On the July 20 episode of KBS2’s variety show “Boss in the Mirror“, Haha made a surprise appearance as a friend of chef Jung Ji-sun. During the episode, he revealed that the restaurant he co-managed with Kim Jong-kook in Myeong-dong had officially shut down.

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“Myeong-dong was hopeless,” Haha confessed. “Not even an ant walked in. For two years, I paid the rent and cried every day.” Appearing in a black t-shirt and cap, his somber demeanor stood out against the usually upbeat vibe of the show. He stated firmly from the beginning “This is really the end of the restaurant business for me”, confirming the closure of both direct-run branches.

Despite the challenges, Haha shared a heartfelt story involving Kim Jong-kook. He said “I told him I was sorry, but he just replied ‘What’s there to be sorry about? I started this business assuming I might lose that money anyway’”, showing their deep friendship and mutual respect.

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“Now I’m just barely getting by,” Haha admitted toward the end of the segment, offering a rare, sincere glimpse into the burdens of running a business. His honest, unfiltered emotions left a lasting impression on viewers.

Haha, who married singer Byul in 2012, is a father of three and continues to appear in various variety shows, including “Boss in the Mirror“. Discussions for new endorsements and entertainment show appearances are currently underway, signaling that his entertainment career remains vibrant even amid personal hardships.

Naver