'Is Anyone Fit to Be a Boss?' exposes the shocking actions of troublesome customers while presenting survival solutions for struggling small business owners, evoking strong empathy from both the 6 million self-employed individuals and viewers.
The first episode of SBS Plus's entertainment program 'Is Anyone Fit to Be a Boss?' aired on the 14th, featuring 3 MCs Han Hye-jin, Yoo Jeong-soo, and Kim Ho-young as they examined the unimaginable actions of "handmen" that bring tears to small business owners, while also seeking countermeasures. Business expert Yoo Jeong-soo presented a comprehensive customized solution that determines the survival of businesses on the brink of closure, captivating the audience.
In the first episode, the owner of a "salmon restaurant" revealed a twist by stating, despite Yoo Jeong-soo's decision to close the business, "I will continue the business." The show vividly showcased the struggles of self-employed individuals and realistic solutions, garnering intense interest and support from viewers, hinting at a "big hit" from the very first episode.
MCs Han Hye-jin and Yoo Jeong-soo in the studio explained, "In 2023, the number of business closure reports is nearing 1 million. The costs of closing a business have increased more than those of starting one," and began a 'legal solutions' segment with a team of lawyers to protect business owners from "black consumers."
First, a video composed of CCTV footage from business owners was revealed, showing a customer committing "feces terror" on the cafe terrace despite the restroom being right in front of them, shocking everyone. Lawyers Kim Hye-jin and Lee Kyung-min suggested legal countermeasures, stating, "There could be charges of property damage, obstruction of business, and public indecency, as well as the possibility of civil lawsuits."
Next was footage from a bakery's CCTV, where drunken "handmen" confronted the bakery owner and continued their outrageous behavior by spitting in the store even after the police arrived. They later returned to the store and verbally assaulted the owner. The shocked owner managed to sue one of the "handmen" for obstruction of business, resulting in a fine of 700,000 won.
However, the studio cast expressed their frustration, saying, "The punishment is too lenient." Lawyer Lee Kyung-min suggested, "It might be worth considering charges of intimidation, defamation, and stalking," while lawyer Kim Hye-jin emphasized, "Don't just report it; actively request severe punishment as well."
Finally, a recording of a conversation between a customer who made a reservation at a nail salon but did a "no-show" and the owner was revealed. The customer arrived an hour and a half late and insisted, despite the owner's statement that "it is difficult to refund the deposit according to the regulations," that they wanted the service. After a tense argument, the customer waited five hours to receive the service.
Observing the frustrating situation, Yoo Jeong-soo cautiously suggested, "This is actually the most frequent occurrence that causes the biggest trauma for business owners. If you have to give in anyway, it might have been better to respond flexibly from the start." Han Hye-jin expressed her hope that "not only 'no-shows' but also the very situation of appealing to emotions would disappear."
Following the shocking revelations of the "handmen," Yoo Jeong-soo's "business solution" segment aimed at saving business owners on the brink of closure began. The first protagonist, the salmon restaurant owner, stated, "The war between Ukraine and Russia started right after I opened, causing salmon prices to skyrocket. I've been in the red since a year after opening and am considering closing down."
In response, Yoo Jeong-soo visited the restaurant to diagnose "closure or survival." However, the owner was seen handling salmon with bare hands without washing, prompting Yoo Jeong-soo to refuse to evaluate the food, saying, "I can't eat this." Later, during a kitchen inspection, rotten abalone and an unidentified sauce left by the previous owner were found in the refrigerator. The owner shocked everyone by placing a "diffuser" instead of cleaning the refrigerator. Yoo Jeong-soo added, "At least the main ingredient, salmon, was stored in a clean refrigerator," expressing relief.
In the midst of this chaotic situation, Yoo Jeong-soo had an in-depth interview with the owner. The owner confessed, "I receive financial support and overall help with financial management and marketing from my older brother." Yoo Jeong-soo sternly asked, "Is the person in front of me really the owner?" The owner tearfully revealed the reason for relying on his brother's help, saying, "I've suffered from lymphangitis for a long time, leading to depression." Yoo Jeong-soo felt sympathy for the owner's situation, as he was living in the store due to difficulties commuting because of his painful leg.
However, Yoo Jeong-soo coldly diagnosed, "Currently, the store is losing more than 2 million won a month. The owner's grueling labor is covering the losses." After showing the store's true state to the owner's brother, he announced, "I will decide on 'closure or survival' in the studio."
When Yoo Jeong-soo met the owner and his brother again in the studio, he stated, "The owner's physical and mental health is not good, and he could become ill at any time, so I have decided on 'closure.' If you decide to close based on my choice, I will personally support you with 10 million won in 'closure support funds' and hire you as an employee in our company's development team."
The owner paused for a moment in thought but expressed his refusal by tearing the 'closure support fund' card handed to him. He said, "I don't want to disappoint those who have helped me so far. I will continue the business."
Han Hye-jin supported the owner's decision, saying, "Your choice is also a courageous one," while Kim Ho-young encouraged him to "revitalize based on Yoo Jeong-soo's solution," giving him a signature "lift up" gesture to boost his spirits. After completing the solution, the owner received warm applause for revealing the improved state of the store, which now paid close attention to hygiene management and developed new menu items.
Meanwhile, the program 'Is Anyone Fit to Be a Boss?' not only exposes the various outrageous acts of "black consumers" but also provides proper closure support and survival consulting for small business owners, airing every Thursday at 8:40 PM.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
