Ranked No. 1 Among Entertainment Shows in Its Time Slot for Appearing on "The Boss Has Donkey Ears"
Showcased Workaholic Tendencies and Masterful Communication Skills
Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District in Seoul, became the center of attention after appearing as the "New Boss" on the KBS 2TV Sunday entertainment show "The Boss Has Donkey Ears."
According to Seongdong District, the 309th episode of the show featuring Mayor Jung, which aired on June 8, 2025, recorded a peak viewership rating of 5.7% and a nationwide rating of 4.7%. In particular, the rating jumped by 0.7 percentage points compared to the previous week’s episode (4.0%), making it the top entertainment program in its time slot and generating significant buzz (based on Nielsen Korea data).
KBS 2TV Sunday entertainment show 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears' broadcast capture photo shows Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District, introducing himself. Provided by Seongdong District.
Introduced as the leader of Seongdong District’s 270,000 residents, Mayor Jung Wono was portrayed as the most popular official in his 50s who excels at social networking services (SNS), boasting a large number of followers. A post he shared on X (formerly Twitter) introducing the "Hodu" companion dog patrol team garnered more than 5.85 million views, attracting considerable attention.
Appearing in the studio, Mayor Jung introduced himself by saying, "I’m also nicknamed the idol of Seongdong District, and I’m the only three-term district mayor in Seoul," adding, "At times, I want to be a comfortable boss who feels like a friend or the guy next door."
When asked how he feels about being called the "idol of Seongdong District" by residents, he replied, "At first I was embarrassed, but I’m trying to embrace it," and jokingly added, "In this industry, I’m at the top," drawing laughter.
In his actual work routine, Mayor Jung revealed his "workaholic" side, waking up at 5 a.m., arriving at work by 8 a.m., responding to as many as 1,100 text civil complaints in a single day, conducting site inspections, and attending back-to-back meetings, surprising both the hosts and panelists.
The broadcast vividly showed Mayor Jung personally handling a wide range of issues, from minor civil complaints to requests for environmental improvements and sports infrastructure installations throughout Seongdong District. It also highlighted his ability to monitor the entire district in real time through a smart policy communication room with an LED screen, as well as his passionate approach to his duties, often grabbing a quick meal of gimbap while working in the field.
Mayor Jung Wono commented, "It was an opportunity to introduce how Seongdong District’s administration operates through close communication with residents and staff, and I will continue to always be with Seongdong residents as a 'Gamdasal' mayor who is in touch with the community."
Jung Wono, mayor of Seongdong District, appears on a broadcast handling civil complaints. Screenshot from KBS 2TV Sunday entertainment show "The Boss Has Donkey Ears." Courtesy of Seongdong District.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
