particular, felt the pressure under the watchful eye of the world’s top cellist. Jang's leadership and dedication to communication with her orchestra members elevated the performance's quality, showcasing her true charisma.

Even after the performance, Jang's passion remained undiminished. She walked through Hamburg, sharing the scenery, hoping that Mahler had seen the same lake, and confessed, "I think I'm crazy too."

Betty Park proved her unwavering commitment to Harlem over 40 years. Despite facing multiple robberies and embezzlement by a trusted employee, she expressed her love for Harlem, saying, "I'm crazy about Harlem. I love it here." Her dedication to preparing 1,000 meals weekly for the homeless for over five years exemplified another form of 'crazy.'

Her interactions with her grandchildren also caught attention. Her 12-year-old grandson's adept knife skills and her granddaughter's dance with employees brought joy. Betty proudly imparted her principles to her grandchildren, asserting, "You're still interns," showcasing her firm leadership.

Betty explained the value of giving back to the community, stating, "If you do business with the poor, it's only right to give back." Her heartfelt connection with Harlem, including a special bond with rapper 50 Cent, was evident in her declaration, "I am Harlem, and Harlem is me."

In the studio, Lee Dong-gook joined to watch the VCR of 'Crazy Snake' Kim Sang-sik. The two have been close friends since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Kim humorously teased Lee, asking if he was still on TV and joking about living well thanks to his children, bringing laughter to the set.

Kim's dedication extended beyond the field. He diligently studied Vietnamese with his interpreter, meticulously noting tones and pronunciation. His story of singing the Vietnamese national anthem to connect with the people was shared, earning admiration from Lee, who remarked that even Coach Hiddink didn't sing the anthem.

Coach Kim left a strong impression with his 'snake training method,' boosting players' mental strength before matches. He demonstrated by throwing himself into drills and emphasized the importance of timing, even for water breaks, showcasing his precise leadership. He assigned clear roles to his coaching staff, displaying his professional command, while expressing concerns about players' free-spirited styles. Even Lee was taken aback by Kim's intense demeanor, remarking, "He's really tough."

'Crazy Rich Koreans' airs every Sunday at 9:20 PM on KBS 2TV.

Reporter Kim Se-a, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr