“A 6-month internship, but they expect all this?” Yoo Byung Jae’s company faces hiring backlash

A recruitment posting from BLACKPAPER, the content production company co-founded by entertainer Yoo Byung Jae, has sparked widespread discussion online. The controversy centers on an internship position that appears to require a broad range of skills, from content planning and production to marketing, data analysis, and video editing.

The job advertisement recently gained attention after being shared across online communities and social media platforms. According to the posting, the successful candidate would be responsible for content planning and production, channel management, content uploads, merchandise (MD) and character IP-related tasks, as well as analyzing content performance. Preferred qualifications include experience with video editing software, design tools, and content creation.

The debate intensified after it was revealed that the position is a six-month internship with no guaranteed pathway to full-time employment. Some internet users questioned whether it was reasonable to expect such a wide range of responsibilities from an intern. The job title, listed as PM (Project Manager), further fueled criticism, with some arguing that the scope of work seemed unusually extensive for an internship.

Online reactions varied, with comments such as, “It feels unusual to see ‘PM’ and ‘intern’ used together,” “I’m curious why the company is offering a six-month internship without a full-time conversion opportunity,” and “The responsibilities look more like those of an experienced professional than an intern.”

However, professionals working in the content and marketing industries offered a different perspective. Some argued that it is common in the content industry for employees to handle planning, production, channel operations, and performance analysis simultaneously. Others noted that the responsibilities outlined in the posting are not particularly uncommon within the field. Industry insiders also noted that the meaning of the title “PM” can vary significantly across companies and sectors, making it difficult to assess workload expectations based solely on the job title.

As the recruitment notice continues to circulate online, it has reignited broader discussions about internship programs in the content industry, including job scope expectations and the growing use of long-term internships without guaranteed full-time employment opportunities.

BLACKPAPER was founded in 2022 by Yoo Byung Jae, CEO Yoo Gyu Seon, and Lee Eon Joo, a former head writer of tvN’s popular talk show 'You Quiz on the Block.' The company has gained recognition through the production of various entertainment programs, including the TVING original reality show 'Blossom with Love' and MBC’s 'Alumni Lovers.' In addition to content production, BLACKPAPER has expanded into digital content and artist management businesses.

The company also attracted attention after revealing its rapid growth on MBC’s reality program 'Point of Omniscient Interfere,' reporting that it had grown to approximately 35 employees and achieved annual revenue of around 10 billion KRW (approximately 7 million USD) within three years of its establishment.