Cheat day

Aged Kimchi

I haven’t decided whether to sign a contract with the MCN or not.

However, I made an appointment with Agent Mukji from Hongdangmu Entertainment just to hear what they had to say.

Around the time I arrived at the meeting place, I played ‘Baekban Debate: Mul Naengmyeon vs Bibim Naengmyeon’ and checked the comments section, and it had the effect of pinning the negative comments.

The subscribers said everything I wanted to say.

I can’t express how grateful I am.

The troll who was stirring things up hasn’t been seen since their last comment four hours ago, where they seemed to have a mental victory, probably because they couldn’t keep up with replying to each one.

As I entered the café we had agreed to meet at and looked around, I made eye contact with a woman.

Since they greeted me, I bowed my head too.

Hello. It’s aged kimchi.

Hello. It’s for side dishes.

I received and took care of the business cards.

“I ordered the drink as decaf cold brew.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Since I already live on coffee, I try not to consume caffeine except when I’m working.

Also, since I’m avoiding sugary drinks because of my diabetes, this drink is perfect for me right now.

This person definitely knows me well.

After taking a sip of coffee, I looked up.

The first impression is that they seem meticulous and capable, but somewhat difficult to approach.

The neatly combed bob and the crisp, wrinkle-free suit gave that impression.

Did you come dressed too casually?

Checking Deputy Manager Muk Eun-ji’s outfit, I feel embarrassed about the sweatshirt I’m wearing.

“I made a sudden request, so thank you for accepting it.”

“No.” I’m curious too. After reading the email you sent, it seems like you know my show well.

“Yes.”

With Deputy Muk Eun-ji’s response, the conversation momentarily came to a halt.

Not knowing what he was thinking, I just blinked and observed, and parts that I hadn’t noticed before began to come into view.

Assistant Manager Mukkunji was so pale that her cheeks were sunken to the point of casting shadows under her cheekbones.

The wrists and fingers are also bony.

I’ve never seen someone this thin before, so I wonder if they’re sick or something.

“The reasons why YouTubers sign contracts with MCNs are mainly twofold.”

Assistant Mukkunji began speaking in a somewhat dry voice.

“One is to expand the scope of activities through MCN.”

It is the same information that was explained in the email.

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And that is also the reason why Jujiseung signed a contract with Tomato Corporation.

“Because they handle tasks that are difficult for individual YouTubers to manage.” And Hongdangmu is differentiated from other companies for the second reason.

“Is it something an individual can’t handle?”

“You can understand it as a trivial matter.”

Not fully understanding, I tilted my head slightly, and Deputy Mukji added an explanation.

“For example, in the case of malicious comments on the Baekban Debate video, we can provide assistance through legal representation.”

“Ah.”

With just one example, I was able to get a sense of what various tasks were.

“We also handle events for you.” If the side dish store is preparing a fan meeting, the planning support team will handle everything for you. Venue booking, emcee support, promotion, participant selection and list organization, schedule, refreshments, etc. You just need to confirm, Mr. Banchan.

I am reminded of my college days.

Even at the small department event, many people rushed in and were so busy handling all sorts of tasks.

It’s impossible to handle an event like a fan meeting alone.

“From now on, Mr. Banchan’s time will be invaluable.”

Assistant Mukgeunji said expressionlessly.

The tone has almost no ups and downs, and the voice is quiet, so it doesn’t have the power to draw people in, but it’s content that you can’t help but listen to.

“As you become more famous, the places looking for side dish seeds will increase, and even if the conditions are good, there will be times when you’ll have to give up due to scheduling conflicts.” “From now on, we will run out of time.”

“…….”

“When the time comes, you will have to let go of all the tasks you have been handling alone, including planning and editing.” You need to fully dedicate the energy and time you would spend on such tasks to the camera.

I watched the process from the sidelines.

Cha Ji-chan judged that as ‘Jimggun’ grew, managing the channel alone became overwhelming.

I took care of the editing, but there were many other tasks involved in running the channel.

As income significantly increased, a corporation was established to reduce taxes, and employees were hired to manage the insufficient content.

The content planning that Cha Ji-chan was doing himself was handed over to PD Ahn Sang-kyu, and the editing that I was solely responsible for was completely handled by forming a team.

After starting a gym and even launching an online shop to sell exercise equipment, I had no choice but to seek expert help in all areas such as tax, labor, and legal matters.

“I think Banchanyong is like that.”

To summarize.

As my role increases, I can no longer focus on anything other than my appearances on the show.

It means that unless you start your own company, it’s better to spend money to delegate the menial tasks to Hongdangmu.

“I know what Hongdangmu can do for me.” What about the opposite?

I asked the question about how much I should pay indirectly.

The standard contract ratio for Hongdangmu is 50-50. Mr. Banchanyong will take 50% of the profits earned from external activities from Hongdangmu.

“If it’s an external activity, it was arranged through Hongdangmu, right?”

“That’s right.”

I was surprised to hear that I had to give 50%, but thinking about it, it’s not such a bad deal.

The currently 600,000-subscriber Bhagavad Gita channel also has a 60-40 contract.

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Right now, there isn’t any money from my broadcasting activities that Hongdangmu can take.

Since we only share the earnings from entertainment appearances, PPL ads, and merchandise sales obtained through Hongdangmu, signing a contract with Hongdangmu won’t reduce our current profits.

On the contrary, there might be times when the carrot brings things to you, so you could earn more money.

Moreover, I understand that even Tomato Corporation, which is the largest in the industry, does not represent legal or tax matters.

For me, there is no reason to worry.

“Then.”

The moment I opened my mouth to ask how to proceed with the contract, Mukji interrupted me.

“Now is not a good time.”

“Yes?”

It was an unexpected remark, and I was even more surprised by Deputy Manager Mukji’s calm demeanor.

Hongdangmu wants to quickly sign a contract with the side dish store. Because it is still a small channel with 150,000 subscribers.

Among domestic YouTubers, only about 0.4% have gathered 100,000 subscribers.

That great achievement tends to be somewhat easily accepted by society.

It means a world close to winner-takes-all.

And Hongdangmu also sees me not as the top 0.4% YouTuber I am now, but as someone who meets the minimum conditions for them to sign a contract.

“Are you saying it will get bigger, so I should wait?”

At present, it is rare to find places that offer better conditions than the standard to side dish stores. However, if Mr. Banchan-yong grows a bit more like this, the company will try to adjust the contract ratio first. Whether it’s a red radish or a tomato.

It’s the right thing to say.

The convenience provided by the MCN company is not immediately necessary.

In the current state, even if we go ahead with the contract, it will be hard to get a good opportunity as Ju Ji-seung mentioned.

By a stroke of luck, I might join a large project and use it as a growth driver, but right now, I’m struggling to manage my own content.

The response to the ongoing content is also quite significant.

“When are you going to stop sulking?”, “Baekban Debate”, “I’ll make you some side dishes” all made it to the top of the real-time trending tab.

There is a clear answer, so there’s no need to look for another way.

So, there is currently no reason to contract with an MCN company.

The support proposed by Hongdangmu is not needed right now, but only after the ‘banchan store’ has grown.

So even if you make a contract, it’s better to solidify your foundation first and then receive a good offer.

I asked while looking at the aged kimchi.

“I have something on my mind, so…”

“Yes.”

“Do you usually explain this much?”

Assistant Muk Eun-ji stared at me intently and blinked once.

From Hongdangmu’s perspective, it’s more advantageous to finalize the contract now rather than delay it. I wonder if it’s really necessary to explain it in such detail.

“There is.”

I asked why they were explaining so kindly, but they didn’t explain the reason.

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Furrowing his brow and tilting his head, Deputy Mukji opened his mouth.

“Are you curious about the reason?”

Even though there’s no obligation to answer just because someone asks a question, they are someone who can be quite bewildering in many ways.

I’m curious.

Assistant Mukgeunji picked up the cup and quickly put it down. The coffee is just as it was when I first ordered it, with only my lips slightly pursed.

“You must first build trust with the person who will be your business partner.”

In a single word, I immediately understood how Deputy Mukji does his job.

Regarding MCN, I had never thought about it at all, but I became interested after receiving an email from Deputy Manager Mukji.

What benefits I could gain through Hongdangmu, how Hongdangmu differentiates itself from other MCN companies, and their thorough understanding of my channel naturally built my trust.

It seems like they prioritize building trust even if it means incurring some losses for the company.

“I could go somewhere else, you know.”

“Are you talking about tomatoes?”

“That could be.”

Tomatoes and carrots each have their own pros and cons. Depending on what Mr. Banchan wants, tomatoes might be the better choice.

That’s true.

If I want active promotion and collaboration, it’s better to work with Tomato, which has connections with broadcasting stations and media outlets and has secured numerous large creators.

“However, no one there can take care of Mr. Banchanyong better than I can.”

It’s hard to believe how such confidence can come from such a skinny body and a shadowed face.

But I also think so.

