Korean Actor Lim Chae-moo Opens Up About Debt Misconceptions on TV Show

이미지 크게보기

Korean actor Lim Chae-moo candidly addressed misconceptions about his financial status, often being mistaken as a 'debtor.'

On the October 19th episode of KBS 2TV's variety show 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears,' Lim Chae-moo appeared as a new boss.

During the show, Lim Chae-moo admitted, "It's true that I have debt due to the amusement park, but I've paid off a lot, and it's now less than 10 billion won (approximately $8.5 million). Yet, people still call me 'Debt Chae-moo,'" he said, eliciting laughter. Comedian Park Myung-soo joked, "Isn't it because of your name? Why did you choose 'Chae-moo'?" while Jeon Hyun-moo added humorously, "In English, it's 'I'm Chae-moo,' which sounds like 'I'm debt.'"

Lim Chae-moo responded, "Those with a heavy heart see my name as 'debt,' while optimistic people see it as 'light,'" showcasing his characteristic wit.

이미지 크게보기

Previously, Lim Chae-moo revealed that he incurred approximately 19 billion won (around $16 million) in debt due to his amusement park, 'Dooly Land.' He had mentioned on a prior broadcast, "The debt is about 19 billion won, with monthly interest alone reaching 80 million won (around $68,000), and electricity bills costing 30 million won (around $25,500) per month." The daily revenue is about 160,000 to 320,000 won (approximately $136 to $272).

As the amusement park's operation became challenging, Lim Chae-moo faced financial difficulties. He shared, "I even sold a 67-pyeong (approximately 2,400 square feet) apartment and started my newlywed life with my wife in a converted swimming pool shower facility." His wife revealed, "I only learned about my husband's financial situation after we got married."

Meanwhile, 'Dooly Land,' operated by Lim Chae-moo, was opened in 1990 and has undergone several renovations, continuing to operate to this day.