Comedian Lee Sun-min offers 30 million won bounty to quit smoking

Comedian Lee Sun-min has put up a massive 30 million won bounty to quit smoking. In a radical move, he promised to pay cash to anyone who captures and reports him smoking. The pledge has drawn significant attention as it goes beyond a simple declaration, forcing his own resolve by imposing a heavy financial penalty on himself.

On the 27th, Lee appeared on YouTuber Chimchak Man's personal broadcast to participate in various segments. While eating braised monkfish during the stream, he shared his health goals and lifestyle habits.

“I like monumental things,” Lee stated, adding, “Before I turn forty, I will quit smoking and maintain my weight below 90kg.” It was a comprehensive self-management declaration aimed at achieving both smoking cessation and weight loss simultaneously.

Chimchak Man expressed concern regarding the pursuit of two major goals at once. Sharing his own experience, he noted, “Doing both quitting smoking and dieting at the same time is like being placed in an extreme environment.”

Chimchak Man was also a former smoker. He advised Lee to prioritize quitting smoking first, noting, “I was a smoker too, but I have been smoke-free for four years.” He specifically highlighted the concept of a 'bounty' as the decisive factor in his own success.

Chimchak Man revealed that he had previously made a public promise to pay 10 million won to anyone who witnessed him smoking and provided evidence. He explained that by turning his sobriety into a public pact with those around him, it became much harder to relapse.

Chimchak Man then suggested that Lee should set a higher stakes bounty, saying, “With someone of your status, Lee Sun-min, you should set it at 30 million won.” His logic was that the psychological desire to avoid losing money could strengthen the will to quit.

Lee struggled to make the decision. When Chimchak Man urged him to quit, Lee asked, “When should I start?”—a reaction suggesting he still felt the urge to smoke immediately.

Chimchak Man was blunt: “If you feel like smoking even a little, it's already over. Your mental state is rotten.” When Lee hesitated, asking, “It doesn't have to be starting today, does it?” Chimchak Man urged him to decide once more, repeating, “That is exactly what a rotten mental state is.”

Ultimately, Chimchak Man suggested Lee take this opportunity to quit and even proposed announcing the pledge through his broadcast. He repeatedly persuaded Lee, adding that he would “make it into a Short and upload it.”

After much deliberation, Lee finally made his public smoking cessation pledge. He declared, “I will make a smoking pledge. If you witness Lee Sun-min smoking anywhere on Earth and report it, I will give you a bounty of 30 million won.”

However, he added a condition to prevent false reports: simple claims would not be accepted. Evidence confirming the actual smoking must be reported directly to Chimchak Man or the YouTube channel 'Myeonsangdeul,' which Lee operates.

Upon hearing the decision, Chimchak Man applauded, saying, “That is incredibly cool.” Considering the gravity of the situation, Lee requested a three-day grace period; after finishing his meal, he enjoyed his 'final smoke.'

The pledge is drawing attention because it does not leave quitting smoking solely to willpower, but combines external monitoring with the threat of financial loss. By putting up 30 million won, Lee has created a situation where he cannot easily back down, leaving many to wonder if he will successfully remain smoke-free.

Lee debuted in 2016 as a 16th generation open recruitment comedian for SBS. However, the following year, as SBS's 'People Looking For Laughter' was canceled, the industry saw a significant decrease in broadcast stages for comedians primarily working in open comedy.

Following this, Lee established a new foundation by launching the YouTube channel 'Myeonsangdeul' with fellow comedian Cho Hoon. As the comedy ecosystem shifted from traditional broadcasting to YouTube and online content, Lee expanded his reach by producing and appearing in digital content directly.

Recently, he has regained public attention through 'Meta Comedy Club,' produced by Meta Comedy. While he continues to expand his reach by merging his open comedy experience with online content, he has created another buzz with this massive 30 million won smoking cessation pledge.

In the end, Lee Sun-min's challenge is more than just a declaration. Having made a public promise with significant financial consequences, the key will be whether his actions follow his words. All eyes are on whether this 30 million won bounty will serve as the ultimate safeguard for his sobriety.