SEOUL – Lee Soon-sil, a North Korean-born restaurateur, has revealed her ambitious plans to expand her business into the affluent Gangnam district of Seoul after reporting a staggering 2.3 billion won in sales for January.

The announcement came during an episode of KBS 2TV's entertainment program "Boss in the Mirror," where Lee Soon-sil was seen meeting with comedian and fellow restaurateur Jung Joon-ha to discuss her plans.

Lee Soon-sil, who has built a successful restaurant empire since defecting from North Korea, expressed her excitement about entering the Gangnam market, stating, "Gangnam has a different vibe."

During the meeting with Jung Joon-ha, a self-proclaimed fan of the comedian's work on the popular variety show "Infinite Challenge," Lee Soon-sil revealed her impressive sales figures, prompting Jung Joon-ha to joke, "So you came to Gangnam to look at buildings."

Lee Soon-sil's success story is particularly remarkable given her background. She has openly discussed her difficult upbringing in North Korea, where she was once a "kkotjebi" (street urchin).

Now, she is a successful businesswoman with her sights set on one of Seoul's most competitive markets.

To prepare for her Gangnam expansion, Lee Soon-sil presented Jung Joon-ha with a new menu she had developed. Jung Joon-ha, after tasting the dishes, requested additional ingredients, suggesting potential areas for improvement.

Lee Soon-sil's determination and business acumen have made her a role model for many, and her entry into the Gangnam market is highly anticipated.