The production team of the wealth exploration program "Neighbor Millionaire" defined a true wealthy person not by "how much they have," but by "how they live."

The program, jointly produced by EBS and E Channel, titled "Seo Jang-hoon's Neighbor Millionaire" (hereinafter referred to as "Neighbor Millionaire"), will premiere on the 9th at 9:55 p.m. It aims to explore the secrets of "true wealthy people" who have built wealth and success. "2 trillion giant" Seo Jang-hoon and "part-time level Congo prince" Jonathan will directly meet the wealthy, delving deeply into their life stories, thoughts, and philosophies about money.

The production team of "Neighbor Millionaire" emphasized through a written interview that the program is not simply about "stories of wealthy people." Through encounters with the wealthy, it poses the questions, "How should I live?" and "What does a truly affluent life look like?" expressing confidence that viewers will find a sense of "direction" in their lives. The production team's insights into the motivation for planning "Neighbor Millionaire," the process of casting Seo Jang-hoon, and episodes from the filming set were shared in a direct Q&A with EBS's Kim Min-ji PD (hereinafter referred to as "Kim") and E Channel's Park So-hyun PD (hereinafter referred to as "Park").



Q1. I'm curious about how you came up with the idea for the wealth exploration program "Neighbor Millionaire."
Kim: The question "What kind of person is a 'true wealthy' person?" started it all for us. In this era where money, possessions, and credentials are emphasized, I thought that perhaps true wealth and success come not from numbers, but from one’s attitude and philosophy in life. Rather than simply defining "wealthy" as "having a lot of money," the purpose of this program is to explore how they have lived and what values and beliefs they have built their lives upon. Through the expression "neighbor," we aim to introduce hidden millionaires who could exist around us rather than just special individuals.

Q2. Please share the reason for casting Seo Jang-hoon and any episodes from the casting process.
Kim: Seo Jang-hoon is a national treasure-level legendary basketball player who dominated for a time and is now a representative "self-made" figure active as a broadcaster. The self-management, judgment, insight, and philosophy about work he has shown along his path inspire many. Notably, this marks Seo Jang-hoon's first appearance on EBS, and during his first meeting with the production team, he expressed his affection for the channel, saying he was a fan of EBS's "Architectural Exploration House." Thanks to the fact that both the writer and I had been part of the team that planned and launched "Architectural Exploration House," a natural rapport was formed, leading to a successful casting in a great atmosphere.
Park: Seo Jang-hoon noted, "I am still hungry for success," connecting his purpose for making money not with "consumption" but with his "sense of achievement." It was particularly memorable when he expressed that he felt "frustrated" for not being able to elevate Korea's status internationally despite achieving great success in basketball.

Q3. I've heard that Seo Jang-hoon actively participated from the program planning stage; what aspects of his opinions were reflected?
Kim: Seo Jang-hoon emphasized that this program should not stop at simply being "stories of wealthy people" but should illuminate the philosophy, attitudes, and worldview embedded in their lives. The common question posed at the end of the program, "What mindset do you live with?" was suggested directly by Seo Jang-hoon. I believe that this one phrase reflects the essence of "Neighbor Millionaire" as content that prompts reflection on the essence of life rather than mere success stories.
Park: Seo Jang-hoon provided important points in choosing the criteria for selecting millionaires. Namely, it should not be "flex-style rich people" who boast of their consumption or flaunt their wealth but individuals who value the authenticity and richness of money. Seo Jang-hoon's opinion had a significant impact on the program's direction.

Q4. I'm curious about the criteria for selecting the wealthy. What aspect did you pay the most attention to?
Kim: As we went along creating "Neighbor Millionaire," we became more convinced that a true wealthy person is defined not by "how much they have" but by "how they live." Therefore, when selecting individuals, we did not base our criteria solely on economic success. Rather, we wanted to find people who seek to share their achievements with society rather than keeping them to themselves, those who have upheld their principles through various failures and hardships, and individuals who value process and people more than outcomes.

Q5. Since filming takes place in the homes of the wealthy, the atmosphere must be unique. Could you share any memorable episodes?
Kim: Our production team feels like we receive a life lesson with each episode we film. It’s not just about viewing the homes of the wealthy; it’s about hearing the lives that have unfolded in those spaces.
Park: A particularly memorable moment was during the episode with a retired chairman, who is now living as a natural person, pursuing happiness with family. I remember Seo Jang-hoon’s sparkling eyes and various questions as he explored that place.
Kim: The chairman prepared a carefully arranged seasonal meal with vegetables grown directly in his garden, and Seo Jang-hoon enjoyed it so much that he couldn’t stop eating, even doing a hand prayer before the meal. I felt the chairman’s philosophy of generously sharing something good about what he has was more valuable than money itself in that meal.

Q6. Who would you recommend "Neighbor Millionaire" to, and what is the reason they should definitely watch it?
Kim: "Neighbor Millionaire" goes beyond just stories about the wealthy or success tales; it's a program that poses the question of "how should we live?" Therefore, I would highly recommend it to anyone contemplating the direction of their lives. I believe it can provide inspiration as a good role model for adolescents, realistic courage and inspiration for young people, and an opportunity for adults to reflect on the meaning of life. I hope it becomes a time for all of us to discover our own abundance through the lives of the "true wealthy" we found in our program.
Park: "Neighbor Millionaire" can offer great inspiration to everyone who is passionately living their lives. The lessons of the millionaires stating, "the value of time," "doing well what you are good at," and "doing your best in your work" will become practical guidelines for many people.

The delightful and warm journey exploring wealth, EBS x E Channel "Seo Jang-hoon's Neighbor Millionaire," premieres on the 9th at 9:55 p.m.

[Photo] OSEN DB, EBS, E Channel "Seo Jang-hoon's Neighbor Millionaire"

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