Baek Ji-young Opens Up About Past Business Ventures and Lessons Learned

Singer Baek Ji-young candidly shared her past business experiences.

On the 21st, Baek Ji-young's YouTube channel featured a video titled 'Baek Ji-young's Favorite Chinese Restaurant Where She Orders 9 Dishes to Satisfy Her Cravings.'

During the video, Baek Ji-young discussed her past business ventures. While dining, the production team asked, “Would you consider a business partnership with friends in your 20s?” Jung Suk-won firmly shook his head, saying, “No. I learned the hard way that you shouldn't do business with friends.”

Why Baek Ji-young Chose Friendship Over Money

Baek Ji-young, who once ran an online shopping mall with her close friend Yuri from Cool, admitted, “Neither of us lost a friend. Instead, we lost money.” She added, “Usually, people lose friends over money. We chose the opposite.”

The Journey of a Pet Café 15 Years Ago

Baek Ji-young also shared her experience of running a pet café with an acquaintance 15 years ago, detailing the realities of business partnerships. She explained, “We started the pet café together, but I was busy, so my partner handled most of the operations. We brainstormed menu ideas and shared concepts, but eventually, things changed.”

She continued, “My business partner had to move to the U.S. due to personal reasons, leading us to close the business.” Baek Ji-young elaborated on the challenges, saying, “A pet café is heavily influenced by external factors like weather, seasons, and school terms. People don't come when it's too cold or too hot, and school vacations and terms affect attendance.”

Emphasizing 'relationships,' Baek Ji-young advised, “In business, conflicts over money can easily arise, so you need to be extra cautious with friends.” Jung Suk-won added, “If you stay still, you can at least maintain the middle ground. Doing something together might strain the relationship.”

By Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr