[Consumerwide - HueSoung Jun Reporter / Yohan Bok Reporter] The departure ceremony of the Korean team "Random" for the Rolex China Sea Race was held at 5 p.m. on February 28 in a cafe near Seoul Samgakji Station. Bungejangteo (Bunjang) sponsors the team. Thus, the CEO of Bunjang, Choi Jeahwa, and the leader (Song Junho) and crews of the team (Random) participated in the event. Some perceive that the steps of the team (Random) attract people due to sustainable consumption through a virtuous circle, which involves second-hand transactions, yacht purchases, and participating in the global competition.

Choi Jeahwa, the CEO of Bunjang, said during the ceremony, In order to design a world with a sustainable consumption culture, which might involve frequent second-hand transactions, it should be easier in terms of process without much mental barrier. Thus, I thought that we could do anything in order to connect second-hand consumption and culture. Four years ago, when Song said that he'd like to purchase a yacht by selling what he had at the time, I did not get to realise what's going to take place next. Now he is leading a team for global competition. I am grateful to sponsor him. I am hoping that the team (Random) will come back safely and that people may get to recognise second-hand transactions differently than before through our sponsorship.

Bunjang began sponsoring the team because of their connection with Song. He has initiated the Song Hojun Yacht Project with the theme "I trade in what I liked for something else I like today." for ten months since August 2020. He has collected money out of Bunjang profit (40 million won), which he's gotten by selling his personal items and with support from his friends. After purchasing the yacht, the team has succeeded in sailing 13,000km over two years and six months. This has proved a virtueous circle through second-hand products.

Song said, "The Song Hojun yacht project (with Bunjang) scales more than just the cost of the yacht. Over 200 personal items were sold, but we have more stories with Bunjang customers that are worth more than the transaction itself."

Song said, "I got into the yacht competition through the former member who participated in the competition. Mature players can predict wind even with the smell of the sea. During the first competition, I predicted the wind after 15 seconds, and it happened. I perceive the yacht competition as an activity in which one constantly experiences and learns about nature while sailing."

Then, what would be the story behind the name of the amateur team, "Random()"?

Song, the artist said, "Random meant accepting an unclear situation. We named the yacht "Random()" to respect the process of constantly watching out for wind during the sailing.

The yacht departs in Tongyeong (Korea) on March 4 and sails to Ikigaki Island (Okinawa, Japan) on March 9. After a break, they depart for Hong Kong on the 10th and arrive on the 15th. The competition begins on March 27 in Hong Kong. After the safety training session, Random sails to the Philippines (Subik Bay) by April 1st. The sailing distance between Hong Kong and Subik is 1046 km (565 nautical miles). Song estimates the real distance as 1400km (700 nautical miles). After completing the mission, they return to Jeju or Tongyeong, stopping by Kaohsiung (Taiwan).

Song said, "The average sailing speed is 10 km/h; thus, we sail 240km a day (non-stop sailing). Perhaps we get back by the middle or the end of April."

Bunjang is sponsoring the team, Random, with safety equipment (GPS life vest), a variety of equipment for the competition, sails for the race (7 types), and overall expenses for the Rolex China Sea Race. (Not an official sponsor.) Choi Jaehwa, the CEO, said, "I hope the team will return safely, and I look forward to hearing all the sailing stories with the team by the time they are back."