Judo Legend and Former Detective Dominates Korean Entertainment Show ‘The Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears’
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The latest episode of KBS2’s long-running entertainment program, ‘The Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears,’ captivated audiences with the charismatic presence of Hwang Hee-tae, head coach of the South Korean national judo team, achieving a 6.9% viewership rating – continuing its 176-week streak as the top show in its timeslot, according to Nielsen Korea.
From Olympic Gold to Homicide Detective: A Remarkable Career
Hwang Hee-tae’s appearance on the show, which aired Sunday, brought a unique blend of athletic prowess and unexpected life experiences to the screen. The coach’s impressive background includes gold medals at the 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and a leadership role that has seen the national judo team secure five medals, including a bronze in the mixed team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Known to his peers as “Human Tank,” Hwang’s physical transformation since retirement also drew attention. He playfully confessed to gaining 30 kg and undergoing cosmetic procedures, stating, “After I retired, I gained 30 kg, and for cosmetic purposes, I removed the mole above my eyebrows. I also tried to look handsome.”
A Disciplinarian’s Impact
The impact of Hwang’s leadership style was immediately apparent. Players at the Jincheon national team athletes’ village reportedly experience a rigorous environment under his guidance, with one athlete quipping that the village had become “hell thanks to the coach.” Another described him as an “angry bull,” a sentiment that visibly embarrassed Hwang during the broadcast. Witnesses described a striking scene of athletes lining up to offer 90-degree bows upon his arrival, prompting a humorous comparison to the film “New World” from MC Jeon Hyun-moo.
Hwang emphasized the importance of individualized technique, sharing his philosophy that “to win a game, you must have your own main weapon.” He demonstrated his judo skills to the show’s MCs, Park Myung-soo and Jeon Hyun-moo, who served as willing “scapegoats” for his instruction.
Beyond the Mat: A Past in Law Enforcement
Adding another layer to his already fascinating story, Hwang revealed a four-year stint as a homicide detective from 2015 to 2019. He explained his decision to apply for the position, noting a special recruitment initiative for individuals with martial arts backgrounds and a highly competitive acceptance rate of 10 to 1. “I wanted to become a detective like Ma Dong-seok, so I also worked in the homicide unit,” he said, referencing the popular action star. He recounted a memorable arrest, stating that he physically compelled a resisting suspect into a police vehicle, a story that prompted MC Jeon Hyun-moo to remark that it sounded like a scene from the film “Crime City.”
Culinary Clash: A Rivalry Decades in the Making
The episode also featured a culinary showdown between Chef Hoyoung Jeong and Chef Jaehoon Bae, two prominent figures in the Korean Kappo cuisine scene. The chefs, who have maintained a 13-year rivalry since opening restaurants in Gangbuk and Gangnam respectively, engaged in a fierce cooking competition judged by Bae Dong-ryeol, a renowned YouTuber and Michelin expert.
The chefs showcased luxurious ingredients, including Hokkaido sea urchin roe, white truffles, and Jeju cutlassfish. Ultimately, Chef Bae Jae-hoon emerged victorious with his shrimp spring rolls and pine mushroom soup, while Jeong Ho-young’s crab and sea urchin croquettes and pine mushroom udon fell short. Despite the loss, Jeong Ho-young vowed a rematch, declaring, “This competition is not the end. Season 2 is coming.”
Cultural Exchange and Linguistic Challenges in Turkey
The show also highlighted a segment featuring Jeon Hyun-moo, Uhm Ji-in, and Heo Yu-won’s visit to Istanbul, Turkey, at the invitation of the Istanbul King Sejong Institute for a Korean language lecture. The Korean delegation enjoyed a traditional Turkish dinner hosted by Umit, featuring appetizers, grilled lamb, baklava, and kaymak. A lighthearted moment occurred when Jeon Hyun-moo teased Kim Sook about her fondness for kaymak, a traditional Turkish dairy product.
The visit culminated in a “Golden Bell” quiz competition at the King Sejong Institute, testing students’ Korean language skills. Josh Kun, a participant with seven years of experience working at a Korean company, won the competition by correctly identifying the tiger as a sacred animal in Korean culture. Students rated the lecture a perfect 10 out of 10, with Kun expressing his admiration for announcer Umji-in.
‘The Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears’ airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM on KBS 2TV.
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