On April 14, 2026, viewers tuning into the popular YouTube channel '알딸딸한참견' were treated to a candid and heartfelt conversation between comedian and entrepreneur Heo Kyung-hwan and fellow entertainer Hong Jin-kyung. The episode, titled '맏누나 홍진경 등장, 예측불가 토크 시작,' quickly became a talking point—not just for its humor and warmth, but for a significant revelation from Heo Kyung-hwan himself: after 15 years, he had stepped away from his wildly successful chicken breast business, '허닭.'
For those unfamiliar with Heo Kyung-hwan’s journey, his story is nothing short of remarkable. Debuting as a comedian in 2007, Heo entered the business world in 2010 with the founding of '허닭,' a brand specializing in chicken breast products. Over the next decade and a half, he built the company into a powerhouse of the Korean food industry, with sales figures that would make even seasoned entrepreneurs envious. According to Herald Economy, '허닭' recorded an impressive 70 billion KRW (around $53 million USD) in annual sales as recently as 2024 and achieved cumulative sales of 39 million units in 2021.
But the most striking moment in the video came when Hong Jin-kyung, herself a successful businesswoman with over two decades in the kimchi industry, asked Heo if he was still running his chicken business. Heo replied, "I stepped away last year. That doesn’t mean I fully exited by selling all my shares, but I did leave the day-to-day operations. I did it for about 15 years." This statement, echoed across outlets like MHN and Herald Economy, confirmed what many in the industry had speculated: Heo had transitioned out of the active management of '허닭,' though he retained a stake in the company.
The backstory to this move is as interesting as the announcement itself. In 2022, '허닭' was acquired by Fresh Easy, a leading meal-kit company, for a reported 100 billion KRW (approximately $76 million USD). As part of this deal, Heo Kyung-hwan secured shares valued at about 30 billion KRW (roughly $23 million USD). This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the brand, which had already become a household name through savvy online sales and relentless innovation. According to 뉴시스, the company’s revenues saw a dramatic rise, hitting 340 billion KRW in 2020 and surging to 700 billion KRW in 2021—a testament to both the popularity of protein-rich foods and Heo’s business acumen.
Despite these staggering figures, Heo’s decision to step back was not about a complete exit or a dramatic “cash out.” As he explained in the episode, “It’s not that I did a full exit by selling all my shares. I just stepped away from the front lines.” The distinction is important, suggesting a thoughtful transition rather than a sudden departure. Heo’s continued partial ownership means he remains invested in the company’s future, even if he’s no longer involved in daily operations.
The conversation soon turned reflective, with co-hosts and guests musing on the nature of work, success, and fulfillment. Musician Muzie, another participant in the show, joked, “If you’ve done that much, shouldn’t you be able to take it easy with broadcasting?” But Heo countered, pointing to Hong Jin-kyung’s example: “Look at how hard Jin-kyung is working.”
This prompted Hong Jin-kyung to share her own philosophy on work, which resonated with many viewers. She said, “I really enjoy working. I feel happy and grateful. Even when I’m having a bad day, if I go out and need to smile, I end up really laughing and feeling better.” Her words, reported by OSEN and others, highlighted a common thread among the group: a deep appreciation for the joy and meaning that comes from staying active and engaged, regardless of past achievements or financial security.
Hong Jin-kyung’s own business journey is equally impressive. She launched her kimchi company in 2004, and as of the show’s recording, had been running it for over 22 years. Maintaining a food brand for two decades is no small feat, as acknowledged by Muzie, who remarked, “It’s not easy to keep a brand going that long.” Hong’s response was both practical and affectionate—she even promised to send more kimchi to the hosts after they devoured her previous batch in just three days, saying, “I’ll make more and send it to you this year.”
The episode offered more than just business talk; it was a window into the personalities and values of its stars. For Heo Kyung-hwan, the transition from full-time business operator back to focusing on broadcasting didn’t mean slowing down. If anything, it was a chance to reflect on what mattered most—finding joy in work, maintaining meaningful relationships, and embracing new challenges. As he noted, watching others like Hong Jin-kyung continue to work with passion inspired him to keep pushing forward in his own career.
Industry watchers have long pointed to Heo’s dual identity as both a comedian and a businessman as a model for diversification in Korea’s entertainment scene. Starting with a small online operation in 2010, he grew '허닭' into a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, leveraging his celebrity status to boost sales but never relying on fame alone. The acquisition by Fresh Easy in 2022 was seen as a validation of his business strategy and an example of how entertainers can successfully cross over into entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, the numbers speak for themselves. '허닭' reached 340 billion KRW in sales in 2020, soared to 700 billion KRW in 2021, and continued to post strong figures through 2024. The company’s cumulative product sales—39 million units by 2021—underscore the brand’s dominance in the health food sector, especially in a market where trends can shift rapidly.
Yet, for all the headlines about money and mergers, the real takeaway from the episode was the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the participants. Whether discussing the logistics of running a food company or the emotional ups and downs of public life, Heo Kyung-hwan and Hong Jin-kyung offered viewers an honest look at what it takes to build, sustain, and eventually step back from a successful business. Their conversation was a reminder that, at the end of the day, the greatest rewards often come not from financial windfalls, but from the satisfaction of hard work, the laughter of colleagues, and the gratitude for opportunities seized and lessons learned.
As Heo Kyung-hwan embarks on his next chapter, fans and industry peers alike will be watching to see what new adventures await. For now, his story stands as a testament to entrepreneurial grit, adaptability, and the enduring value of finding joy in the work we do—no matter where the journey leads.