# Son Ji-chang Reflects on 26 Years of Managing an Event Firm Former teen star reveals the heavy burden of supporting employees as a CEO. - **Source:** [Maeil Business](https://www.mk.co.kr) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [careers](https://brifing.si/c/careers) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bf9f8b85-6c56-4d23-af1b-ecb712cdd967 ## Two Decades of Management Actor Son Ji-chang recently shared his experience running an event planning company for 26 years. Appearing on the KBS2 program 'Boss in the Mirror,' he detailed his role in the MICE industry, which covers meetings, incentive trips, conventions, and exhibitions. His firm has achieved annual revenues reaching approximately 6 billion Korean won. ## Hands-on Operational Leadership During a large-scale event for a British luxury car brand, Son demonstrated a rigorous, hands-on management style. He personally oversaw catering and logistics, even picking up fresh rice cakes at 6:30 AM to ensure quality. When a guest performer was delayed, he stepped onto the stage himself to fill the gap. ## The Weight of Responsibility Son candidly discussed the emotional toll of transitioning from a celebrity to a business owner. He noted that he often faced humiliating situations that he would not have encountered as an entertainer. He emphasized that his primary motivation for enduring these challenges is the responsibility he feels toward his staff and their families. ## Personal Sacrifice for Staff The CEO admitted that the burden of providing for his employees' livelihoods is the main reason he has not quit the business. He described this duty as a fundamental aspect of being a provider, which requires significant personal patience. His emotional reflection highlighted the often invisible pressures faced by long-term business leaders. ## Transition from Entertainment Son Ji-chang originally debuted as an advertising model in 1989 and became a prominent teen star during the 1990s. His shift to the corporate sector represents a complete career pivot. Despite his past fame, he now focuses entirely on the operational demands of his event agency and the needs of his team. ## MICE Industry Dynamics The MICE sector requires high levels of coordination and client management, as evidenced by Son's work with VIP clients. Managing 180 high-profile guests involves strict attention to detail and contingency planning. This industry remains a critical component of corporate marketing, demanding constant adaptability from service providers to maintain client satisfaction and retention. ## Leadership Under Pressure The challenges described by Son reflect common struggles for small-to-medium enterprise owners who maintain direct involvement in daily tasks. By performing roles ranging from logistics to public relations, he exemplifies a leader who prioritizes operational success over personal status. This dedication is essential for maintaining stability within a competitive service-oriented business environment. ## Long-term Business Sustainability Maintaining a company for over two decades requires more than just professional skill; it demands a deep sense of commitment to the workforce. Son’s experience underscores the reality that for many CEOs, the survival of the organization is tied to the well-being of the people who depend on the company for their income. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mk.co.kr/news/culture/12202005 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._