From November 2022 to January 2023, GS25 collaborated with students from Hanyang University (HYU) ERICA Design School on an industry-academic cooperation project with the theme of designing ice pouch beverage packages. On March 15, ice pouch drinks with “Cho-go-chujang” team’s design, which was selected as an excellent piece of work, were released in GS25 stores. The Hanyang Journal had a great chance to interview Nam Cho-rok, a member of the “Chogo-chu-jang” team.

Q. What made you participate in project?

A. I was on graduation delay and my friend came up to me, suggesting to make some final memories before leaving HYU. I realized that the project could be the last activity I could do as a student, so I decided to participate in the project as a team with two other students.

Q. What were you concerned most about the design and how did you focus on it?

A. I tried to avoid designs that looked too much like illustrated characters. Instead, I focused on designs with strong persuasion and storytelling. I believe it is important to catch attention with unique designs. Thus, we centered our concept around the idea of “gaze” and prepared two different design drafts. With these, we could create designs that were not just simple characters but unique and distinctive.

Q. Were there any challenges? If so, how did you overcome those?

A. Designing with a particular intention made the process challenging at times. Our team would get too caught up in thinking about the visual image before even approaching the design. Whenever that happened, I tried to steer us back on track and focus on adding more persuasion and storytelling to our designs. As a designer, of course, the final product is important, but I tried more to prioritize ideas and intentions.

Q. Have you had a chance to see the released product? Please tell us how you felt.

A. Sure, I have seen it. I went to a nearby convenience store on March 15, but I could not find them. However, I did find the product once and was so happy that I bought them all. I tried each flavor and purchased the new product again to display at home.

Q. Lastly, what are your future plans?

A. As a freelancer, I am currently working on various outsourced works. I plan to continue juggling both illustration and my main profession - design. I hope to improve my English skills enough work with clients overseas. Since I work alone now, I also would like to get a chance to take on bigger projects and work as a team.