Wadiz 10th Anniversary Event, Episode 2
“People Who Have Joined WadWadiz” (feat. Makers and Supporters)
- "Team Wadiz," built together... From a supporter who has backed Wadizto "Ringti," which got its start Wadiz, and "Youngcheol Burger," which made a comeback—and even model Hong Jin-kyung?
This is the second installment of the “Impact Show” held in May to celebrateWadiz 10th anniversary. In this episode, we introduce the stories of the surprise guests invited to the Impact Show—makers and supporters alike. From a supporter who has participated in a whopping 600 to 800 funding campaigns, to the maker “Ringti” who got their start Wadiz, “Youngcheol Burger” which made a comeback through Wadiz, and even special guest model Hong Jin-kyung 😲
(△Curious about the first piece of content introducing our 10-year growth story?)
Take pride in yourselves and step out into the worldA supporter
Wadizofficially launched its crowdfunding service in 2014. As the service is now in its ninth year, we have users who have backed hundreds of projects. These are Wadiz supporters who participate in funding while pursuing their own values—whether it’s supporting something completely new, enriching their daily lives, or caring for the planet. They are precious people who empathize with project stories, offer support and encouragement, and actively provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Since the event took place on a weekday morning, they were unable to attend in person, but the Wadiz team visited them for an interview. They congratulated us on our 10th anniversary and generously offered advice on how to make the service even more popular in the future.
“There are supporters like me who back almost one project a day, and I also gain a lot from backing projects Wadiz. If you continue to work hard with pride, just as you are now, I’ll be even more grateful and back even more projects.” (Supporter Shin OO / Backed approximately 600 projects since 2019)
“I log in at least once a day. Mondays, for example, are usually busy with deadlines… I was trying to search my past funding transactions, but I couldn’t find a keyword search function. It would be great if that feature were available. (Excerpt) A lot has happened over the past 10 years, but I’d like to congratulate you on growing into such a major crowdfunding platform. I hope you continue to develop over the next 20 or 30 years and grow into a crowdfunding platform that is recognized not only domestically but also globally.” (Supporter Kim OO / Approximately 800 crowdfunding projects since 2016)
Wadizis 'Kanbu', maker
"Ringti," the fatigue-recovery drink even volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung drinks. You’ve probably heard of it—it’s been featured in TV commercials lately and is available at major supermarkets and convenience stores. But did you know that Ringti actually started Wadiz?
CEO Lee Won-cheol, who instantly captured the attention Wadizwith his striking good looks, attended Wadiz 10th-anniversary event.
Q. Mr. Lee Won-cheol, CEO of Ringti, what has Wadizmeant to Ringti?
“Ringti was founded in May 2017 when we launched Wadiz crowdfunding campaign. Since the campaign ended in December 2017, you could say the company was established specifically for that Wadiz campaign. Wadizis the platform that has enabled Ringti to operate without incurring a loss from its very first year—right after the company was founded—through to its fifth anniversary today.”
Q. Would it have been difficult to get Ringti off the ground without Wadiz?
“That’s right.”
Q. Please share a few words of encouragement for Wadiz 10th anniversary.
“I’d like to talk about ‘social responsibility.’ Wadizis playing a pivotal role in the startup ecosystem, and since Wadiz policies can drive fundamental changes within that ecosystem, I believe it would be ideal Wadizto grow by balancing both profit generation and the expansion of the startup ecosystem while taking social responsibility into account.”
The second person I met is… well, I doubt there are many people Wadizwho haven’t heard of him, even if few have actually met him in person—he’s that well-known Wadiz. CEO Lee Young-cheol of “Youngcheol Burger”—who ran a burger shop in front of Korea University and faced two major crises, but overcame them thanks to funds pooled by Korea University students through a Wadiz crowdfunding campaign.
You turned down an invitation to appear on “You Quiz” to attend the Wadiz 10th-anniversary event. You greeted us warmly, saying that this was your first time stepping out into the world in six years after taking a brief break from running your business.
Q. You once said that funding is a “debt of gratitude.” What did Wadizmean to you, and what role did it play in your life?
“In my case, the Wadiz campaign was a crowdfunding project funded by students. I felt a strong sense of responsibility—I thought that if I couldn’t pull this off, there would be no example of someone in such a desperate situation as mine rising up and succeeding. I really wanted to convey the message that ‘even someone like me was able to rise up.’”
Q. Even after falling so many times, was there a driving force that kept you getting back up?
“I felt that if I gave up here, it would deeply hurt the people who had backed me through crowdfunding. With unwavering determination and a commitment to reinventing my life, I worked hard, and I continue to do so today.”
Q. Please share a few words of encouragement Wadizas it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
“To me, Wadizis a ‘partner.’ I believe we’ll always need projects that leave a legacy of ‘inspiration’ and ‘humanity,’ just like my own story. I’ll continue to work hard on my business so that I can contribute ‘one brick’ Wadiz. I commend myself for overcoming six years of hardship. To everyone Wadiz, I believe that successfully overcoming whatever challenges you face—no matter where you are—is what constitutes success. Some may say that success means doing what others cannot, but I believe that success and self-confidence come from the state of mind and the mindset you cultivate.”
After that, we took a group photo with CEO Lee Young-chul amid a round of applause 🥰
Special Performance by Wadiz Lunch King
No event would be complete without a celebratory performance, right? Here’s a look back at the “Lunch King” singing competition held last April Wadiz(Link), held last April, took the stage for a surprise live performance. This time, they appeared wearing actual “masks,” adding to the fun.
Was it a love serenade for Wadiz? This performance was perfect in every way, from the duo’s wonderful harmony to the sheer magic of their high notes! Just like the lyrics say, let’s walk together for the next 10 years as well. 🥰
“My companion on this journey, only when the wind blows do I gaze upon that distant landscape
“Our path is as beautiful as the climb” - From Jeong-in’s “Uphill Road”
(Next story)
The final segment ofWadiz 10th-anniversary event, “Impact Show,” is titled “The People Who MadeWadizHappen.” From the story of the two founders who started the company and have remained together for the past 10 years, to the announcement of a new vision that will guide the next decade… Stay tuned for the next episode!
