From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of 'Mandu Queen' Nam Mi-kyung

The incredible life story of Nam Mi-kyung, known as the 'Mandu Queen', will be unveiled on 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire'. At just 19, she became the head of her household, overcoming credit issues and a finger amputation to achieve her dreams. Her journey promises to be an inspiring tale of success.

Airing tonight at 9:55 PM on EBS, 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire' will delve into the secrets behind Nam Mi-kyung's success, boasting an annual revenue of 23 billion won and a daily production of 20 tons. The episode will reveal her massive 2,500-pyeong factory, showcasing the entire production line from ingredient preparation to molding. Additionally, viewers will get a glimpse into her unique 'factory life', living in a modest room within the company, just 10 seconds from her office. This humble space, with minimal belongings, is dubbed the 'smallest millionaire's room'.

The broadcast will highlight Nam Mi-kyung's tearful past, overcoming numerous adversities to create her 'mandu success story'. At 19, she became the breadwinner after her father fell ill. Her first job was as a door-to-door cosmetics salesperson, where she recalls, "I walked with my head down, afraid friends would recognize me," shedding tears. She later became an insurance top seller before venturing into mandu distribution, facing gender bias and challenges. Despite these hurdles, her determination and sales skills led her to earn 20 million won monthly in the late 1990s. However, an unexpected event turned her into a credit defaulter overnight, with her business struggling for three months without a single sale.

Another life-altering accident followed. During an interview, Seo Jang-hoon noticed her hand and asked, "Your fingers seem uncomfortable." Nam Mi-kyung revealed, "I injured my hand making mandu," recalling the unforgettable moment when "my finger was on the ground." Despite these setbacks, her resilience led to a miraculous turnaround. A TV show featuring a celebrity's triplets enjoying her galbi mandu sparked a dramatic comeback, saving her company from closure and achieving a year's worth of sales in just three months. Nam Mi-kyung expressed her joy, "I always believed that if the mandu was delicious, it would eventually succeed."

Nam Mi-kyung's journey from the bottom to achieving an annual revenue of 23 billion won, along with the secrets behind her massive success, will be featured on EBS's 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire' tonight at 9:55 PM.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr