TV
KBS2's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears' Features Charismatic New Boss Im Chae-moo
The 328th episode of the popular variety show, aired on the 19th, achieved a peak viewership rating of 6.9% and a nationwide rating of 4.1%, maintaining its position as the top-rated show in its time slot for 177 consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen Korea.
Im Chae-moo has openly shared that he carries a debt of approximately 19 billion KRW (about $16 million USD) due to 'Dooly Land.' He revealed on a previous broadcast that his monthly interest payments alone amount to 80 million KRW (around $67,000 USD), with electricity bills reaching 30 million KRW (about $25,000 USD) per month. Daily sales range from 160,000 to 320,000 KRW (approximately $135 to $270 USD).
In this episode, Im Chae-moo, as the boss and ultimate manager of 'Dooly Land,' demonstrated his uncompromising stance on safety and operational principles. His daughter, who serves as the head of the park's planning team, also made an appearance, drawing further attention.
Im Chae-moo described himself as a gentle boss, stating, "I dislike the terms boss, chairman, or leader. I've never raised my voice at my employees." However, his daughter and staff revealed, "He's a difficult and demanding person. He's a nagging machine, has OCD, and is impatient to the point of not being able to wait even a minute."
Im Chae-moo was seen meticulously inspecting the park's facilities, checking for cleanliness and order. When he found that the display cases for international folk dolls were not properly locked, he continuously reprimanded the responsible staff member. Jeon Hyun-moo humorously commented, "His nagging is longer than the national anthem," adding to the entertainment.
In a touching moment, Im Chae-moo presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers for the first time in 15 years, moving viewers. His wife, who had previously expressed her desire to receive flowers, was overjoyed. Im Chae-moo expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, "It took me 15 years to buy this. You're more beautiful than flowers. Our future will be bright."
Last week's 'New Boss,' Hwang Hee-tae, the national judo team coach, who charmed audiences with his adorable smile and witty remarks, prepared a grueling circuit training for his trainees. Um Ji-in, observing the training, remarked, "You can truly understand the weight of the national emblem through this training." Coach Hwang closely monitored the athletes, offering encouragement and sternly urging them to push their limits.
Despite being a 'raging bull' during training, Coach Hwang was a warm yet firm mentor to his trainees. He had a heartfelt conversation with national team member Kim Han-soo, who has been struggling with frequent injuries, advising him, "Train as if you're dead for the next two years before the Olympics. You can transform completely. I never won a gold medal at the Olympics, but I hope you will."
'The Boss Has Donkey Ears' airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM on KBS 2TV.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr
