Yang Chi-seung launches restaurant app after 7 years of preparation, "One word from Jun Hyun-moo..."

'Geolbaengi' Map App Unveiled After 7 Years of Waiting

Broadcaster Yang Chi-seung, a former fitness trainer, has revealed the fruits of a business he has been preparing for seven years. On the 12th, Yang announced his new challenge through his YouTube channel, 'Yang Chi-seung's MakTube.' The video, titled 'Yang Chi-seung, Unbridled After Leaving the Gym for the First Time in 25 Years,' contains updates on his recent life along with the ambitious business item he has prepared.

The item he introduced is a cost-effective restaurant map app that utilizes GPS functions. Designed for the era of high inflation, it allows users to check affordable and practical restaurants nearby at a glance. The planning of the app began in 2019. The nickname 'Geolbaengi' (meaning a person who loves to eat out cheaply), which he earned on a KBS broadcast at the time, became the seed of the idea. Yang explained the motivation behind the development, saying, "Back then, Jun Hyun-moo said, 'Hyung, if that's the case, why don't you just make an app?' He said it after seeing me only visiting cost-effective places or all-you-can-eat restaurants, and when I thought about it, it seemed like a good idea, so I started it."

While the idea was good, the process leading up to the actual launch was arduous. Although it took two years, including obtaining a patent, he faced funding issues and technical limitations during the development process. Yang burst into embarrassed laughter, saying, "It was delayed because I didn't have money." He candidly revealed the reason why the app launch was delayed despite him starting his YouTube activities first.

A New Step Forward, Overcoming the Pain of Closing His Gym

This business challenge is a process of overcoming a difficult period for Yang Chi-seung. In the past, he experienced the pain of having to close the gym he operated due to being a victim of a jeonse (lump-sum deposit) fraud. The sudden economic blow caused a major change in his life as an exercise instructor.

After closing the gym, he made a living by managing the community facilities of an apartment complex located in Cheongdam-dong. Recently, he has continued his journey as an entrepreneur by announcing the opening of a sandwich specialty shop (salad bread store) in the Gangnam Station underground shopping center. The map app introduced this time is also a result reflecting the realistic concerns and business experiences he has undergone.

In the video, Yang expressed his determination for the new business, saying, "I've made something fun." As his time spent in the gym for over 25 years meets his recent business attempts, he is active as a diversified entrepreneur beyond being just a trainer.

"I've Made Something Fun Now" – Yang Chi-seung's Honest Confession

Yang Chi-seung candidly revealed his inner stories through his YouTube channel. When asked why the app development was delayed, he confessed with an embarrassed laugh, "It was because I didn't have money." He explained that besides his busy schedule, the app development itself was not easy.

He showed confidence regarding the map app introduced this time, stating, "I've made something fun now." It was planned to allow users to find nearby cost-effective restaurants using GPS functions, targeting the era of high inflation.