Actor Lim Chae-moo Discusses Challenges of Running Amusement Park

Actor Lim Chae-moo recently opened up about the difficulties he faces in managing his amusement park, Doolyland, during an episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' aired on July 20, 2025.

Lim, who has been operating Doolyland for nearly 40 years, expressed his deep affection for the park, stating, "About 70-80% of this place was designed by me. It feels like a part of my life and my legacy." He shared that he purchased the land in 1988, began construction in 1989, and officially opened the park in 1990. Reflecting on his early days in broadcasting, he recalled how he envisioned creating a fun space for families after witnessing the chaos of summer crowds at filming locations.

The park spans approximately 16,700 pyeong (around 55,000 square meters), and when asked how he managed to fund such a large project, Lim revealed that he borrowed money from the late Lee Joo-il and comedian Lee Yong-sik. Lee Yong-sik praised Lim, saying, "He is a man of his word. He borrowed money from me and returned it exactly on the promised date."

When discussing the initial investment needed to open Doolyland, Lim mentioned it was around 5 to 6 billion KRW, which would be equivalent to over 500 billion KRW today. He also noted that in the early years, he even bought homes for employees who worked for more than three years.

Lim shared that the peak revenue for the park was around 120 million KRW in a single day, but he emphasized that running a children's amusement park is not a profitable venture. He explained that any accidents or equipment malfunctions can lead to significant financial losses. Currently, he has accumulated debts totaling 19 billion KRW, with monthly expenses, including interest and salaries, reaching 12 million KRW.

He admitted that the park is barely maintaining itself, relying on external income from night events to cover costs. However, with the decline of such events and changes in the broadcasting industry, he is facing tougher times. Lim revealed that his daily revenue has dropped to between 160,000 and 320,000 KRW, a stark contrast to previous years.

Despite the challenges, Lim expressed his emotional connection to the park, recalling a time when he waived entrance fees for 18 years to ensure everyone could enjoy the space. He stated, "Even though I couldn't make money, I was happy because I had peace of mind."

In a surprising revelation, Lim shared that during his peak as a celebrity, he earned around 100 million KRW a month, highlighting the stark difference in property values at the time. He also mentioned that he has released 24 albums, which still generate some royalties.

Additionally, Lim introduced his wife, Kim So-yeon, who is nine years younger than him, during the show. He shared that he remarried in 2016 after the passing of his first wife, and his friends encouraged him to find companionship again. Lim described his immediate attraction to Kim, stating, "She is beautiful," and noted that he expressed his love for her in simple terms. Kim revealed that despite not receiving a formal proposal, their bond grew strong, and they support each other through tough times.