A single joke on YouTube changed a city's profile. RESCENE member Minami's 'Geoje yaho~' became a meme, led to a May ambassador role and, in September, to Geoje's first-ever honorary citizenship for entertainers.
It started as a throwaway line
On a YouTube video Minami said: "If you do this and go to Geoje, you'll get scolded by Geoje citizens. (Geoje yaho~)" The clip spread through short-form video.
It helped that RESCENE's leader Won-yi grew up in Geoje. The third-year group's song from two years earlier was also climbing the charts around then.
An ambassador without a big agency
Geoje appointed RESCENE as its ambassador on May 22. The members filmed a day trip to Mt. Noja, known for its observatory and cable car.
The Bangbanggokgok in Geoje video made with the city's official channel is still online, so you can follow the route.
Honorary citizens, after the floods
Heavy August rain hit Geoje hard. On Aug. 19 RESCENE's agency and others visited the city and delivered 50 million won; the fandom REMINE also raised funds.
On Sept. 9 the Geoje City Council approved honorary citizenship for all members, a first for entertainers. A city official said the group's and fans' warmth gave residents comfort and hope.
Before you go
Certificates are normally handed out on Citizens' Day in early October. This year's event was cancelled because of the floods and no new date is set.
If you are planning a Geoje trip, RESCENE's official YouTube video makes a friendly route guide. Check the city's notices for what is open before you leave.
