TV CHOSUN's 'Modern Figures: Mr. Lee' Concludes After 14 Months, Unveiling the Origins of Korea's Star Auditions

'Mystery' wraps up after 1 year and 2 months.

On October 26 at 9 PM, TV CHOSUN's 'Modern Figures: Mr. Lee' (hereafter 'Mystery') will air its final episode, revealing the origins of the original audition show that launched stars like Song Hye-kyo, Lee Jong-suk, Go Jun-hee, and Seolhyun.

First aired in February last year, 'Mystery' is a candid talk show where experts from various fields share unheard stories of figures who marked a significant chapter in modern history. The final episode will be broadcast today. 'Mystery' started with a 2% viewership rating, peaked at 3%, but dropped to 1% by its 10th episode. In March, it hit a low of 0%.

The show will spotlight pivotal moments in the 'textile industry,' the starting point of Korea's industrialization, with insights from conglomerate critic Hong Seong-chu. It reveals that SK Group, now a global semiconductor giant, began as a small textile company. 'Sunkyung Textiles,' the predecessor of today's SK Group led by Chairman Chey Tae-won, was founded by brothers Chey Jong-gun and Chey Jong-hyun.

Fascinating stories related to Sunkyung Group will also be unveiled. An audition that produced top stars like Song Hye-kyo, Lee Jong-suk, Go Jun-hee, and Seolhyun was the 'School Uniform Model Selection Contest' led by Sunkyung Group, a pioneer in the school uniform business. At the time, Sunkyung's uniform brand 'Smart' and Samsung Cheil Industries' 'Elite' were rivals, marking the peak of star marketing in school uniforms. The cast shares memories of their own school uniforms, and a photo of MC Lee Kyung-kyu in his middle school uniform draws attention.

Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul was so passionate about wool that he was nicknamed 'Wool Teacher' in his youth, a passion that continued into Lee Kun-hee's era. Cheil Industries launched ready-to-wear brands like 'Galaxy' and 'Beanpole,' employing international stars like Gwyneth Paltrow for a luxury strategy. Beanpole, in particular, established a sophisticated image, often mistaken for a foreign brand. Lee Kyung-kyu recalls, "I met Chairman Lee Kun-hee at a restaurant in Gangnam over a decade ago, and I think he was wearing this brand." Additionally, stories about the history of the textile industry and the fashion of presidents and first ladies of the era will be revealed.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr