The 'Yakult Sister' Who Started After Business Failure... Now an MZ Manager [2023 Asia Newspick]②

Editor's NoteIn 2023, Asia Economy reported numerous news stories. Among them, we have selected the news that garnered the most empathy and reactions from readers on the internet, and share the articles along with their behind-the-scenes stories. As you review the popular articles from the second quarter, we hope you take time to reflect on this past year and prepare for the new year.

1. Monster Heatwave Hits Korea... Asia Boils in Record-Breaking 'April Heatwave' (April 23, Reporter Kim Eunha)

Though it now feels like a distant memory in the middle of winter, this year is remembered as a year of unprecedented heatwaves scorching the entire globe. Not only Korea but several Asian countries faced early sweltering heat starting in April, and in India, unprecedented heatwaves led to widespread school closures. Meteorologists described this spring heat as a 'monster heatwave,' citing it as one of the early signs of abnormal climate phenomena caused by climate change.

Likes and Comments (Naver 기준)

Likes: 395

Comments: 647

On the 4th, during the ongoing sweltering heat, a citizen is taking a walk without clothes at Ichon Hangang Park in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Asia is boiling. Even though it is only April, some regions have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, breaking heatwave records. In India, dozens have died due to the heat.

According to the Associated Press on the 22nd (local time), the Thai government urged citizens nationwide, including the capital Bangkok, to refrain from outdoor activities. Bangkok is forecasted to experience a heat index as high as 50.2°C. Tak Province in western Thailand recorded 45.4°C on the 15th. Myanmar's northwestern Kale reached 44°C, and Laos' Luang Prabang soared to 42.7°C, all breaking previous records.

US CNN quoted meteorological historian Maximiliano Herrera, reporting that Luang Prabang, a tourist city in Laos, reached 42.7°C, marking the highest April temperature since weather observations began. In Myanmar, the central Sagaing region's city Kale experienced unprecedented heat of 44°C on the 17th. South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, has been enduring temperatures above 40°C for several days.

In India, local authorities reported that 11 people died after attending an outdoor event in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on the 16th amid the heatwave. Some areas recorded temperatures as high as 44.6°C on the 17th. Over a million people gathered at an event in Mumbai, where 50 to 60 people collapsed from the heat and were hospitalized. Several regions issued school closures to protect students' health.

Climate scientist and meteorologist Dr. Maximiliano Herrera described this heatwave as an 'unprecedented monster heatwave.' He expressed concern, saying, "The effects of the monster heatwave are spreading to Korea and Japan. We are experiencing abnormal spring temperatures approaching 30°C," and "Across China, temperatures have soared above 35°C, breaking April records."

In fact, Seoul recorded a daytime temperature of 28.4°C on the 19th, marking the second hottest April on record, while Daegu reached 29.4°C on the 20th, bringing heat comparable to mid-June.

2. Not Park Jin-young, Teddy, or Jang Beom-jun ? Who is the King of Copyright Income? (May 5, Reporter Oh Yugyo)

The article about 'Pdogg,' who ranked first in domestic music copyright income for five consecutive years, also attracted attention. Pdogg is the chief producer at Big Hit Music, a label under HYBE, and is known as the 'father' of BTS. It is estimated that he earned about 3.5 billion KRW in copyright royalties last year alone.

Likes and Comments (Naver 기준)

Likes: 386

Comments: 123

Big Hit Music Senior Producer Pi Dok

Singer Lim Chang-jung, recently embroiled in stock manipulation controversy, was also in the spotlight for 'copyright.' It was re-examined that he sold copyrights to over 160 hit songs, including 'Soju One Glass,' to raise 20 billion KRW for launching a girl group. Although not all of the 20 billion KRW came from copyright sales, many were surprised by the scale of hundreds of billions.

Unless copyrights are sold to others like Lim Chang-jung, they are protected for 70 years after the creator's death. This means one can receive royalties like a 'pension' for life. So, who is the composer earning the most copyright income in Korea?

Ranked No. 1 for Five Consecutive Years

People often think of hitmakers like Park Jin-young, YG's star producer Teddy, or Jang Beom-jun, who coined the term 'Cherry Blossom Pension.' However, the top spot belongs to someone else: Pdogg, known as the 'father' of BTS. He is the chief producer at Big Hit Music, a label under HYBE, which houses BTS and Tomorrow X Together.

Pdogg ranked first in both lyric and composition copyright income in the popular music category announced by the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) from 2018 through last year. He earned the highest income for five consecutive years. Many BTS hits such as 'Boy With Luv,' 'Spring Day,' and 'Fake Love' were created by him. Recently, BTS member Jimin's solo song 'Like Crazy,' which topped the Billboard Hot 100, is also Pdogg's work. He has 238 songs registered with KOMCA.

"Over 3.5 Billion KRW in Annual Royalties"

KOMCA does not disclose individual composers' income, so it is difficult to know exactly how much Pdogg earns annually. However, indirect estimates can be made. The only publicly available data on copyright income was submitted by KOMCA during the 2012 National Assembly audit, provided by Saenuri Party lawmaker Lee Jaeyoung. In 2011, Park Jin-young earned 1.373 billion KRW, ranking first in copyright income.

BTS leader RM discovered by Pidok (Photo by RM Instagram)

Pdogg likely earns more than Park Jin-young did 12 years ago, as the K-pop market has grown significantly with global popularity. KOMCA collected a total of 108.7 billion KRW in copyright income in 2011, which rose to 352 billion KRW last year ? more than triple. Copyright income comes from various sources such as music streaming, CD production, reproduction, broadcasting, and performances. Industry insiders estimate that considering BTS's dominance and popularity on Billboard, Pdogg's share likely exceeds 1% of total copyright income, over 3.5 billion KRW.

2021 Public Company 'Highest Salary King'

Pdogg's income is not limited to copyrights. In 2021, he was the highest-paid employee among public companies, receiving a total of 40.077 billion KRW. This included 39.928 billion KRW from stock option exercise gains, 38 million KRW in salary, and 111 million KRW in bonuses. He earned about 10 billion KRW more than Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo, who ranked second with 30.234 billion KRW.

Before Pdogg's rise, the top copyright income composers included Teddy (2017), Kim Do-hoon (2014, 2016), Cho Young-soo (2015), and Park Jin-young (2011-2013). Pdogg has since monopolized the 'throne' that these four shared.

Pdogg has been a 'founding contributor' since Big Hit Entertainment, HYBE's predecessor, was established in 2007. He majored in vocal music but dropped out of Gyeongsang National University and joined the company at the suggestion of HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. He introduced a high school rapper he discovered by chance to Chairman Bang ? RM, the current BTS leader. Thus, Pdogg has been part of BTS's beginning and growth, becoming a producer admired by all.

3. The 20s 'Yakult Sister' Who Jumped In Saying 'Even 300,000 KRW a Month is Fine' ? A Reversal (June 27, Reporter Kim Heungsun)

The COVID-19 pandemic, which shook our daily lives over the past few years, brought many setbacks but also stories of human triumph overcoming failure. The story of Seo Dambi, who joined HY (formerly Korea Yakult) Gongdeok branch in 2021 after a business failure and became the first MZ generation 'Fresh Manager,' left a deep impression on readers.

Likes and Comments (Naver 기준)

Likes: 881

Comments: 617

Seodambi hy Gongdeok Branch Fresh Manager is wearing work attire including a helmet and uniform, then heading to the delivery destination riding the electric vehicle 'Coco'.
[Photo by hy]

Seo Dambi (30) is a Fresh Manager at HY (formerly Korea Yakult) Gongdeok branch. Her workday starts at 7 a.m. After commuting from her home near Hongdae Entrance Station in Seoul to the branch, she loads fresh foods like salads and dairy products and begins deliveries to regular customers. Wearing an apricot-colored uniform and helmet, she drives an electric refrigerated vehicle called 'Coco' to her assigned work area.

Seo is the only MZ generation (Millennials + Gen Z) among about 25 Fresh Managers working at the Gongdeok branch. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 27th, she said, "When I first started as a manager, my friends strongly discouraged me," but added with a smile, "Now, I am so familiar with the work that I actively recommend it to acquaintances and those interested."

Works 3-4 Hours on Weekdays... Freely Manages Routes and Schedule

Earns About 25% of Monthly Sales... "Enough to Cover Living Expenses"

She delivers or sells about 300 products by around 11 a.m. on weekdays. Regular customers include offices near the Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office, officetels in Gongdeok-dong, and small to medium-sized companies. After completing scheduled deliveries, she waits at high foot traffic 'spots' like the Seoul Western District Court to serve walk-in customers. Greeting familiar faces with a bright smile has become a habit. After finishing her morning routine, she moves to a beauty shop operated in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, working there until late afternoon.

Seo said, "When I decided to become a Fresh Manager, I thought it would be fine to earn just 300,000 KRW a month as a part-time job," adding, "I cannot disclose exact income, but it is enough to pay rent for my current home and the beauty shop." Fresh Managers are registered as individual business owners and earn about 25% of monthly sales as profit.

Seo once ambitiously expanded her beauty shop business to Southeast Asia but suffered a major setback due to COVID-19 and fell into despair. Later, she became interested in the Fresh Manager role through a job site and started working in 2021. Since the job is mainly done by middle-aged and older people in their 40s to 60s, she hesitated to join in her late 20s but chose it as a way to stay active and avoid lethargy.

Entering her third year as a Fresh Manager, she cited no initial cost burden and the ability to maintain a regular, healthy lifestyle as advantages. Starting early in the morning and spending time outdoors regardless of weather was not easy to adapt to. However, since regular delivery customers are assigned by area, there is no forced indiscriminate sales activity, and product recognition is high, minimizing conflicts during face-to-face work.

Seo recalled, "As the youngest at the branch, other managers, who are like mothers or older, take good care of me," adding, "My mother passed away in January last year, and I was physically and mentally exhausted, but I received much comfort from colleagues and felt a sense of belonging."

[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

Increasing MZ Generation Entrants... "Actively Recommending to Those Around"

Above all, the ability to set working hours freely allows workers to combine this job with other work, self-development, childcare, or hobbies. The number of young people entering the job is increasing. According to HY, the proportion of 20s and 30s among newly registered Fresh Managers rose from 19.9% in 2018 to 27.7% this year. Among about 11,000 Fresh Managers nationwide, 80 are in their 20s and 511 in their 30s, making up 5.4% of the total.

The scope of Fresh Managers' work is also expanding. They deliver not only Yakult and dairy products but also fresh foods like eggs, tofu, and kimchi from HY's online mall 'Predit,' as well as ready meals, toilet paper, wet wipes, kitchenware, health supplements, and pet products. Delivery services are expected to expand to include credit cards and mail delivery, diversifying income sources.

Seo once ran a YouTube channel, vlogging her daily life as a Fresh Manager and answering questions from those interested in the job. She plans to resume this activity, which she had paused for personal reasons. She said, "The term 'Yakult Ajumma' is so entrenched that even when I recommend the job to acquaintances or friends, many hesitate," adding, "I want to help create an atmosphere where people who want to try the job can enter without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed."

Other hot topics this year included the four-day workweek, delivery fee reduction competition, and more, all ranking among the top articles. Please look forward to more exciting stories from Asia Economy in the future.

4. Countries Signing on to the Four-Day Workweek: Just Work Monday to Thursday (April 26, Reporter Han Jisoo)

5. Side Dish Composition and Arrangement So Similar... Baek Jong-won's Lunchbox 'Generous You' [Convenience Store Adventure] (May 10, Reporter Lim Chunhan)

6. Once Korea's Representative Beauty, Now a CEO (April 22, Reporter Choi Donghyun)

7. Delivery Fees Too Expensive, So I Don't Use It... As Users Leave One After Another, Now a Price War (June 1, Reporter Kim Cheolhyun)

8. At Least One Hour to Get a Seat... MZ Hotspot Drawing 3,000 People on Weekends (May 22, Reporter Moon Hyewon)

9. [Japanese Side] Harvard Graduate '26-Year-Old Model Son' Mayor Election Sparks Attention... Foreign Media Surprised (April 29, Reporter Jeon Jinyoung)

10. After 12 Billion KRW, Another 8.3 Billion KRW... Singer Park Hyoshin Buys Hannam-dong Building (June 12, Reporter Kim Hyunjung)