Korean Fermented Soybean Master Seo Bun-rye's Inspiring Journey and Heartfelt Moments on TV

Seo Bun-rye, the only master of Cheonggukjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) in Korea, was moved to tears by broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon's warm words.

On the October 18th episode of EBS's 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire,' the dramatic life story of Seo Bun-rye, the 62nd Korean Food Master known as the 'Cheonggukjang Grandma,' was unveiled. Seo Bun-rye, who holds the unique title of being the sole Cheonggukjang master in Korea and has achieved an annual sales milestone of 10 billion KRW, captivated the audience.

The episode revealed the special know-how behind Seo Bun-rye's signature Cheonggukjang and the entire process of its creation. She attributed the secret of her odorless Cheonggukjang to the perfect temperature and humidity control in a hinoki cypress fermentation room. After tasting the Cheonggukjang stew she prepared, Seo Jang-hoon remarked, "It's amazing. If it weren't for the filming, I would have had three bowls," finishing his bowl clean. Seo Bun-rye, touched by his words, said, "Hearing that makes me want to cry," and shed tears.

Seo Bun-rye's glamorous past also drew significant attention. In the 1990s, she earned 10 billion KRW through her travel agency business and even built an 11-story building in the heart of Gangnam, enjoying a period of prosperity. However, just two years after constructing the building, the IMF financial crisis hit, leaving her in massive debt. She eventually sold her 12 billion KRW building for 4.3 billion KRW, settled all her debts, and moved to Anseong with the remaining 30 million KRW to start farming soybeans.

Seo Bun-rye began making soybean paste with the soybeans she grew and shared it with her neighbors. The compliments she received lifted her from despair, and her unique flavor spread by word of mouth. Known as the 'Soy Sauce Doctor,' Seo Bun-rye was invited to North Korea in 2006 to successfully establish a soybean paste factory, earning the nickname 'Soy Sauce Mother' and being featured in local newspapers.

Seo Bun-rye's life of giving, which she has continued for 51 years since her 30s, was also highlighted. She reflected on the humility she learned through volunteering at nursing homes, saying, "I was able to take off my high heels, remove my nail polish, and take off my earrings thanks to volunteering." Once a building owner worth over 10 billion KRW, she calmly stated, "Money is like foam on the waves," and confessed, "During my prime, I thought the visible splendor was luxury, but true luxury is having a rich heart."

She also shared, "When I had a lot of money, I was more focused on earning more and chasing those who had more. Looking back, it was all just a shell," conveying her realization of values more precious than money. Additionally, Seo Bun-rye has been supporting students from her hometown of Yeongdeok with scholarships for 30 years, practicing warm sharing as a life mentor who has experienced both success and failure.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr