Genesis BBQ Launches 20 Billion KRW 'Cheongnyeon Smile Project'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Genesis BBQ Group is closing applications on the 30th for the 20 billion KRW-scale ‘Youth Smile Project’ to support young people suffering from prolonged employment difficulties and job insecurity.

Earlier, Yoon Hong-geun, Chairman of Genesis BBQ Group, announced a virtuous cycle youth support project, stating, "It was heartbreaking to see young people, who should be stepping into society with ambition and passion, unable to even get proper opportunities due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and youth unemployment. Rather than giving them fish, I wanted to teach them how to fish, creating opportunities for them to challenge themselves with passion."

The Youth Smile Project allows applications by teams of two until today, where only one team representative needs to be in their 20s or 30s, and the partner has no age restrictions. Among the applicants, 200 final teams will be selected and supported with a total of approximately 80 million KRW, including packaging and delivery specialized store BSK stores, interior, facilities, and initial operating funds, to help them succeed as entrepreneurs and become self-reliant.

Especially, since there are no specific qualification restrictions for this Youth Smile Project, young people in their 20s and 30s with various stories are applying. More than 2,000 applicants have gathered, including breadwinners advised to resign due to company management difficulties caused by COVID-19, parents who want to join with their sons and daughters struggling with employment, childhood friends already in the food service business but facing debt due to operational difficulties, and socially disadvantaged youth who have not had sufficient opportunities for independence.

To ensure fair selection, the Youth Smile Project introduced 역검 (AI competency assessment) with the support of HR specialist company Midasin. The 역검 consists of competency games, personality checks, and video interviews. The competency game stage focuses on the competency spectrum, analyzing what kind of thinking and behavior a person exhibits through various game processes in detail.

During the video interview, it is incorrect information that makeup, blood flow, lip corners, pupils, or appearance are checked. Instead, communication competency, one of the competency spectrums, is assessed through overall attitudes such as voice and facial expressions shown while answering questions.

The final 200 teams will be announced on August 18, and after sequentially completing a one-week Chicken University training course, they will directly operate BSK stores.

Chairman Yoon Hong-geun said, "I hope more young people will take interest in the Youth Smile Project, which anyone can apply for as long as they have passion and earnestness for success, regardless of academic background, gender, or region. I hope this opportunity will be a chance for young people to challenge themselves, succeed as entrepreneurs, become self-reliant, and smile brightly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.