Rakgurakgu Ambassador and Park PD's Secret Hobby
A few days had passed since the Rakgurakgu promotional ambassador camping trip. After Kim Manho's emotional branding pitch, I'd been wallowing in grogginess and self-doubt, but scrolling through the camping gallery nonstop seemed to make even the embarrassment feel familiar. In the meantime, my YouTube subscribers had hit 200,000, and my SNS followers had surpassed 10,000. Way beyond my expectations—this rapid growth was surely thanks to the MCN's support and Im Nana's backup. If it had been just me, I could've pulled in the aggro, but keeping it going? No chance.
While the hype was rolling, Park PD's heartfelt editing mode videos started uploading to my channel one after another. When the 2-night, 3-day journey turned into a daily one-video series, I seriously wondered if I was really doing this solo.
And today—finally, the day of the official Rakgurakgu contract. Kim Manho had scheduled it faster than expected. Ditching my usual sloppy casuals, I dressed up in the crisp white shirt and black slacks from my MCN contract signing. Standing in front of the mirror, I checked my outfit over and over.
Phew, I thought it'd just be shooting one ad, not that it'd blow up like this.
Ambassador, huh? Could I really pull this off? No, don't chicken out. It's camping gear anyway, and they said I could turn down anything I truly hated. Hyping myself up, I headed out.
Even while driving, I was in such a daze I had no idea how I was even steering... Lost in a fog, I somehow ended up at the broadcasting station before long.
"...Still can't get used to it. An office at a broadcasting station..."
Stepping into the lobby, Kim Manho was already there waiting, greeting me with a smile.
"Areum, welcome. I've been expecting you."
"Ah, President. Hello..."
"Haha! No need to be so tense. It's just reconfirming the contract details."
I followed Kim Manho into the meeting room I'd visited once before. A few sheets of what looked like contract papers were already laid out on the table. Sitting down and sipping the orange juice he handed me, the tension finally eased a bit.
"Rakgurakgu is thrilled about collaborating with you, Areum. The terms are top-tier in the industry..."
Kim Manho explained it all simply, without jargon, so even an industry newbie like me could follow.
Then, a knock came from outside. Knock knock.
The door opened, and in walked a middle-aged man in a sharp suit with a gentle vibe. Kim Manho stood to introduce him.
"Areum, sorry for the late intro. This is Kim Hyunmin, CEO of Rakgurakgu."
"...CEO?"
Wait, what? Why's the CEO here? Don't these deals usually wrap up with sales managers or PR teams? Where's Choi Sora from marketing I met at the expo, and why's the big boss popping up out of nowhere?
Hiding my confusion, I stood and bowed.
"Ah, hello. I'm Han Areum. Nice to meet you."
"Haha, I've heard so much about you—subscribed to your YouTube too. You're even more stunning in person."
Kim Hyunmin extended his hand with a warm smile. First time someone's straight-up called me a beauty like that—tough to keep a straight face. I knew it was just polite talk, but still... Masking my fluster with an awkward smile, I shook his hand.
Even during the handshake, my mind was stuck on Why the CEO himself...?
My face must've shown it, because as we sat, Kim Hyunmin spoke first.
"Judging by your expression, Areum, you're wondering why I'm here personally. Haha."
"Ah, no, it's just..."
"I'll be frank. Rakgurakgu is a well-known brand, especially huge in the mid-2000s."
"Yeah, pretty much every home or office had one, right?"
"But... things have changed. When Rakgurakgu blew up, competitors flooded the market with folding beds. We lost that battle. All that's left now—like how Band-Aids are generic for bandages—is our name as the folding bed."
"Ah..."
True... When buying a folding bed, I wouldn't specifically pick Rakgurakgu. No real difference, and others were cheaper.
"We're a small outfit despite the name—think startup or tiny SME. We're betting big on this outdoor line as our comeback springboard. And we want to start it with you."
Kim Hyunmin laid out the company's struggles and vision with sincere passion. Their outdoor line was quality enough to tempt even me. But could I make it succeed?
"I'm not sure I have that kind of influence. I'm just a newbie starting out..."
"No."
He cut me off firmly.
"I saw authenticity in your writing. I'm convinced—this contract will be the turning point that changes everything."
His unwavering gaze made me feel a bit ashamed. He's staking his life on this, and here I am whining about self-doubt. Unbidden, my chest warmed... Wait. Hold up. Writing? What writing?
"Especially your SNS strategy blew me away."
Kim Hyunmin continued. Whoa, stop right there.
"'I want to hold a handful of stars'... You nailed how to convey the product's emotional value. I wanted to steal it for our new slogan."
"Such a great line!"
President?
"Lying on a Rakgurakgu bed at a campsite, reaching for the sky—it just popped into my head!"
Kim Manho nodded eagerly, chiming in.
"You saw right through it, CEO. Didn't I say in the meeting? Areum isn't just a creator. She's an instinctive branding strategist. That tough 'Camp Virgin' image hiding such delicate sensitivity! That's the dual charm at the core."
"Exactly! And that charisma in live streams, scolding viewers to fix bad camping culture—it matches our rooted outdoor ethos perfectly."
"Right? And it's not calculated—it's pure philosophy flowing naturally. That's the real shocker."
"......"
My head... my head hurts.
Two suave, charismatic exec-types yapping nonstop—no room to butt in. Branding? Strategy? Charisma? Which timeline's me are they talking about? This is beyond me. Just... let them roll...
I could only sit there silently through their praise (or torture?). When the convo finally wrapped and I signed the contract, I felt like a boxer after twelve rounds—utterly drained. Stumbling out of the station, it was already past lunchtime despite the morning meeting.
Hmm, grab some food before heading home? There's a fave Western-style donkatsu spot in Hongdae—been too long.
I drove to Hongdae, scarfed a hearty meal at my go-to, then figured a walk would settle my stuffed belly. Stepping out...
Hold up—familiar figure in sight. Isn't that Park PD? Day off, huh? But why's she glancing around like she committed a crime? Unlike her usual zombie shuffle, she's fidgety, eyeing surroundings. Moves faster too... like she's hunting for something, trotting off quick-step.
Should I say hi...? Nah. Something's up. That's the walk of someone hiding stuff. Instinctively, I adjusted my now-familiar sunglasses.
Alright, tail her. Gotta admit, I'm curious. What's got zombie Park PD acting shady in Hongdae?
Keeping distance, I followed through the crowds into a quiet alley. She climbed some building stairs. Hmm... that place?
Checking the directory out front: 1F clothing shop, 2F vacant, 3F baduk parlor, 4F academy... Baduk? Or English class?
"2F's empty though..."
Suspicious. Footsteps suggested no higher than 3F max. So baduk parlor, unless it's the empty 2F. Curiosity boiling, I started up the stairs.
"What's that?"
Limited-time figures and acrylic stands in stock!
...Animation... merch... popup...? And it just opened today? W-Well... hobbies are fine. I watched a few series back when I was jobless. Might as well peek.
Up to 2F, into the popup store. There—Park PD over the shelves? That sparkling gaze, that passionate pose... Is this really the... work-zombified Park PD I know?