Being an all-rounder is easier said than done. Taking regard to numerous works simultaneously and putting one’s best efforts into all of them is indeed challenging, and that is why all-rounders are highly admired. Therefore, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) met Park Hyun-min to deliver his life stories and tips for becoming an all-rounder.
SKKU Student Park Hyun-Min
Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hello, I am Park Hyun-min. I was accepted into Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in 2001 and majored in Media Communication. I have worked as a journalist for 15 years, a broadcaster for 12 years, and a publisher for five years. I am currently creating and promoting content as the chief executive officer (CEO) of content company Woozooworks and publishing company Woozoobooks. I pursue a slow-paced life with high-density happiness.
Q2. What is your favorite memory from your time at SKKU?
Back in my days, user-created content (UCC) videos were quite popular. I was in the first generation of the UCC era, which led me to create numerous UCC videos. I remember winning the Korea Music Copyrights Association UCC Competition with a video I made for a team project in my major course. I also liked hanging out with people and going out for drinks, which are still meaningful memories to me.
Q3. How did those experiences influence you?
Getting to meet countless people with different values and backgrounds taught me the joy of socializing. During my university years, many people moved away from their hometowns and had the chance to meet numerous new people. Drinking and having fun with these people till dawn, sharing each other’s passions, and creating videos together made me grow affection for people. Even today, I still meet with many people and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by a nice group of friends.
Chronicle of the All-Rounder
Q4. Please tell us about your work history.
In 2009, I started my career as a journalist for the entertainment team at Sports Chosun. It was the beginning of my 15-year career as a journalist. In 2011, I transferred to CJ ENM, where I first began broadcasting while working as a journalist. Following that, I dedicated four more years to OSEN, an online media outlet. Then, in 2017, I took on the role of editor-in-chief at The Big Issue Korea, a magazine that supports the homeless. As the editor-in-chief, I took part in approximately 60 magazine releases until 2019. During that time, I updated the highest-selling record two to three times, which still stands unchallenged today. Afterward, I established the publishing house Woozoobooks and the content company Woozooworks.
Q5. As a journalist, you have written countless articles. Do you have a favorite?
Since 2009, I have consistently been contributing articles to newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. These days, I typically write around 30 articles per month, meeting tight deadlines. It may sound cliché, but every single one of them is my favorite. But if I had to choose, I would like to mention environmental articles such as The Revenge of Plastic and Spring Day Penguin during my time as the editor-in-chief at The Big Issue Korea, which taught me the importance of environmental matters.
Q6. Did appearing on reality shows such as Brave Reporters and expressing your thoughts to the public give new insights?
When you appear on TV and become recognized, it is true that you naturally gain more trust from a wider audience. This increased trust can make the process of reporting easier as a journalist, as people are more inclined to listen to someone who is well-known. Furthermore, I was able to build companionships with celebrities from the shows, which led to stronger bonds or even special relationships with them. It definitely helped my journalism career.
Q7. You are also an examiner of prestigious agencies such as the Korea Creative Content Agency. Please tell us about your criteria as an examiner.
I believe that the moment content shines is when it is fully conveyed to someone else. However, I often encounter content that seems to be made solely for self-satisfaction, explained in language that can only be understood by the creator. I call such content “dead content.” Every content can come into the real world and impact people when it is widely spread. Therefore, as much as its essence, one must pour strength into its conveyance. I consider readable paragraphs, engaging videos, and thought-provoking art good content for the public.
Q8. Among your professions, the editor-in-chief of The Big Issue Korea stands out. Please tell Kingos about the process and reason you chose such a place.
After more than a decade as a journalist, I inevitably took on certain behaviors in journalism. There were moments when I unintentionally hurt someone. I eventually began to feel skeptical about the nature of my work. I therefore resigned without a clear plan, and at the right time, I received an offer from The Big Issue Korea. After careful consideration, I decided to join. As I had already been contributing columns to the magazine as a volunteer for over a year before that, I eventually decided to take the offer.
Q9. Your book Bad Editor-in-Chief, which talks about your time at The Big Issue Korea, is especially impressive. Was there a reason to publish this book?
While serving as the editor-in-chief of The Big Issue Korea, which gives half of its profits to the homeless that sell the magazine, I always had people saying to me, “What a nice person!” However, as The Big Issue Korea operates in a way that requires an increase in magazine sales to benefit the homeless vendors, the editor-in-chief must constantly put in effort to make the magazine a competitive product in the market. Therefore, it is very important for the editor-in- chief to not be overly kind with the magazine production. Through my book, I wanted to deliver the story of a bad editor-in-chief who makes a kind magazine.
Q10. You established Woozooworks in 2020. Could you please introduce the company to Kingos?
Woozooworks is a company that engages in all aspects related to content, including management, public relations (PR), production, and distribution. We often take on projects or collaborate in specific fields. Leveraging my experience as the editor-in-chief of The Big Issue Korea, our content spans a wide range of topics, including human rights, animal rights, and environmental issues. Additionally, we strive to create content that is harmless to humanity.
Hyun-Min’s Next Page
Q11. What plans do you have for the near future?
I have a lot of interest in young people who are living in shelters and are preparing for independence. I have worked as the host of the Child Fund Korea’s video about these care leavers. Through that connection, I am currently preparing for the publication of a fairy tale titled I Want to Be Kind, written and illustrated by the care leavers themselves. I am also planning to create an anthology a publication that fully captures the voices of these young adults.
Q12. Have your goals during university and goals these days changed?
My goal was to “live a fun life” back in university. While I may not have achieved it 100%, I believe I have reached it to some extent. However, working as the editor-in-chief of The Big Issue Korea gave birth to a new goal: “Live a meaningful life.” I wish to contribute to making the world a slightly better place with my work. Thus, these days, I am trying to capture both fun and meaning in my life.
Q13. Any tips for the Kingos on how to become an all-rounder?
During my school days, I was often scolded for being restless. The older generation back then would tell me to focus on one thing. I often thought I was going off track and felt like a failure when I wanted to switch lanes. However, looking back at my past career, I realize that my erratic, easy-burning personality is a great strength. Since I work in various fields, even if one spark goes out, I can ignite a new flame elsewhere. Therefore, do not be scared and confidently pursue your interests! Whether it is people or work, I recommend Kingos to pay attention to the world around you and deal with it with passion and affection. Last but not least, try to spread the love received from others. Being an all-rounder also means having to work with various people. Sometimes, you might feel hurt and alone, but supporters always exist in your life journey. For me, these people were and still are my driving forces in life. Being an all-rounder and accomplishing numerous tasks by oneself might seem professional and ideal, but in reality, it is impossible. Indeed, I hope Kingos learn to cooperate and have fun in the process.