Approaching 300,000 YouTube Subscribers
Growing Criticism Over SNS Activities
Recently, Jo Min, the daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, whose medical license was revoked and who was indicted on charges of admission fraud, announced that she plans to upload YouTube videos twice a week, signaling the start of her full-fledged YouTube activities.
On the 27th, Jo Min posted on the community board of her YouTube channel, "There were many videos delayed, but now that I have a great editor, videos will be released twice a week for a while," and asked viewers to "look forward to it."
On the 16th, Jo publicly recruited a channel editor, stating, "Basic pay is 200,000 won per 8-minute video, with an additional 11,000 won per extra minute," and added, "I prefer someone who can capture and enhance the interesting parts well, meets deadlines, and frequently watches my YouTube channel."
Following a surge of interest, Jo announced on the 18th, just two days later, "Due to the large number of applicants, we will close the application process for now."
Previously, Jo Min rose to influencer status by opening an Instagram account and later launched a YouTube channel to share her daily life. Within 10 days of launching the channel, on May 23, she surpassed 100,000 subscribers and received the 'Silver Button' from YouTube. On June 23, the day she declared she would relinquish her medical license, her subscriber count exceeded 200,000. As of the 30th, her YouTube subscriber count is approximately 293,000.
Supporters have also been flocking in. On the 21st of last month, Jo Min streamed a live video showing herself working while sitting on a chair for two hours, earning over 2 million won in Super Chats (donations) from this content.
Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, has announced her intention to actively engage in YouTube activities by uploading videos twice a week, sparking controversy. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
The donation amounts varied from as little as 10,000 won to as much as 300,000 won. They sent messages of encouragement such as, "Jo Min, stay strong. That is the reason your parents endure. You are admirable and truly admirable," "Thanks to former Minister Cho Kuk, I realized how important politics is. Jo Min’s happiness is the happiness of the people of the Republic of Korea," and "I’m so glad Jo Min is doing well."
Jo Min: "I Decide the Direction of My Life"
Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, appeared for witness examination at the trial held at the Busan District Court on the afternoon of March 16. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, Jo Min was indicted on charges of admission fraud on the 10th. A prosecution official stated, "According to facts confirmed by the Supreme Court, Jo Min’s involvement is not minor; she appears to have played a leading role rather than being a mere beneficiary," adding, "Her statements during the prosecution investigation have been inconsistent, and she still denies some of the charges."
Voices criticizing Jo Min’s activities as an online influencer ahead of her trial have also emerged. In response, Jo Min posted on her Instagram, "Planning trips meticulously, filming, and editing videos that contain the direction of my life and my free thoughts to share with you all is very meaningful to me," and rebutted, "Anyone who has worked on even one YouTube video cannot say that I am 'meaninglessly just hanging out.'"
She continued, "I would appreciate it if you understand that I will live the life I want, according to my own plans and schedule, not the life others want or demand," and added, "I am not a current affairs YouTuber or a political YouTuber, nor do I plan to be. I decide the direction, scope, and pace of my steps."
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