[Book View] Everyday Life of Ryo from 'London Bagel'

Ryo, Creator of Popular Hotspots Among the Young Generation,
Shares Her Journey in "Ryo's Thoughtless Thoughts"
"Always Discovering Newness in Everyday Life"

'London Bagel Museum,' 'Artist Bakery,' 'Cafe Highwest,' and 'Cafe Layered.'

These venues, which have become popular destinations known for their long waiting lines among young people, all share a common origin: they were created under the direction of brand director Lee Hyojung. Since opening its first location near Anguk Station in 2021, London Bagel Museum has expanded to six branches. Recently, during a private equity sale process, the brand was valued at 200 billion KRW, further increasing attention on Lee Hyojung. Last month, Director Lee published a book titled "Ryo's Thoughtless Thoughts" (Yeollimwon) under the pen name 'Ryo,' which is an abbreviation of the Korean word for 'colleague.' She explained, "It means a friend who is always needed. The name reflects my wish to be a friend to someone else and to myself."

Interior view of London Bagel Museum. London Bagel Museum Instagram

The origins of today's 'Highwest' and 'Layered' cafes date back 14 years, when a chance visit to 'Monmouth Cafe' near Covent Garden in the UK left a lasting impression. The unique coffee drip method, the communication and stylish service between baristas and customers of various races and ages, all captivated Ryo. Eventually, she shifted her career to F&B, leading to the creation of these trendy spaces. "I wanted to create places where people would want to stay and eat. It started from my decision to shape my own environment, and I think that sincerity resonated and became a trend."

Ryo describes herself as "an impulsive person who does not distinguish between work and personal life." She works as her heart leads, but always gives her all. She emphasizes that her achievements are not the result of meticulous analysis or strategy, but simply the outcome of pursuing her own authenticity. Ryo confesses that, as a child, her curiosity was stifled by a timid personality, which prevented her from asking questions freely during what she calls her "dark period." However, this experience allowed her to develop a keen ability to observe both the world and herself. Her conviction that "you cannot know before you start, but only by starting can you know" continues to serve as the source of her courage to begin new things.

Her life motto comes from "Zorba the Greek": "The only way to save myself is to try to save others." For her, the world is something to be loved, and acts of love are like passing a relay baton to others. It is not about expecting something in return, but about realizing that she is someone capable of such love. "Love is directed toward others, but within it, you yourself grow the most. It's like a round song that becomes a gift, flowing onward to lift someone up."

She emphasizes the importance of new discoveries in everyday life. She encourages, "Rather than constantly seeking something new, become someone who finds newness within the familiar." Newness is not far away; sometimes, it is within oneself. Since everyone is different, she warmly advises people not to simply envy someone else's success, but to reflect on their own standards of happiness and to have the courage to "lift your own foot and take a step forward in your own reality."