Seo Jang-hoon discusses wealth and spending on SBS variety show
Broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon discussed his wealth, personal spending habits, and electricity conservation methods during an October 9 broadcast of the SBS variety show “Whatever You Need Genie – My Genie Secretary,” according to OSEN.
Seo Saves Athlete Earnings Through Modest Spending
Seo explained that while he was an athlete, he did not spend the money he earned at home, allowing him to save it purely and continuously. He added, “I think that’s the most important thing.” Regarding his daily expenses, Seo stated that he does not spend money on himself except for monthly food delivery fees, and that he only purchases clothes if they fit properly, as reported by OSEN.
Seo also noted that he saves on almost everything, including electricity bills, mirroring habits shared by Lee Seo-jin. Kim Kwang-kyu then asked curiously, “Where do you spend the most?”
Seo Denies Rumors of Trillion Won Fortune
Addressing rumors regarding his financial status, Seo Jang-hoon clarified misconceptions on the broadcast, stating that he is not a chaebol worth 2 trillion won, according to the broadcast. Kim Kwang-kyu referred to Seo Jang-hoon as a “daegam-manim” and remarked, “You have so much wealth, yet you live so diligently, with your fortune in the hundreds of billions of won.” To this, Seo snapped, “Where do I have hundreds of billions of won?” He noted that only 35 people in the country possess 2 trillion won, explaining that the rumor originated from a joke by Kim Heechul. Seo mentioned that out of 100 people, five or six actually believe the rumor, but questioned what he could possibly do to earn such a sum, asking, “What on earth could I possibly do to earn 2 trillion won?” Kim Kwang-kyu then joked, “Does Jang-hoon belong in that group? Wow, what an incredible person.”
Lee and Kim React to Seo's Wealth
In a preview and episode coverage detailed by Sports Chosun, actor Lee Seo-jin expressed envy of Seo Jang-hoon’s wealth, stating that Seo has more and describing him as a billionaire. Kim Kwang-kyu also described Seo Jang-hoon as “the richest person I’ve ever met.” When Lee asked Seo whether a company dinner costing more than 10 million won would be acceptable, asking, “Is it okay to spend more than 10 million won on a team dinner?” Seo casually answered in the affirmative, saying, “Yes,” surprising Kim Kwang-kyu, who could not hide his surprise and exclaimed, “You spend that much?” When the production team asked Lee Seo-jin, “Who is wealthier?” Lee answered without hesitation, “Jang-hoon, I suppose.” When they followed up by asking, “Haven’t you really gone head-to-head?” Lee replied, “There’s no need to fight. I surrender. He’s a billionaire.”
How do you manage your mental state?” Seo replied that many people worry whether his stomach and mental state are okay because he is always like that, and stated that he treats people sincerely with the wish for them to live well like family, but quickly forgets the interactions after recording because there is another recording the next day and he has to shake it off quickly and prepare for the next broadcast so it does not interfere. Kim Kwang-kyu remarked that his preconceptions of Seo’s prickliness, grumbling, cursing, and getting angry were completely shattered, describing him as a friend like a tender boy with a childlike heart remaining. Seo expressed gratitude that the older brothers he likes accompanied him and went along with him to Gangneung so it almost didn’t become a lonely recording, making a reverse service proposal to serve the two later if there is an opportunity.
SBS’s “Whatever You Need Genie – My Genie Secretary” featuring Seo Jang-hoon aired on October 9 at 11:10 p.m.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.