Seo Jang-hoon, '100 billion won in annual sales with watermelons' millionaire throws a basketball like it's made of watermelon... 'Dizzying accident'

*This content was translated by AI.

'Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door' shines a light on the success secrets of Im Jang-seop, known as 'the big player in South Korea's watermelon distribution,' who boasts 100 billion won in annual sales.

In an episode airing on the 12th on EBS's 'Seo Jang-hoon's Millionaire Next Door,' the tumultuous life story of 'watermelon millionaire' Lim Jang-seop (Chairman), who has been responsible for South Korea's watermelon distribution for the past 40 years, will be revealed. Im Jang-seop is a figure known as a 'big player in the watermelon world' with annual sales of 100 billion won and the ability to ship up to 40,000 units per day. Based on contracts with approximately 900 farms spanning 600,000 pyeong (about 20 thousand won square meters), he is responsible for about 20,000 tons of domestic watermelon distribution volume. In particular, a village in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, boasts such strong trust that the entire village consists of farms contracted with Im Jang-seop. This broadcast also unveils an ultra-large-scale watermelon distribution center located in Buan, Jeollabuk-do, covering 5,000 pyeong (about 16,500 square meters). Watermelons harvested from all over the country gather here overnight, and sorting, packaging, and shipping operations continue without a break. Among these, what stands out most is the 'sugar content sorting machine,' which automatically measures sugar levels as soon as a watermelon is placed on it. The secrets behind how 'honey watermelons'—which undergo strict quality control with a passing standard of '11 Brix'—reach consumers' dinner tables will be fully revealed.

The two hosts, Seo Jang-hoon and Jang Ye-won, visit a watermelon field in full harvest mode. As Im Jang-seop shares his 'honey tips for picking delicious watermelons' based on 40 years of expertise, Seo Jang-hoon and Jang Ye-won immediately take on the mission to identify perfectly ripe watermelons. First, Jang Ye-won confidently steps forward, claiming, "I eat so many watermelons that I'm good at picking them," mobilizing all her experience built up from years of mukbang (eating shows) to carefully inspect each watermelon's condition. In response, Seo Jang-hoon not only taps the watermelons directly to listen for their sound but also closely examines their skin color before carefully selecting one. Finally, when they cut open the two watermelons they picked, the reactions are sharply divided. One watermelon, which already displayed an extraordinary appearance with its unique sound and color even before being cut, draws gasps of admiration from everyone once its cross-section is revealed. During the subsequent on-the-spot tasting, all eyes widen at the explosive sweetness that fills their mouths. In contrast, the other watermelon, which gave off an ominous vibe even before cutting due to its large belly button, reveals a white core inside once sliced, instantly deciding the outcome. This raises curiosity about who among the two will be recognized by 'watermelon king' Im Jang-seop as the ultimate watermelon connoisseur.

The three then move to the loading site where they transfer freshly picked watermelons from the field onto trucks. Here, skilled workers demonstrate a seamless coordination known as 'one watermelon per second,' moving 28 large watermelons in just 28 seconds, capturing everyone's attention. As impressive 'watermelon passes' continue, even 'basketball legend' Seo Jang-hoon cannot hide his surprise. At that moment, Im Jang-seop suggests to Seo Jang-hoon, "Would you like to try throwing one, Mr. Seo?" causing instant tension to fill the scene. Seo Jang-hoon confidently declares, "Throwing is my specialty," and tosses a watermelon, but before he can finish his sentence, an unexpected major accident occurs, leaving everyone flustered.

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*This content was translated by AI.