Jeju's 'President' Kang Woo-hyun Reveals Surprising Connection: Alumnus with Seo Jang-hoon's Father

EBS's 'Neighboring Millionaire' hosted by Seo Jang-hoon is set to uncover the extraordinary story of Kang Woo-hyun, the 'President' who established a 30,000-pyeong virtual republic in Jeju. The premiere episode, airing on the 17th, will feature Kang Woo-hyun, who amusingly calls building nations his hobby and refers to himself as 'President' within his unique worldview.

He introduces the 'Sky Lighthouse' as the symbol of his self-created nation, explaining that its 120 bulbs represent the path to heaven. In a stroke of genius, he divided this 'sky' into 120 portions, selling each for 1.21 million won, achieving a remarkable profit of 140 million won in just 20 days. This innovative approach earned him comparisons to Bong-yi Kim Seon-dal, to which Kang playfully responded that he was more creative than the legendary trickster.

Furthermore, Kang Woo-hyun will unveil his illustrious career as a 'Top Designer of the 20th Century.' Iconic works like the 'Thumbs-Up Logo Bank' and the mascots for 'Gwacheon Land,' fondly remembered by many Koreans, were all born from his designs. He boasted that his design fees at the time were equivalent to half the price of an apartment, highlighting his status as a top-earning designer. Most surprisingly, it was revealed that Kang Woo-hyun and Seo Jang-hoon's father were not only alumni of 'H University's Fine Arts department but also shared the same major, leaving everyone present astonished. Seo Jang-hoon's delighted reaction to this unexpected connection is anticipated to be another highlight of the broadcast.

Kang Woo-hyun was a prominent figure in the South Korean design scene during the 1980s and 90s. His creations, such as the iconic 'Thumbs-Up Logo Bank' and the mascot for 'Gwacheon Land,' hold nostalgic value for many. He is now showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit by establishing a vast virtual republic in Jeju.