Broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon and Jonathan meet 'the millionaire next door.'
On the 8th at the National Press Club at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, a press conference was held for EBS's new entertainment program 'Seo Jang-hoon's millionaire next door.' Attending the event were EBS producer Kim Min-ji, E Channel producer Park So-hyun, broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon, and Jonathan.
'Seo Jang-hoon's millionaire next door' is a program where '2 trillion giant' Seo Jang-hoon visits 'real millionaires' who have built wealth and success, exploring their secrets. Seo Jang-hoon, known for the '2 trillion wealth rumor,' and 'part-time level Congo prince' Jonathan will pair up for the first time as regulars on a variety show, raising expectations.
Producer Kim Min-ji noted about 'the millionaire next door,' "As the title suggests, it's a program that meets millionaires who are not special individuals but rather those close by, examining their attitudes and the values of wealth to re-evaluate the meaning of wealth." She added, "Everyone has a great interest in money and dreams of being financially prosperous in life. We wanted to pose questions such as 'What is money?', 'How much do you need to be happy?', and 'What enriches life?'. We planned this to seek answers by meeting real millionaires."
She continued, "There won't be anyone who is not interested in money. In a capitalist society, there is a fundamental curiosity about money. This cannot only be understood through economics textbooks; it must connect with life. Recently, there has been a surge in content on platforms like YouTube, where wealthy individuals share how to make money and find success. It seems like people are looking for the purpose and direction in life rather than just wanting to increase the scale of their assets. The increasing amount of content suggests that more people are looking for happiness in life. I wanted to discover good adults who can serve as role models. And I hope this can be an opportunity for introspection in my life."
'What will the casting process for the millionaire entail?' Producer Kim Min-ji explained, "Since the title is 'millionaire,' many may think we will meet wealthy individuals and showcase glamorous lives; however, the millionaires we meet are not solely focused on economic success. We aimed to meet those who possess philosophy and life values. The casting was particularly challenging, which led us to exert significant effort in persuading them. It seems they felt sincerity in the part that their life stories could serve as a milestone in someone else's life rather than just displaying the scale of their assets. Since EBS is a public broadcaster, we've tried to create a program that approaches with sincerity and trust, and we showed that there wouldn't be sensational editing in the casting and editing process."
Producer Park So-hyun shared about the 'criteria for millionaires,' saying, "It was difficult to set a guideline. Since everyone's criteria are different, we prioritized characters who can be respected by everyone. Instead of just casting people who became wealthy simply because they had money from the start, we tried to find millionaires with dramatic stories. "
Notably, Dr. Oh Eun-young is meeting millionaires through 'a thousand billion won breakfast' on tvN STORY. Producer Kim Min-ji said, "We have Seo Jang-hoon. He has a contrasting charm. He can see through the hearts of ordinary people, and now he seems to have become a Buddha. He throws straightforward and cold questions, but at the same time, he opens his heart with warm sincerity and consideration. The warmth that Seo Jang-hoon possesses, along with a natural flow rather than a talk show format, is our virtue. EBS is a broadcaster strong in documentaries. The most important thing is to create videos that can be understood through in-depth and thick coverage of people. Our program does not just stop at visiting and talking to millionaires but also allows the production team to spend more time with them to understand how they live and what concerns they have, presenting it densely. In that respect, you might feel it is a completely different program."
Producer Park So-hyun said, "When I received the project proposal, I heard that Seo Jang-hoon was cast. I knew him as the most honest and genuine MC, and I also wanted to work with him. I was curious about what questions he would ask when meeting a millionaire and what answers he would hear. I ask for your anticipation since many things will come out that you've never heard before." She added, "Jonathan is quirky and lively, but upon meeting him, I found him to be thoughtful and kind. I was moved by that aspect. Even as his popularity is rising, he has multiple life plans laid out. So I expect him to not be intimidated in front of millionaires and show his true self."
Seo Jang-hoon is known to have been actively sharing his opinions and pouring his passion from the planning stage of the program. In particular, it has been reported that the total value of the properties he owns is over 70 billion won, and with the '2 trillion wealth rumor' arising from various entertainment appearances, there is concentrated interest in his participation in 'the millionaire next door.'
