If any of you have seen the filmic version of "Glengarry Glen Ross," you would recall the opening scene where the Alec Baldwin character walks into the office and tries to rev up/scare the employees. ("first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anyone want to see second prize? Second prize's a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired." - that scene).

Alec Baldwin (Blake) goes on to say:

Blake: You see this watch? You see this watch?

Moss: Yeah.

Blake: That watch cost more than your car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see, pal, that's who I am. And you're nothing. Nice guy? I don't give a s***. Good father? F*** you -- go home and play with your kids!! You wanna work here? Close!!

The first time I walked into MES, I was astounded by the opulence of the place. It's in one of Seoul's premier buildings, in a swanky area, and decked out in white marble. The conversation I had was as follows:

Owner: You see this coffee machine? You like coffee?
Me: Yeah, it's nice. I think I can learn to.
Owner: What kind of car do you drive?
Me: Um, an Accord.
Owner: New, that's maybe a $20,000 car. This coffee machine costs about that. You see, Koreans, they like nice things. Modern English Studio provides the best of everything. It's like a country club.

So, ok, maybe not as flamboyant, dramatic, or, um, (overtly) profane as Alec Baldwin, but as materialistic. So, yes, I slurped on an iced coffee and took the job on the spot. And I should've known better, but I too like shiny things.

Both managers - mentioned elsewhere in this thread - are in the video here. If this looks like fun - and it does seem to be to the sycophantic small dude - then sign up. If not, consider looking elsewhere.