The surprising news was reported that world-renowned pop opera master Lim Hyung-joo, with an estimated income of ‘at least 50 billion won’, donated more than half of the money he earned.

On the 25th, on EBS and E Channel co-produced ‘Seo Jang-hoon’s Millionaire Next Door ‘, the life story of pop opera tenor Lim Hyung-joo, who’ shook not only Korea but also the world ‘, unfolded against the backdrop of his special’ 400-pyeong pop opera house ‘.Lim Hyung-joo is a pioneer in the popularization of pop opera in Korea, and a musician who received the attention and love of the nation when he sang the national anthem solo at the inauguration ceremony of the late President Roh Moo-hyun in 2003 at the age of 17, the’ youngest in constitutional history ‘.He is also a man of numerous records, such as the first Korean musician to sign a contract with one of the world’s four major record labels, the youngest male vocalist to enter Carnegie Hall in 2003, and the second Korean after Jo Sumi to earn 100 million won per performance in the same year.He boasts an amazing career that has been recognized by not only Korean presidents but also foreign presidents and popes, including the 2015 Obama Presidential Award, the 2019 Trump Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and a special audience with Pope Francis in 2023.

Lim Hyung-joo’s appearance on ‘Millionaire Next Door’ drew a great response as it was his first public broadcast comeback in 15 years and honestly portrayed the life and daily life of Lim Hyung-joo, who had been shrouded in mystery until then.Lim Hyung-joo, who debuted at the age of 12 and is now in his 27th year, calmly confessed his pain, saying, “At an age when mistakes should be made, I had to learn not to make mistakes among adults.” He also said, “I’ve been taking tranquilizers since I was 18 or 19.But I’m not ashamed at all,” humbly embracing the shadow behind his glory, gently moistening the hearts of viewers.He also shed tears as he told his younger self, “There will be thousands, tens of thousands of times when you have to cry.If you’re afraid of that, run away from here right now,” making viewers guess how many tears he must have had to swallow.

Lim Hyung-joo’s income, which was revealed through ‘The Millionaire Next Door’, is estimated to be at least 50 billion won.However, Lim Hyung-joo surprised everyone by saying, “I’ve donated more than half of the money I’ve earned so far.” In fact, he has been continuously engaging in endless social contribution activities, including donations of goods and talent.Lim Hyung-joo said, “If a 30 million won event and a no-guarantee talent donation event for children with cancer overlap, I would definitely choose the latter,” adding to the emotion.On the other hand, Lim Hyung-joo, who is 39 years old this year, said, “I’m definitely not a non-marriage person.I’ve only failed in love.I know very well that I’m a picky person in many ways, so I don’t have much confidence in marriage,” revealing his honest feelings about dating and marriage.

In this broadcast, Seo Jang-hoon shed hot tears while missing his late mother, causing heartbreak.While listening to Lim Hyung-joo singing “A Thousand Winds,” Seo Jang-hoon said, “I’m not mentally weak, but after going through something big last year… When I listen to these songs, I get emotional and it’s so sad,” and couldn’t hold back his tears.Seo Jang-hoon lost his mother in May of last year after a fight with an illness.

‘Seo Jang-hoon’s Millionaire Next Door ‘, which set out to find’ real rich people ‘, ends Season 1 with the Lim Hyung-joo episode.It provided time to think deeply about what real wealth and real success are by meeting 12 millionaires around us and looking into their lives and philosophies.And’ Millionaire Next Door ‘has confirmed the production of Season 2 thanks to the enthusiastic support of viewers and has begun full-scale preparations.Many are looking forward to Season 2 of’ Millionaire Next Door’, which will visit viewers this fall with a more cheerful and warm story.

Reporter Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com jhj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.