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 May “Impact Show,” held as part ofWadiz 10th-anniversary celebrations. 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
Wadizcrowdfunding service officially launched 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 unique, 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.
Although they were unable to attend in person since the event took place on a weekday morning, the Wadiz team visited them for an interview. They celebrated the 10th anniversary and generously offered advice on how to make the service even more beloved 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 keep working 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 always so busy with deadlines… I was trying to search my past funding transactions, but the keyword search didn’t work. 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 company that is recognized not only domestically but also globally.” (Supporter Kim OO / Approximately 800 crowdfunding projects since 2016)
Wadiz'Ganbu', maker
"Ringti," the fatigue-recovery drink even volleyball queen Kim Yeon-koung drinks. You’ve probably heard of it by now, as it’s been featured in TV commercials 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 appearance, attended the Wadiz 10th Anniversary event.
Q. Mr. Lee Won-cheol, CEO of Ringti, what did Wadizmean 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 launch Ringti 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.’ Wadizplays 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, all while taking social responsibility into account.”
The second person I met is… well, I doubt there’s anyone Wadizwho hasn’t heard of him, even if few have actually met him in person—he’s that famous 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 together by Korea University students through a Wadiz crowdfunding campaign.
He turned down an invitation to appear on “You Quiz” to attend Wadiz 10th-anniversary event. He greeted us warmly, saying it had been a full six years since he’d taken a break from his business to step out into the world.
Q. You once said that crowdfunding is a “debt of the heart.” What did Wadizmean to you, and what role did it play?
“In my case, the Wadiz campaign was a donation-based 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 getting back on their feet and succeeding. I really wanted to convey the message that ‘even someone like me was able to bounce back.’”
Q. Even after falling down time and time again, was there a driving force that kept you getting back up?
“I felt that if I were to fail here, it would deeply hurt the people who had backed me with their small contributions. With unwavering determination and a commitment to reinventing my life, I worked hard, and I continue to do so to this day.”
Q. Please share a few words of encouragement Wadizas it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
“To me, Wadizis a ‘partner.’ I believe there will always be a need for projects that leave a legacy of ‘inspiration’ and ‘humanity,’ just like my own story. I will 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 challenges, no matter where you are in life, 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 your heart and mind.”
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 delight of their soaring vocals! Just like the lyrics of the song, 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!
