Choi Bok-ho, a pioneer in South Korea's fashion industry, shares his tumultuous life story and success journey.
In an episode airing on May 13, EBS's 'The Millionaire Next Door' features Choi Bok-ho, a fashion designer with cumulative sales of approximately 500 billion won. Debuting in 1973, he is recognized as a living legend in the Korean fashion scene, marking his 53rd year in the industry.
The broadcast will showcase Choi's tailor shop nestled deep in the mountains of Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which he has operated for 18 years. He revealed, "We receive an average of 1,000 to 1,500 visitors each month, with monthly sales reaching up to 60 million won," surprising viewers. The program will also highlight his ongoing work in the industry, including an outdoor fashion show and his active lifestyle as he approaches his 80th birthday.
Choi was born to a single mother who lost her husband while pregnant with him. Growing up under her care, he was inspired by her always neat appearance and developed an interest in fashion. He nurtured his dream of becoming a designer after seeing Andre Kim, Korea's first male fashion designer, and eventually dropped out of college to pursue his passion.
After completing his military service, Choi enrolled in a fashion school that had produced Andre Kim, where he honed his skills. His debut work, known for its bold designs, caught attention, leading to him being scouted by Choi Kyung-ja, a prominent figure in the fashion industry at the time.
However, his promising start was met with unexpected challenges. Choi recalled, "I was fired after just one week on the job for earning 800 won. I thought the sky was falling down on me." The story behind his swift departure from the fashion industry, where he was once seen as a rising star, will be revealed in the broadcast.
Later, Choi had to return to his hometown of Daegu due to unavoidable circumstances, leaving behind the fame and career he built in Seoul. Starting from scratch, he made a comeback with bold items like 'back pants' and 'fake gadamai,' shaking up the Daegu fashion scene.
At a time when tailor shops primarily showcased elegant styles, Choi targeted the younger demographic with his designs, leading to a surge in popularity. He noted, "There were even followers who imitated my style," with reports of many people emulating his looks on the streets.
His business expanded rapidly, and by the early 1980s, his monthly sales reached 100 million won, equivalent to the price of an apartment in Seoul, solidifying his status as a star designer. This success paved the way for him to make a name for himself on the global stage.
The journey of a boy born to a single mother who grew up to become a leading designer in the Korean fashion industry, along with the secrets behind the 'back pants myth,' will be explored in 'The Millionaire Next Door' airing today at 9:55 PM.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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