According to Nielsen Korea, a viewership rating research company, on the 7th, MBC’s entertainment program ’Salty Man’, which aired on the 6th, recorded a viewership rating of 2.5% among households nationwide.
MBC’s entertainment program ‘Salty Man’, which was released on the 6th, featured a special feature on Shay Sogeum, who personally practices frugality in his daily life. On this day’s broadcast, singer Choi Sang-yeop and actor Lim Ki-hong appeared as ‘Shy Sogeum’ and showed off their extraordinary frugality.
On this day’s broadcast, Choi Sang-yeop, the main vocalist of the band ‘LUCY‘, who leads the band scene with music representing youth with ‘Shy Sogeomi’ and recently successfully completed its first world tour, and famous licorice actor and one of the number one multi-man in the musical world, Musical actor Lim Ki-hong appeared.
First, Choi Sang-yeop revealed the perfect frugal daily routine that made the ‘Sogeomi’ group fall in love with it. Choi Sang-yeop showed off his powerful Sogeum-i from the beginning by even sparing the brightness of his cell phone in a dark semi-basement house with no lights on. Kim Jong-kook, who has a fear of wasting water, started the engine with a ‘salty sound’ when he saw Choi Sang-yeop turn on the water to wash, but a warm atmosphere was created by applauding the ‘Jeongseok Salt moment’ when he took water from the sink and washed it with an urgent apology.
Choi Sang-yeop chose the moist semi-basement area as the secret to maintaining moist vocal cords, and showed a positive attitude by walking from Yongsan-gu to Gangnam-gu for a second-hand sale. Kim Jong-kook seemed to sympathize with his salt-filled daily life, unlike usual, with his lovely eyes, and Jang Do-yeon, who discovered this, teased him and said, “I’m going to kiss you like this,” making him laugh.
The second ‘Shy Sogeum’ Lim Ki-hong threatened Lim Woo-il’s position by sharing extraordinary life advice as a ‘lifestyle-oriented’ Sogeum. Im Ki-hong, who visited the Dongmyo Flea Market, which he frequently visits, taught people how to find new clothes among old clothes, and succeeded in shopping for a full outfit for less than 30,000 won, receiving applause from the Sogeumgi Corps.
He did not stop there, but even revealed how he collected empty bottles, exchanged them for cash, and shopped frugally, aiming for last-minute discounts at the supermarket. After returning home and seeing his salty dinner, the Sogeums felt vicarious happiness and enjoyed a healing time. Lim Ki-hong showed a frugal daily life that even King Salt Kim Jong-guk acknowledged, but he reflected on himself and said, “I think I overspent too much today,” arousing admiration.
Meanwhile, ‘Salty Man’ airs every Wednesday at 9 PM.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo News 1
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Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Lee Hae-jin, a cultural anthropologist and expert in media studies, who is here to discuss the recent phenomenon surrounding MBC’s entertainment program, “Salty Man.” Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Lee Hae-jin: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: So, let’s dive right in. “Salty Man” has recorded a viewership rating of 2.5% nationwide. What do you think about the program’s concept of frugality as a lifestyle? Why do you think it resonates with viewers today?
Dr. Lee: That’s a fascinating question! The concept of frugality, especially as portrayed by Shay Sogeum, taps into a growing sentiment among many consumers facing economic uncertainties. With rising costs and a more competitive job market, viewers are increasingly drawn to practices that offer a sense of control and empowerment in their financial lives. Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s also about making thoughtful choices, and this resonates strongly with audiences.
Interviewer: It’s interesting how frugality can be perceived as both a necessity and a lifestyle choice. In the episode, we see Choi Sang-yeop showcasing his daily frugal routines. Can you elaborate on how celebrities embodying these lifestyles impact public perception?
Dr. Lee: Celebrities hold a significant sway over public opinion and can set trends. When Choi Sang-yeop, the main vocalist of LUCY, demonstrates a frugal lifestyle, it normalizes these behaviors among fans and followers. It creates a relatable narrative—someone who is not just successful but also mindful of their consumption. This duality helps demystify frugality, showing that it can be both practical and aspirational.
Interviewer: You mentioned the cultural relevance of these portrayals. In your view, how does this particular show reflect broader societal trends in South Korea?
Dr. Lee: “Salty Man” reflects a shift in South Korean society towards minimalism and conscious living. The show aligns with the younger generation’s desire for authenticity in lifestyle choices. Those like Choi Sang-yeop and Lim Ki-hong, who showcase their frugal habits, represent a counter-narrative to the often excessive consumerism that has been prevalent. This trend towards simplicity and sustainability is not just a passing phase; it indicates a substantial cultural shift.
Interviewer: That’s a compelling perspective. In the context of the show’s success, how important do you believe viewer engagement is in making such programs appealing?
Dr. Lee: Viewer engagement is critical. Reality shows like “Salty Man” thrive on relatability. When the audience sees themselves reflected in the scenarios presented, they become more invested. The interactive elements, such as audience voting and social media engagement, bolster this connection, allowing viewers to feel they are a part of the experience. The warm atmosphere created during episodes, where audience members applaud and react to the onscreen frugality, further enhances this engagement.
Interviewer: Last but not least, what’s next for shows like “Salty Man”? Do you think the trend towards frugality in entertainment will continue to grow?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. As long as economic pressures exist, there will be a demand for content that empowers viewers to make smarter choices. Shows like “Salty Man” can evolve by incorporating interactive elements and varied narratives that explore more dimensions of frugality and sustainability. Additionally, as these themes blend with humor and light-heartedness, they can reach even wider audiences and encourage meaningful discussions about consumption and lifestyle.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights into this intriguing topic. It’s always enlightening to dissect cultural phenomena like “Salty Man,” and your expertise sheds light on its significance.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to analyze how entertainment shapes and reflects our society.
Interviewer: And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in. Stay curious, and be sure to catch the next episode of “Salty Man”!