We only met briefly, but this person is not only rational and honest but also lacks the knack for dealing with people.

“Many creators sign contracts with MCNs and regret it.”

The words of Deputy Mukeunji reminded me of what Jujiseung had said.

“I heard that some people end up feeling isolated.”

“That’s right.” Opportunities and manpower are limited, so companies tend to focus on those who are so-called popular figures. Then, naturally, people will be marginalized.

I explain everything as it is without hiding anything.

“Even if the creator does well after the contract, problems still arise.”

“What problem?”

“The standard ratio will become disappointing.”

“Ah.”

“When I had 100,000 subscribers, I thought a 50-50 contract was reasonable, so I signed it, but when I reached a million subscribers, I might think a 50-50 split is unfair.”

The monk also said something similar.

“Even with the same 50-50 contract, if you divide 10 million won among 100,000 people, you would divide 1 billion won among 1 million people.”

If you are human, it is only natural for your thoughts to change.

The work that MCNs or management do is the same, but if it used to cost 10 million won and now it’s increased to 100 million won, I would feel it’s a waste even for me.

Even if you knew from the beginning that it was such a contract and signed it, as a human being, your feelings are different when you go into the bathroom and when you come out.

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“When I think that I’m at such a loss, I hesitate to renew the contract.” If we increase the ratio, some people are satisfied, but others are not.

If a person thinks they can grow more, they won’t be satisfied with the increased rate right away.

Because I think that in 1-2 years, I will be able to negotiate a better rate.

“Then, Hongdangmu will lose the 1 million subscriber YouTuber they worked so hard to grow, and I will become an incompetent person who couldn’t satisfy the YouTuber I managed so diligently.”

This person works with a more forward-looking perspective.

They are so focused on immediate results that they speak straightforwardly about the future without deceiving or hiding anything.

“The immediate results are the same.”

As if reading my mind, the aged kimchi continued speaking.

“Bringing in a creator with 150,000 subscribers is not as beneficial for my performance review as getting a stamp of approval from a YouTuber with 1 million subscribers.”

This is quite a novel statement.

If we sign the contract right now, it might benefit the company, but it’s not really a good thing for me and Mukji.

Definitely, considering Mukkunji’s own achievements, it’s more beneficial to bring in a 1 million subscriber YouTuber rather than a 150,000 subscriber one.

I have no idea how far they’re planning to be honest.

“I was surprised.”

You can’t just deal with someone who approaches you so straightforwardly without any unnecessary tricks.

“You knew everything I wanted.” At first, I wasn’t interested, but then I thought it might be okay.

“Not now.”

Deputy Manager Muk Eun-ji said firmly.

That look is even funny now.

“Right.” As you said, it would be better to do it after growing a bit more.

Deputy Mukji returned with an indifferent expression, as if saying he already knew.

“But I’m really curious.” Actually, I’ve only recently become well-known. How do you know so much about the side dish store?

“…….”

“Is it normal for you to conduct such thorough investigations?” Or did you perhaps watch my broadcasts originally?

“I have been watching it since the past.”

“So, the nickname is Mukgeunji.”

“That’s right.”

I was so happy that I unconsciously wiggled my hips.

“Really?” Is that you, Mr. Mukgeunji? Did you come to the first broadcast?

“Yes.”

It’s the first time I’ve actually met a fan. So you worked at a big company like Hongdangmu. Nice to meet you.

I stood up and extended my hand, wanting to at least shake hands, and Deputy Mukji stared at my hand for a moment before looking up.

“I’m not a fan.”

I usually don’t lose in a verbal argument, but I was so flustered that I momentarily lost my words.

“Hahaha.” Hey, just kidding. You just said you watched my broadcast from the beginning, right?

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“I was just looking for a broadcast that wasn’t too loud or too quiet.”

The answer was so cold that I had no choice but to sit down.

“Still, you must have shared all sorts of stories because you like my show, right?” You also continued to be a channel member. This month, he was 17 months old. For the first time in a side dish store.”

“Those who want to grow faster with the help of MCN are exceptions, but the contract-related details are explained to other YouTubers in the same way.” I didn’t add more because it’s for side dishes.

Before I could even enjoy the joy of meeting my subscriber for the first time, I got hit.

It means that it is only presented according to the situation of the other party, and it does not imply that anyone is offered better conditions.

Embarrassed and awkwardly smiling, Deputy Manager Mukkunji spoke up.

“May I ask a question?”

It’s still an expressionless and dry voice.

“Yes.”

“I understand that your health condition is not good.” “Even so, you continue with the mukbang content. Is there a specific reason for that?”