Debate erupted online after Black Paper, the content studio founded by TV writer-turned-entertainer Yoo Byung-jae, posted an intern opening that many felt was over the line. As the controversy spread, Black Paper said it would revise or remove the listing.
Recently, Black Paper told multiple outlets that “the intern job post may have been worded in a way that could cause misunderstandings,” adding that “the notice will be edited or taken down.”
The uproar began when the company’s Project Manager (PM) intern listing circulated across online communities and social media. The notice listed core duties including content planning and production, managing SNS channels, uploading content, MD and character IP-related tasks, and performance analysis.
The preferred qualifications were just as extensive: understanding creator and variety/YouTube content formats, proficiency with basic image and video editing tools, experience running SNS channels and producing content, and interest in goods, emojis, and character IP.
The flashpoint was the employment type. The role was a full-time, six-month internship with no path to a permanent position. Some netizens reacted, saying, “The scope looks closer to a career-level role than an internship,” and “There’s no conversion to full-time, but the requirements are heavy.” The use of the title PM also fueled debate, since PMs typically handle scheduling, cross-team coordination, and performance management—raising questions about pairing that label with an intern role.
Black Paper is a content studio co-founded in 2022 by Yoo Byung-jae, his manager Yoo Gyu-seon, and lead writer-turned-producer Lee Eon-ju from tvN’s variety show You Quiz on the Block. The company has produced the TVING original Blossom with Love and MBC’s Alumni Lovers, while expanding into digital content and artist management.
Most recently, the MBC variety show Omniscient Interfering View spotlighted Black Paper’s rapid growth—reaching 35 employees and approximately 10 billion KRW (about 7.3 million USD) in annual revenue just three years after its launch.