“CHAESSI PYOLYUGI”
Lee Yejin: A young man is smiling standing against the backdrop of a thick fog in the middle of the river. The title of the show in a font that is reminiscent of traditional television documentary titles appears next to him. The web variety show starring Hyungwon of MONSTA X entitled “CHAESSI PYOLYUGI” has a unique concept that has never been seen before in variety shows that star K-POP idols. Hyungwon, is sitting on a bench looking like any other hiker, donning a traditional-print bandanna and scarf. He takes out a bottle of water covered in a handkerchief and a plastic baggie of eggs and apple slices. He munches on his food then picks up the camera to capture the scene with his charmingly unskilled hands. Hyungwon “does what he wants to do and doesn’t do what he doesn’t wants to do” and the show simply shows us what happens. Hyungwon visited his hometown Geumho-do Island for the first time in 20 years and spends time with his extended family. Then he met unexpected acquaintances as he set out to ask the captain of the ferry to leave a bit later when the weather took a turn for the worst. He went bungee jumping for the first time, eight years after his debut, on a trip with one of his best friends JEONGHAN of SEVENTEEN. Then they lazed around on the valley river rocks. They are all simple scenes but fun to watch nonetheless. 

The show also highlights how close Hyungwon is with the show staff, who teased him constantly by comically describing his actions, which in turn led to unexpected situations. The staff created a particularly poignant moment by making funny comments while Hyungwon's aunt continued to wave until the boat carrying her nephew and the entire crew disappeared into the horizon. When Hyungwon and JEONGHAN’s conversation during their meal became serious, the staff gave them their private moment by muting it, which perfectly portrayed their tight friendship to the viewers. The soothing aspect of the show is never placed front and center, however. The viewers naturally feel warm and fuzzy inside when they watch the show. It’s that feeling that we get when we watch Hyungwon “do what he wants to do and doesn’t do what he doesn’t want to do.”

Anyhow, Karrot by Jinwoo Hwon Lee

Kim Gyeoul (writer): Karrot suddenly appeared as part of the second hand market, and has now become the eponym for buying and selling pre-used items. Jinwoo Hwon Lee who is a poet and photographer shares his experiences using Karrot. This book is much more than a collection of cute episodes from using the app, or a list of what’s so great about using Karrot. Lee carefully illustrates his life as a freelancer, and comments on organizing the things that he bought new. He observes his own acts of selling things he formerly used and purchasing pre-loved items. The interview of writer Lee Sulla’s mother Jang Bok-hee who was selected as the Karrot Person of the Year that is featured at the end of the book is undoubtedly the highlight. It is fun to read through the changes the writer experienced - from his rookie days when he sold his iphone 11 pro 512GB in Midnight Green at a whopping 300 thousand won cheaper than the market value, to today when he has set keyword notices for clothing brands that he likes. But above all, his gentle attitude behind his carefully chosen unassuming words is nicely comforting.