Inside the Two-Person Publishing House: Park Jung-min’s Hiring Plans and the Realities of Mujé

A New Chapter: Park Jung-min’s Mujé Becomes a Two-Person Publishing House

Did you know that Park Jung-min, the acclaimed actor, is also the founder of a unique publishing house called Mujé? In 2020, he launched Mujé as a one-person operation, handling everything from editing to management. Fast forward to 2025, and Mujé has transformed into a two-person company with the addition of brand marketer Kim Ah-young as the new PR director. This change was recently highlighted on tvN’s popular show 'You Quiz on the Block,' where viewers got a candid look at the daily life and challenges of running such a small, independent publishing house. The episode sparked widespread curiosity about Mujé’s work culture and future plans, especially regarding hiring and company growth.

Meet the Team: Park Jung-min and Kim Ah-young’s Dynamic Partnership

The chemistry between Park Jung-min and Kim Ah-young is at the heart of Mujé’s story. Kim, who previously designed Mujé’s website, was brought on board as the PR director, making Mujé a true two-person operation. Their office setup is as quirky as their partnership: two desks placed at opposite ends of a spacious room, creating an atmosphere that’s both amusingly awkward and refreshingly honest. Kim’s request for a partition to break the ice became a running joke among fans. Neither Park nor Kim had prior experience working in publishing, which led to some hilarious mishaps and missed tasks. But their willingness to learn and adapt has become a source of inspiration for many aspiring creatives.

Work Culture at Mujé: Flexibility Meets Reality

Mujé proudly advertises a flexible work environment: a seven-hour workday, flexible start and end times, remote work options, and unlimited vacation. Sounds like a dream, right? However, with only two people running the show, Park and Kim admit they rarely get to enjoy these perks. The workload, especially around new book releases and major events like the Seoul International Book Fair, often means late nights and weekend shifts. Their honest admission that 'there’s no time to use our benefits' resonated with many viewers, highlighting the gap between ideal work culture and the realities of running a micro-business.

The Double-Edged Sword of Publicity: Prank Calls and Overwhelming Attention

After their appearance on 'You Quiz on the Block,' Mujé experienced an unexpected side effect: a flood of prank calls and unrelated inquiries to their office phone, which was listed on the back of their books. The situation became so disruptive that Mujé decided to suspend their landline service and switch to email-only inquiries. They issued a public apology, explaining the difficulties caused by the surge in calls, especially during a busy period of new releases and book fair preparations. While the attention was flattering, it also brought significant stress, showing the challenges small companies face when suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Job Inquiries Galore: Mujé’s Firm Stance on Hiring

With all the buzz, it’s no surprise that Mujé received a wave of job applications and hiring inquiries. However, Park Jung-min and Kim Ah-young have made it clear: there are currently no plans to expand the team. They expressed gratitude for the interest but emphasized that, for now, they want to focus on building a strong foundation as a two-person company. Their message to fans and job seekers was polite but firm—no new hires are planned, and the best way to support Mujé is by purchasing their books. This transparency has been appreciated by the community, even as some express disappointment at the lack of opportunities.

Community Reactions: Support, Laughter, and a Few Critiques

Online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 have been abuzz with reactions to Mujé’s story. Many commenters praised the duo’s honesty and the refreshing look at the realities of small business life. Some found the office anecdotes hilarious, while others empathized with the stress of prank calls and overwhelming attention. A few critics questioned whether Mujé’s flexible work culture is sustainable with such a small team, but most agreed that Park and Kim’s approach is both brave and innovative. The consensus? Mujé’s journey is one to watch, and their candidness is a breath of fresh air in the often-secretive publishing world.

Cultural Insights: Why Mujé’s Story Resonates with Korean and Global Fans

For international readers, Mujé’s story offers a window into the evolving landscape of Korean work culture and the indie publishing scene. The emphasis on flexibility, creativity, and transparency reflects broader trends among young Korean entrepreneurs. At the same time, the challenges faced by Mujé—balancing ideals with reality, handling sudden fame, and managing public expectations—are universal. Park Jung-min’s celebrity status adds another layer, drawing attention from fans who might not otherwise follow the publishing industry. Mujé’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the importance of staying true to one’s vision, even when the going gets tough.

Looking Ahead: Mujé’s Next Steps and the Future of Small Publishing

As Mujé continues to navigate the ups and downs of running a two-person company, Park Jung-min and Kim Ah-young remain committed to their mission: creating meaningful books and fostering a positive work environment. While there are no immediate plans to hire, their story has sparked important conversations about work-life balance, company culture, and the realities of entrepreneurship in Korea. For now, Mujé’s message is clear: support us by reading our books, and watch as we grow—one page at a time.