On the February 10 broadcast of Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny, Cha Tae Hyun appeared as a guest and showcased his signature wit while discussing life as a co-CEO.
The actor previously co-founded an agency with Jo In Sung, and he revealed that the company currently manages four actors, including himself, Jo In Sung, Lim Ju-hwan, and Jin Ki-joo. Cha Tae Hyun explained, “We started small, just thinking we would each bring one manager and build it modestly among ourselves.”
However, after launching the agency, many others expressed interest in joining. “Once we set up the company, a lot of people asked to work with us. But since we are a small-scale agency, we couldn’t take care of everyone, so we had to decline,” he admitted.
Kim Gu Ra jokingly suggested that Cha’s famous “Dragon Club” friends, including singer Hong Kyung-min and actor Jang Hyuk, should at least join the company. Cha Tae Hyun responded with humor, saying, “Hong Kyung Min runs his own company. As for Jang Hyuk… honestly, we are turning down those who don’t generate profit,” drawing laughter in the studio.
Cha Tae Hyun also mentioned actor Lee Je-hoon, who is known to run his own agency. “Lee Je Hoon once said that when payday approaches, his mind goes blank. I think I feel that same pressure when it’s salary day,” Cha shared. He clarified that unlike companies backed by outside investors, “We’re not receiving investment—we have to pay with our own money.”
Now marking one year since its founding, Cha revealed that the agency has fortunately avoided operating at a loss. “We even gave out performance bonuses. I felt quite proud,” he said, expressing both the burden and fulfillment of leadership. However, he quickly added, “I roughly calculated things and ended up giving too much in bonuses. The managers even had a meeting and said, ‘Was our company’s situation really that good?’” His self-deprecating humor once again filled the studio with laughter.
In 2024, Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung officially established Base Camp Company. The agency is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, and recently drew attention when the building’s value was reported to be approximately 7.4 billion KRW.
Despite the financial pressures that come with being a CEO, Cha Tae Hyun conveyed a sense of pride in building the company from the ground up. As Base Camp Company enters its second year, both actors appear committed to growing their agency carefully while maintaining its small but stable structure.
Sources: Daum