There was a time when the broadcasting industry could not function without Baek Jong-won. However, at some point, ‘Baek Jong-won content’ disappeared from the broadcast. Baek Jong-won, who had been inactive for a while, remained faithful to his main job and YouTube content and led the traditional market to a 'big hit'.
According to Yesan County, about 100,000 people have visited Yesan Market in the past month since five restaurants opened as part of the Yesan Market Revival Project on January 9th. Baek Jong-won carried out a project in his hometown, Yesan, to renovate an empty market store and transform it into a restaurant. As word of mouth spread, 10,000 people flocked to the store within a week of opening.
Baek Jong-won has also released a video of the ‘Baek Jong-won Becomes Mayor’ project through YouTube. When asked, 'Why do we do regional revitalization?' Baek Jong-won said, "Our company (The Born Korea) considers it a social contribution for regional development, but we think of this as a future project in itself. It's for nothing that there is no such thing as regional contribution in the region. “I give it to them, but I think it’s also good to provide consulting services so that (local local) tax money can be put to good use by experienced companies,” he said. The Born Korea, a mid-sized company run by Baek Jong-won, transfers know-how, large corporations contribute to society, and local governments effectively manage funds. Baek Jong-won explained his purpose to his team members as “making money, and earning it in style.”
Baek Jong-won also answered the question of how much money this project will be used for. He said, "The idea came from my head. Almost all costs for construction were provided by The Born Korea." He also explained the reason, saying, "Isn't it possible to spend money on public property of local governments quickly? I'm careful. Then, I think it will take several years, so I'm talking to the military, getting approval, and using our own funds. That way, it can be done faster." did. He said, "Up until now, I have done it at The Born Korea's expense and at my own expense. I have not received any labor expenses." Baek Jong-won was directly involved in planning, drawings, interior design, construction site direction, store gypsy setting, and menu development.
It is said that the store was purchased by Yedeok Academy, where Baek Jong-won is the chairman. Regarding this, Baek Jong-won said, "The reason why it was very difficult for me to run an alley restaurant is because when a lot of customers came, the cost of entering the building went up significantly, and in the end, there was a vicious cycle where I had to raise the food price." He continued, "Baek Jong-won said he would save the alley, but in the end, I was hurt because I heard a lot of people say, 'You're the culprit!' because of gentrification. This time, the only way to block (gentrification) was to buy it." said. Baek Jong-won also developed menus using recipes he had saved for his five start-up stores.
Baek Jong-won, who saved 'Alley Restaurant' on TV, has now transformed an entire market. From regional coexistence, personal business, and broadcast content, Baek Jong-won has caught 'three birds with one stone' with the 'Become Mayor' project. ‘Baek Jong-won Magic’ still continues.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr