Lee Sang-min Opens Up About His $5.1 Million Debt and the Journey to Recovery

On the latest episode of SBS's 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny,' Lee Sang-min candidly discussed the true scale of his $5.1 million debt.

Broadcast on the 14th, the show featured Lee Sang-min as a special MC. During the episode, he commented on fellow entertainers Lee Bong-won and Kim Byung-hun, who faced multiple business failures, saying, "Their scale isn't as big as mine."

Lee Sang-min, who incurred a massive debt due to past business failures, revealed, "The real scale of failure is seen in the time it takes to rebuild. It took me 20 years." He further explained, "The $5.1 million was just the starting amount. As I started earning well from broadcasting, creditors wanted more, but I never mentioned that on air."

Kim Gura, another guest, shared his own experience, saying, "There were rumors of my $1.3 million debt, but it took time to settle those connections." He added, "Despite the challenges, I've overcome them."

Lee Sang-min credited Kim Gura and Seo Jang-hoon for helping him bounce back. He shared, "Kim Gura recommended me for 'The Genius,' where I placed third in Season 1 and won in the next season, earning $106,000."

Kim Gura humorously recalled, "Lee Sang-min bought me discounted luxury clothes in Hong Kong," to which Lee replied, "No, they were an additional 30% off," sparking laughter.

Lee also shared a story about Seo Jang-hoon's support. "When I was hesitant about joining 'My Little Old Boy,' Seo said, 'You're the most fitting person for it.' Eventually, I joined and it became a turning point for me."

Thanks to his appearances on 'My Little Old Boy,' Lee Sang-min gained popularity with his 'Gungsang-min' persona. He expressed gratitude, saying, "I even won an award thanks to them. I gifted Seo Jang-hoon with large-sized shoes and clothes."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia