Taking 'UN 인증샷' to Show Off Elite Image
Directly Linked to Earning Money from SNS Popularity
Among Chinese influencers, the so-called 'UN certification shot' trend is spreading, causing controversy. This appears to be related to a growing tendency not only to flaunt appearance and wealth but also to showcase elite status.
Recently, on Xiaohongshu (小紅書), the Chinese version of Instagram, there have been revelations that influencers or those aspiring to become influencers are spending large sums of money to post photos or videos taken at the United Nations. It is said that instead of speaking at international organizations through their own abilities, they create seemingly impressive credentials by spending tens of millions of won through brokers.
Chinese local media Huaxi Dushibao (華西都市報) published an investigation on the 5th into brokers involved in the 'UN certification shot business.' The problematic company offers a package where participants attend the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) for 5 nights and 6 days, deliver speeches, and even conduct interviews with major media outlets, costing 260,000 yuan (about 50 million won). There was also a basic package priced at 60,000 yuan (about 11.25 million won) that does not include speeches. The broker added that if booked now, one can participate in the 30th COP held next November.
They also stated that it is not simple tourism but participation in the actual meeting as an 'observer,' and English training is provided if necessary for speeches. This is a kind of ticket that brokers obtain to enter the official venue of COP, which changes host countries annually, and then resell it to the general public like scalpers. It is known not to be subject to regulation. A UN official told the media, "Participation fees for UN meetings invited through official channels are all free," adding, "It seems that an underground market for buying and selling COP participation rights has formed out of necessity in some cases." Chinese netizens who learned of this reality reacted with shock. They commented, "Is this also a new business model?" and "There was a hidden truth behind the glamorous life."
Meanwhile, some point out that the reason this business thrives is not merely due to vanity but because popularity gained on social networking services (SNS) directly translates into income. Influencer Shirley Lin, famous for her 'UN vlog,' is reportedly paid 180,000 yuan (about 35 million won) for ads under 20 seconds, 210,000 yuan (about 40 million won) for ads between 21 and 60 seconds, and 250,000 yuan (about 48 million won) for ads over 60 seconds.
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