Photo=SME Ministry YouTube

“I'm Cha No-eul in 2nd grade, a friend from the Cha-mi class. A friend who likes to dance and rap.
Say hello when you see me. Be the first to greet me warmly"

“Adults keep asking, they ask what I want to be when I grow up. Whatever it is, as long as I'm happy. Whatever it is, as long as we're together. What I really want to be is the 'happiest person' in the world!”

15.45 million views, 880,000 likes, about 7,300 comments. (As of 9 AM on the 9th)

Cha No-eul (7), the star of the viral Instagram Reel 'When Dad Makes a Music Video for Son's School Project,' has appeared on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' YouTube channel. He joined to promote the '2024 Donghaeng Festival,' which runs until the 28th. In the 'Cha No-eul - Happy World Official MV' uploaded on the 5th, No-eul is seen energetically running through the Sejong Traditional Market to a familiar beat.

Munching on a tornado potato and showing off market finds, No-eul starts his spirited rap with, 'I'm 2nd grader, Cha No-eul!' He cleverly adapted the original lyrics for the festival, rapping lines like, 'If you love tteokbokki, it's snacks. If you love crispy, it's chicken. Watermelon for the coming summer.' He ends with a bold shout: 'What I really want to see is a world where we are all happy together.' How did No-eul make it to the official Ministry YouTube? We spoke with his father, Cha Seong-jin, to find out the story behind it.

Photo=SME Ministry YouTube

◇Call from SME Ministry… fans demand album release =After receiving the proposal from the Ministry for No-eul to promote the festival, Mr. Cha said, 'I resonated with the festival's purpose, and more than anything, I was grateful for how they respected No-eul.' He recalled, 'The process of interacting with market vendors was joyful, and the production crew took care of No-eul like uncles. No-eul's energy never faded throughout the shoot.'

Photo courtesy=Kroma Entertainment

'It was a truly happy shoot, just like the video title (Happy World). I want to thank No-eul for being so brave in front of the cameras and crowds, and for bringing so much joy to the crew with his constant smile.'
(Kroma Entertainment produced the SME Ministry video)

Kroma Entertainment Producer Lee Yu-jin, who directed the video, shared, 'Since we filmed at a traditional market, No-eul’s "mukbang" was particularly memorable. I can still vividly see him sitting next to his dad, enjoying tornado potatoes and chicken.' Lee added, 'Watching No-eul, he was exactly like his lyrics—a 2nd grader who loves dancing and rapping. He shines brightest when performing and is a kind, considerate boy who cares for others. He gave everyone a polite 90-degree bow and even kept reminding the crew to be careful and not get hurt on the busy set.'

As of 10 AM on the 9th, the video on the Ministry's YouTube channel has reached 27,000 views. Netizens left heartwarming comments like, 'No-eul is so adorable' and 'The child's innocence combined with the warmth of the traditional market makes me so happy.'

'Chanoel - Happy World' reached #17 on Korea YouTube trending on the 27th

Meanwhile, No-eul released an official album on the 6th. Mr. Cha explained, 'We didn't originally plan to release an official album, but there were so many requests, and our family thought it would be a nice way to commemorate the moment.'

No-eul and his father share a dream of a 'world where everyone is happy,' just like the song lyrics. 'Our dream, as always, is for everyone to pursue their own happiness and live while sharing that joy with one another.'