Lee Yong-sik's Business Struggles: Ambition Meets Reality
In South Korea, comedian Lee Yong-sik isn't just known for his jokes—he's also become a symbol of what happens when entertainers step into the world of business. Like many celebrities before him, Lee tried his hand at entrepreneurship, opening various small restaurants and even a large-scale comedy theater. Unfortunately, his journey was marked by a string of failures, culminating in the shutdown of his comedy theater just eight days after its grand opening, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee previously operated restaurants specializing in octopus dishes and cold wheat noodles, both of which closed amid financial strain. His most ambitious venture—a 9,400-square-foot comedy theater in Seoul's upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood—was meant to be a cultural hub for young comedians. However, it became one of the early casualties of South Korea's pandemic lockdowns.
A Passionate Attempt to Give Back
Lee’s business attempts weren’t just about personal gain. He genuinely wanted to create a supportive environment for the next generation of comedians. The comedy theater was envisioned as both a performance venue and a training ground.
Even after shutting down the theater, Lee didn’t abandon his team. He continued paying salaries to 15 employees using income from TV appearances. He commuted alone to the closed theater for months, demonstrating an uncommon level of dedication. Fans and fellow entertainers alike praised his sense of responsibility and love for the industry.
Many view Lee’s case as a lesson in the difficulties of starting and maintaining a cultural business. High overhead costs (expenses that don’t change, like rent and salaries) make entertainment spaces especially vulnerable to unexpected disasters like economic downturns or pandemics. Still, as a cultural contributor, Lee’s willingness to invest in others was admired.
But Was He Really Prepared?
Despite the good intentions, critics argue that Lee’s efforts were ultimately reckless. Operating such a large facility without adequate planning or crisis preparation was a gamble with long odds. The COVID-19 pandemic might have been unpredictable, but opening a business without a fallback plan revealed dangerous gaps in strategic thinking.
Some fans expressed disappointment that Lee shifted his focus away from his core profession—television and comedy—in favor of a high-risk business model. When celebrities launch businesses, they often carry the trust of their supporters. If things go wrong, it’s not just money that’s lost—it’s credibility, too.
Others viewed the entire venture as excessive. Instead of a humble beginning, Lee went big from the start. This over-investment mirrors a common pitfall among first-time entrepreneurs: underestimating risk and overestimating demand. While ambition is admirable, strategy and caution are essential for long-term success.
Lessons for Future Celebrity Entrepreneurs
Lee Yong-sik's experience is a textbook example of the double-edged sword entertainers face when diving into business. On the one hand, his compassion and sense of duty make him a role model. On the other, his lack of preparation and risk management exposes the vulnerabilities of celebrity ventures.
The public response has been mixed. Many commend him for being honest about his failures and for maintaining integrity by continuing to support his staff. Others, however, question whether celebrities should take on such ventures without first building a foundation in business knowledge or assembling expert advisors.
In the U.S., we’ve seen similar stories—restaurants started by actors that fail within a year, fashion lines from pop stars that disappear, and tech startups that fizzle out quickly. While fame can attract initial attention, it doesn’t guarantee staying power. Successful celebrity entrepreneurs—like Rihanna with Fenty or Jessica Alba with The Honest Company—show us that strategic planning, market research, and experienced teams matter more than a household name.
For celebrities serious about launching businesses, Lee Yong-sik's story is both a warning and a source of inspiration. Build slowly. Consult often. Plan deeply. And above all, know what you’re risking—not just in dollars, but in dignity.
