Shinsegae department store launches first pop-up for AI creator 'Jeongseo Bullan Gimhaemjji'

Shinsegae Department Store said Friday it will host the first pop-up store for AI creator Jeongseo Bullan Gimhaemjji — the retail industry's exclusive debut for the character.

The pop-up, titled "Oneuldo Chulgeunhaemnida" (Off to Work Again Today), runs through July 22 at the open stage on the first floor of the Gangnam branch. Advance reservations opened July 2, and demand was immediate — slots for Saturday, July 4, sold out within 10 minutes. Customers who reserved in advance have priority entry through Sunday, with walk-in reservations available from Monday onward.

Jeongseo Bullan Gimhaemjji is an AI creator who has built a following by humorously capturing the everyday frustrations of office workers — from the urge to quit and payday anticipation to burnout. The channel has 710,000 YouTube subscribers and draws much of its audience through short-form videos and meme content.

The pop-up leans into that office-worker sensibility throughout. Interactive installations include a kiosk that analyzes visitors' workplace personality types, a stress-relief shredder, an overtime-pay event and a "I Quit" message zone. A total of 45 merchandise items will be on sale, with a significant number making their debut at the event.

A scavenger hunt adds another layer: visitors who find hidden Gimhaemjji figurines around the pop-up and post proof on social media will be entered into a draw for merchandise prizes.