Seo Jang-hoon said, "I often watch EBS. I do many programs where I talk a lot, so I prefer calm programs at home, and I was approached to create 'the millionaire next door' with EBS and E Channel. I felt that I had a lot to learn, which made me decide to participate. I hope it becomes a representative program of EBS and E Channel." He added, "I received the offer around September last year, but at that time, I didn’t even know if the program was happening, and I avoid participating in offers that resemble past shows I have done. While other programs are excellent, I think once you see it, you will feel that 'the millionaire next door' has a different vibe."
He continued, "Whether it’s small success or big success, I believed there are lessons to be learned from everyone. There will be amazing individuals who have achieved great success. They are not people who succeeded through tricks or shortcuts but rather those whose talents, efforts, and perseverance have combined to lead to extraordinary success. As I always say, I believe the program will prompt many to reconsider how we should live. Upon interviewing, they have overcome difficulties and exerted efforts that are hard to fathom. I think watching will definitely provide many insights."
Seo Jang-hoon said, "While watching the program, I think you will reflect on the lives of millionaires rather than focusing on how they think about money and how they live today. I believe that is a larger theme. The value of money comes next. You may consider 'what is true success and wealth,' but what matters first is looking honestly into their lives. Regardless of time and place, there is always curiosity about successful people, so I think it will be a program where we share candidly."
Jonathan is a broadcaster who has gained explosive popularity as an icon of the MZ generation, seamlessly transitioning between YouTube and traditional broadcasting, but it is known that he has had every job imaginable, from distributing flyers to being a wedding assistant, embodying the 'part-time level' aspect. Attention is focused on what kind of persona he will showcase in 'the millionaire next door,' where he meets 'real millionaires.'
Jonathan said, "I used to watch knowledge channels often at school, and I was happy that the day has come when I can also work at EBS. I had met Seo Jang-hoon on another program, so it is a great honor to be able to work with someone I respect. I believe there are many lessons to be learned when meeting wealthy individuals, as I am still young and have a long way to go. I decided to participate because I thought I could grow further."
Jonathan mentioned, "Regarding money, some people see it as a living entity, while others contemplate their relationship with it. While I used to think about where to spend the moment I earn, I realized that those I met were considering the value of money, leading me to think, 'I need to change how I spend it while I am young.' It has been a time of reflection for me every time."
Jonathan particularly remarked, "Our generation tends to operate almost entirely online, so we don't grasp the scale of transactions. After appearing on 'the millionaire next door,' while I previously ordered deliveries without checking the cost, I now find myself being more meticulous. I have begun reconsidering how much I spend. I have been trying to keep a household account book, and changes are occurring."
Producer Park So-hyun explained the importance of watching 'the millionaire next door,' stating, "We do not just cast anyone. We are conducting extensive research, and we focus on those aspects to capture valuable lessons rather than just casting any millionaire. In that regard, even if you watch casually, I believe you will find something to gain from it." Producer Kim Min-ji added, "The first broadcast is just a day away, and it's finally approaching. EBS will co-produce with E Channel to introduce 12 millionaires, and after watching, I think viewers will redefine what it means to be wealthy. There are preconceived notions and biases about the wealthy, but seeing the lineup we have selected, I believe viewers will redefine their definitions anew."
Seo Jang-hoon noted, "The millionaires really like me. This indicates that they felt comfortable sharing many stories with me. It may also mean they feel free to share their stories. While there may have been similar programs, I believe viewers will sense that it is distinctly different overall. I hope it becomes a long-lasting program." Jonathan added, "While it may be burdensome for the millionaires to share their stories when they first see us, I found it intriguing to see how easily they opened up. They share stories well that the younger generation may not be aware of, which will also become a point of interest for viewers."
'The 2 trillion wealth rumor' Seo Jang-hoon and 'the aspiring millionaire' Jonathan boldly knock on the doors of millionaires, revealing the secrets of wealth and success on the 9th at 9:55 p.m. on EBS x E Channel's 'Seo Jang-hoon's millionaire next door.'
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