‘What is this?’ But an amazing awards ceremony that you cannot help but be convinced has returned. The ‘Dong-a.com’s PICK’, now in its 9th year, prides itself on being more fair than any other awards ceremony in Korea. The outrageous award names that other awards ceremonies would never dream of are reason enough for the winners to receive them. We will now introduce the glorious winners of the ‘Dong-a.com’s PICK’ that will be ‘stuffed’ in your memories.


◆ Award name: Wannabe‘s Wannabe


◆ Q&A about the award

Q. [9th Dong-a.com‘s PICK] How do you feel about receiving the award?

I never imagined that I would receive the ‘Wannabe’s Wannabe’ award. I am so grateful. I really like this award. Thank you so much. I am so happy. Thank you very much. Should I live up to this title? I am so grateful. Thank you.

Q. What did you think when you saw the name of the award (Wannabe‘s Wannabe)?

I was really surprised by the ‘Wannabe’s Wannabe’ award. Wow, I am so honored that I can receive this award. Was the first award I received the ‘Wannabe‘s Wannabe’ award? Actually, I haven’t received many awards, but the grand prize, it is such an honor. The grand prize, excellence award, encouragement award, and achievement award are all good, but the ‘Wannabe‘s Wannabe’ award is so touching, so much so that it is undeserved.

Q. You are enjoying your heyday again on YouTube, so how do you feel?

- I feel a sense of accomplishment because I received more love than I expected, but since I came up with the ideas and prepared them myself, it’s like the pain of creation, haha. I think I also feel some pressure. But I‘m having fun doing it.


Q. Choi Hwa-jung’s ‘Life Tips’

- This is something my mom always told me, ‘If you straighten your back and smile, there‘s nothing you can’t do in this world.’. I think you can do anything if you have a positive mindset.


Q. Who is your wannabe, and who do you want to be the next wannabe?

- My wannabe is teacher Yoon Yeo-jeong. Not only as a senior, but also as a woman,
her fashion, passion for work, sophisticated humor, her consistent exercise, her attitude toward life, etc., everything about her is really cool. How can she be so perfect?

And I think that in the next generation, anyone can be a wannabe. Not necessarily stars, celebrities, or famous people... I think it will become more diverse and specialized. For example, it could be someone who lives a hard life in the countryside, or someone who isn‘t good at taking pictures but uploads flower drawings or one sentence to SNS like a diary. I think the next generation of wannabes will be more specific and personal.


Q. The wannabe of wannabes, what is the attitude that Choi Hwa-jung thinks a true wannabe should have? And what is the secret to positive energy?

- Shouldn’t a wannabe have their own style? Rather than being best, ‘One and only!’
I think I need to be firmly established as myself. That way, my true self will shine through.
And the secret to positive energy is... . Life isn‘t easy, right? Haha


Q. What is the most memorable and encouraging comment or response from Candy (fandom)?

- “I love that this channel shows that the freshness, crisp and invigorating energy of ‘summer’ doesn’t just stay in your youth.” and “Oh, you‘re saving the Korean economy, unnie.
YouTube that promotes consumption. I think you’ll probably receive the Korean Economic Person of the Year Award before the Baeksang Entertainment Awards.”, “Why do you want to do everything unnie does?”, “I keep searching for stuff while watching YouTube, and why is it Choi Hwa Jung‘s related search term? Yay~ We live in a great world!”. I think all the responses of support give me strength.


Q. Do you have a goal you want to achieve as YouTuber Choi Hwa Jung?

- Just like I did radio for a long time, I want to do YouTube diligently and steadily for a ‘long’long’. And to our subscribers ‘Candy’, thank you so much and I love you so much!

Lee Seul-bi, Donga.com reporter misty82@donga.com
Hong Se-young, Donga.com reporter projecthong@donga.com
Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com reporter shine2562@donga.com
Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com
Choi Yun-na, Donga.com reporter yyynnn@donga.com