Rapper Kim Jin-pyo has shared an update on his life as a CEO!
On May 8, a video titled “[Chairman’s Legacy] Kim Jin-pyo, aren’t you making music these days? Hidden stories of Korea Pilot found in maternal grandfather’s diary” was uploaded to the ‘Defconn TV’ channel. In the clip, Kim Jin-pyo opened up about his current role as a company CEO instead of a rapper.
Kim Jin-pyo introduced himself, saying, “I am Kim Jin-pyo, currently the CEO of an imported writing instrument company.” When Defconn joked, “I should welcome you as a CEO today, not as the musician Kim Jin-pyo I know,” Kim Jin-pyo acted shyly, replying, “I’m embarrassed. Just call me ‘Jin-pyo’ like usual.”
Kim Jin-pyo revealed that the founder of the company he now leads is actually his maternal grandfather. Recalling his childhood, he shared, “Whenever I had dinner with my grandfather, I’d get indigestion beforehand. I was always nervous that he might ask me something.”
The two then explored the company’s products and their history. Kim Jin-pyo introduced a ballpoint pen that had been supplied to an airline for over 20 years. He explained, “We consistently supplied these to the airline for over 20 years. They were given away for free, but because word got out that the quality was so good, passengers would take them all,” showing great confidence in their quality control.
He also showcased a rare fountain pen, one of only four in existence worldwide. “I found this in my grandfather’s drawer after he passed away,” he shared. “Every time the administration changed in Korea, our company gifted fountain pens to the Blue House. We always gave two of the finest pens available at the time.”
He added, “During former President Lee Myung-bak’s term, production stopped because the fountain pen market was struggling. The nibs were Japanese-style, but they were marked ‘Made in Korea.’ I asked a staff member in Japan about it.” He explained that the records showed his grandfather had requested, “I will definitely resume fountain pen production in the future, so although we have nothing to give you this time, I specially ask you to mark them as ‘Made in Korea’ and send them.”
As for those specific pens, Kim Jin-pyo noted that while two were sent to the Blue House, the other two remained in the drawer.
Born in 1977, Kim Jin-pyo debuted in 1995 as part of the group Panic with singer Lee Juck. Since then, he has expanded his career as a solo artist, rapper, and MC. He is especially beloved for his memorable role as the MC of Mnet’s Show Me The Money.
