SOCIAL MEDIA has become a window for individuals to express their identity to the public. Convenient accessibility to various platforms allows anyone to become a producer of their own, simply with some courage and decision. Thus, The Yonsei Annals reached out to fellow Yonsei students with the following question: what kind of content creator would you be?

Eva Um (Fresh., UIC, Humanities Arts and Social Sciences Div.)

   If I were to be a content creator, I would produce beauty-related videos, contemplated by university life vlogs. Intrigued by Korean skincare, fashion, and make-up, my algorithm in Instagram and YouTube revolves around beauty and fashion. Specifically, I enjoy watching  makeovers, make-up tutorials, and product reviews that teach me new makeup and skincare techniques, while also keeping me updated on the latest beauty trends. 

   I would like to remain anonymous for my own privacy as revealing my face could result in the leakage of my personal information including my location, school, and job. Moreover, YouTube is a highly visible platform where content creators are subject to high levels of scrutiny and criticism. Choosing to maintain my anonymity seems like a better option to safeguard myself from potential online harassment.

Hannah Hong (Sr., Dept. of Cultural Anthropology)

   When I took a leave of absence last fall, I started a YouTube channel to promote and record the journey of Il-mong Store—my online stationery business. I upload autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos of myself packaging products and drawing illustrations of my character, Il-mong, on my iPad. Through the comments, I noticed how much the viewers enjoyed the deep sense of relaxation they got from the rustling sounds. This included the gentle packaging noise characterized by the soft “ppo-si-rak” sound, as well as the soothing “sa gak sa gak” sound derived from drawing on my iPad.

   It is certainly a challenge to run a business and a YouTube channel as a student. The process of filming and editing videos is awfully time-consuming and requires a lot of energy. Yet, I still find the whole journey extremely rewarding. The support I get from the comments, and the questions that I get to answer for my viewers, give me a sense of purpose to continue as a YouTuber. Additionally, having the chance to combine my passion of drawing and creating for a bigger purpose is something I consider incredibly fortunate; it allows me to expand my business and connect with a larger audience. 

Sung Min-jin (Sr., Dept. of Food and Nutrition)

   As I am heavily interested in health and well-being, I would create content related to my major studies. By covering subjects such as the mechanism behind weight loss through a low carbs diet, I believe I can contribute to the recognition of health management. Rather than placing the emphasis on “how” health management will be conveyed, my primary focus will be on “what” the proper methods of health management are. This is because providing true information is crucial when dealing with health and nutrition. With my meticulous personality, and the related resources I have accumulated throughout the years, I would be able to be a semi-professional health content creator that one can trust. 

Lina Makhatova (Soph., Dept. of Business Admin.)

   During the winter break, I had the chance to begin my journey as a content creator on several social media platforms. I initially started the journey with fashion-related content to extend my personal interests. Encouragement from my friends and my personal interest in a career related to social media were great motivators. Nevertheless, as I am endeavoring to expand the scope of my content, I plan to include mini video logs capturing the special moments of Korea from the perspective of a foreign student.

   Whilst observing my favorite content creators such as Anna Paul with her upscale editing and Rachel Ocool with her contagious optimism, I perceived authenticity as key for a strong fanbase. My freewheeling and unprejudiced personality would enable me to create genuine content—attempting alternative formats by solely using voiceover instead of background music or ASMR. Such freshness would synergize with my ability to deliver personal opinions and experiences in an entertaining way, allowing me to reach a certain level of personal success. 

Kim Jong-jin (Jr., Dept. of Materials Science & Engin.)

   If I were to produce content, it would be about food—specifically about newly opened restaurants and their menus. Cooking videos are always at the top of my algorithm, and visiting nearby eateries to try out unique recipes is a hobby of mine. While exploring such venues, I have encountered one major inconvenience: the lack of credible information. By creating contents with honest reviews, and covering aspects such as price, atmosphere, and taste, it would provide many with more pragmatic assistance. In fact, I plan to incorporate written reviews by food critics, as well as reviews circulating on social media to provide an objective insight for my viewers. Such attempts would hopefully make me known as trustworthy among other food-related content creators. 

Kim Yu-yeon (Soph., UIC, International Studies)

   I enjoy watching self-development videos, specifically those that provide      tips on improving one’s mental health or those that help me enhance quality of life. I strongly believe that the smallest self-care routine can impact one’s mental state. That being so, I would produce content such as, but not limited to goal setting and planning, time management, mindfulness practices, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence—all under the theme of self-development. To establish a deeper connection with my subscribers, my content will incorporate my own personal experiences and struggles. In fact, I will be transparent about my life by showing both the good and bad days, hoping to inspire others to embrace their own ups and downs. 

   I will, however, only be revealing my voice for the sake of my creative freedom. Without any external constraints and biases, I would be able to produce high-quality content and share crucial yet sensitive topics without fear of repercussions. Additionally, remaining anonymous will allow me to separate my online persona and personal life. I believe such separation is crucial as much as focusing on both—being a creator and being a student—is essential for my own personal development.