description: A weather-themed joke on the 18 October 2026 episode of KBS2's Boss in the Mirror compared two very different leaders. Here is what was said and why the punchline landed.
The joke compared two leadership styles, not their worth as people. ZEROBASEONE leader Sung Hanbin described himself as a “sunshine leader,” and comedian Kim Sook immediately labelled chef Jung Ji-sun the “dark-cloud leader.” The contrast drew laughs on the 18 October 2026 episode of KBS2's Boss in the Mirror.
What is this Korean show?
Known in Korean as 사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀, literally “The Boss Has Donkey Ears,” the programme follows bosses and other people in charge, then lets studio guests react to their demanding habits. The exchange occurred in episode 377, broadcast in the programme's Sunday 4:40 p.m. KST slot.
Hanbin is the leader of the K-pop group ZEROBASEONE. He explained that his constant smile and habit of checking in with individual members had earned him the nickname haetsal leader. The Korean word haetsal means sunlight or warm rays of sunshine; it evokes a person who makes others feel comfortable.
Jung is a Chinese-cuisine chef known on the show for a formidable, detail-oriented approach to staff. In this format, her no-nonsense work persona is an obvious foil for an idol with a gentle nickname.
Why did the weather forecast suddenly change?
Hanbin said he was such a fan of Jung that he had watched videos of her even on flights. In particular, seeing her with her son revealed a warmer side than the one she usually displays at work.
That was Kim Sook's cue. If Hanbin is a sunshine leader, she quipped, Jung must be a dark-cloud leader. A sincere compliment had abruptly become a meteorological insult. The target was the contrast between the two public work personas, rather than Jung's culinary ability.
The follow-up makes the joke better
Asked whether he could actually work for Jung, Hanbin answered yes. His years as a dancer had familiarised him with strict instructors, and he thought she could guide him well. Jung responded approvingly, saying that he had assessed her correctly.
The panel had just called her a storm cloud; Hanbin treated the storm as excellent professional training. That mismatch supplies the second punchline.
Another segment from the same broadcast showed Jung correcting a New York-based sous-chef for keeping his hands in his pockets and wearing sunglasses. The exchange provides context for her strict screen persona. It does not establish what she is like in every part of her life; Hanbin's account of her family video actually points to the contrast.
Why did this clip enter the news?
Star Today covered the moment on 18 October, followed by Xports News on 19 October. These reports establish a televised exchange that entertained the studio. They do not, by themselves, demonstrate a worldwide viral trend.
The answer
“Sunshine” means an approachable, reassuring leader; “dark cloud” teasingly suggests an intimidating boss. The final twist is that Jung took Hanbin's willingness to work under her as praise. A cloudy forecast, followed by a surprisingly cheerful job interview.
References (4)
- KBS公式・第377回（2026-10-18）: https://vod.kbs.co.kr/index.html?broadcast_complete_yn=N&local_station_code=00&program_code=T2019-0063&program_id=PS-2026184375-01-000§ion_code=04§ion_id=10667§ion_sub_code=02&sname=vod&source=episode&stype=vod
- 毎日経済 Star Today（2026-10-18）: https://www.mk.co.kr/news/broadcasting-service/12179017
- Xports News（2026-10-19）: https://www.xportsnews.com/article/2208796
- TenAsia（2026-10-18、同じ放送回の別場面）: https://www.tenasia.co.kr/article/2026101890264
