Story of Manager Kim from a Major Corporation Preparing for Drama Production
Interview with Writer Song Hee-gu
"Someday, I want to be seated as a 'writer' at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Like writer Kim Eun-sook. I also have a dream of turning the library I establish into a tourist attraction and giving back to society."
Born in 1983, a 20 billion KRW asset owner, YouTuber, real estate investor, and bestselling author. Although he has many titles, we met Mr. Song Hee-gu, who wants to be called a 'writer,' on the 10th at Baro Entertainment's office building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Song, an ordinary manager in charge of overseas sales at a large corporation, began his first steps into real estate investment after seeing a friend of his farmer father become wealthy through a 6 billion KRW land compensation.
To save on transportation costs, he woke up early and commuted by subway, and saved money on food expenses to accumulate seed money. He gained knowledge by putting in the effort and reading related books, which he then applied to his investments. If he had stopped there, he might have remained just 'Manager Song who is good at investing.' But Song started another life by posting articles on his blog. He wrote stories on his blog featuring a character named 'Manager Kim,' who was inspired by people around him. This spread by word of mouth and was published as a self-help book titled 'The Story of Manager Kim, Who Owns a Home in Seoul and Works at a Large Corporation.'
'The Story of Manager Kim, Who Owns a Home in Seoul and Works at a Large Corporation' consists of three volumes: 'Manager Kim's Edition,' 'Assistant Manager Jung - Employee Kwon's Edition,' and 'Manager Song's Edition.' It has a captivating power that allows readers to finish it within two hours once they start. It gained much support and a fan base because it contains delicate emotional expressions relatable to everyone from new employees to senior managers, as well as basic information on real estate. He said, "I tried to reflect the times for office workers living in the same era," and "I valued and tried to express raw emotions that anyone can feel."
The third volume, 'Manager Song's Edition,' reflects more than 95% of Song's personal experiences. Song said, "It contains words I would say to close friends who are struggling." The real estate boss who leaves memorable quotes like 'Kimchi stew with pork' to Manager Song is a fictional character conveying Song's core message.
'The Story of Manager Kim, Who Owns a Home in Seoul and Works at a Large Corporation' is set to be produced as a drama next year following its Naver webtoon adaptation. Casting is underway. Recently, actor Ryu Seung-ryong was reported to be a candidate. The self-help book 'My Wealthy High School Friend,' published last year, is in the drama production planning stage, and the first full-length novel 'My Smart Dog,' released this year, recently succeeded in securing an export contract to Southeast Asia.
Although he currently lives as 'Writer Song,' like 'Manager Song,' he goes to Baro Entertainment at 5 a.m. to write scripts. He is preparing his next work featuring a psychopath. Song hinted that it will be available next summer. He also meditates and exercises occasionally. On weekends, he gives lectures on real estate at department store cultural centers. He only lectures at cultural centers so attendees can listen at a low cost. Song said, "Since I only do it on weekends, it’s not a big burden. Preparing for lectures helps me study and becomes a source of vitality." He is also a real estate YouTuber with over 130,000 subscribers. He receives applause for providing clear answers to subscribers' questions such as which apartment in a similar price range is better to buy or whether it is the right time to buy a house now.
"I try to deliver accurate information rather than lectures that cause issues or are for selling. I hope many people make good choices by watching my content. And I want to collect books donated by those who made 'good choices' to establish a library and give back to society."
In his free time, he mainly walks his dog or watches movies. He reads books regardless of genre, including novels and self-help books. Recently, he read 'Whale' by writer Cheon Myeong-kwan and 'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson. He often spends time indulging in whimsical imagination and daydreams. He immediately records or leaves ideas as KakaoTalk messages as they come to mind. 'My Smart Dog' was inspired while listening to the song 'After the Play Ends.' His excellent memory is also an advantage as a writer. He recalls the atmosphere and details of spaces like restaurant water pitchers or ventilation ducts and expresses them in writing. Although he is a 20 billion KRW asset owner, he tries not to be wasteful. However, he spares no investment in furniture, lighting, and cultural activities. When watching musicals, ballet, or opera, he looks for the best seats.
Recently, he has been working on paving roads and dividing plots on land he purchased. It can be sold or buildings can be constructed and rented out. Farmland is inexpensive but increases in value when developed, so this is an ongoing investment. His current biggest interest is 'good writing.' Studying video production related to dramas and movies has become enjoyable. He also dreams of someday sitting next to actors as a writer at the Baeksang Arts Awards, like writer Kim Eun-sook.
He cited freedom as the most important value. He said, "It’s an emotion that can be overlooked because it’s natural, but enjoying freedom is happiness. Doing what you want is important. I’m happy to be able to write."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
