KBS2’s Hit Reality Show Unveils Drama and Emotions as Veteran Singer Faces Emotional Climax

One of South Korea’s top reality shows, KBS2’s The Boss Has Donkey Ears, continues to dominate Sunday variety slots with a staggering 155 consecutive wins in same-time ratings. The May 25 episode promises even more drama, as veteran ballad singer Byun Jin-seob shares emotional highs and surprising lows during a special concert appearance in Busan.

The show, known for its candid portrayal of bosses undergoing self-reflection through real-life situations, featured Byun’s tense interaction with his staff. Tensions spiked when he expressed discomfort over the manager’s decision to turn on the car air-conditioning. On-site, he displayed clear frustration while waiting for staff, culminating in a rehearsal marked by finicky directions and visible irritation.

Host Jeon Hyun-moo humorously compared Byun’s mood fluctuations to cartoon character evolutions—referring to him as ‘Dooly’, ‘Byun-gildong’, and finally ‘Gargamel’ as expression of mounting stress. Byun, showing some self-awareness, joked that his appearance grows unpleasant when angry.

The real turning point came during an exchange with comedian Kim Hyo-jin, a longtime fan of the singer. When she teased that his behavior might be due to male menopause, Byun quipped: “I think this is where our journey ends.” The offhand remark sparked a wave of speculation about a possible rift between the entertainer and his admirer.

Adding another layer of narrative, Byun showed unexpected envy toward his second son Byeon Jae-joon, noting the young man’s resemblance to actor Yoo Ji-tae. From showbiz ego to fatherly insecurities, this episode explored a wide spectrum of human emotion, continuing the show’s tradition of pulling back the curtain on the personal struggles behind the public personas.