Choi Hong-man Reveals Reason for K-1 Debut on 'You Quiz on the Block': '1.5 Billion KRW Annual Salary Offer'

Mixed martial artist Choi Hong-man appeared on tvN's entertainment show 'You Quiz on the Block' (hereafter 'You Quiz') and shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about his K-1 debut.

During the 'Endless Battle' special episode aired on the 5th, Choi Hong-man looked back on his transition from a ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling) athlete to a mixed martial artist in 2005.

He explained, "At the time, our ssireum team was facing dissolution, and K-1 approached me with a scout offer." He added, "I was hesitant at first, but the offer of a staggering 1.5 billion KRW annual salary, even at a young age, was incredibly tempting."

Due to the sport being the opposite of ssireum, he recalled, "My acquaintances in the ssireum community were very worried, saying, 'It's impossible. You'll get seriously injured.'"

However, at the age of 26, he stated that he chose the new challenge with the mindset that there was nothing to fear, driven by the courage of youth.

Netizens watching the broadcast commented, "An annual salary of 1.5 billion KRW, that was truly groundbreaking," and "It makes you wonder what would have happened if he had chosen a different path," showing surprise at Choi Hong-man's bold decision.