(Today's Webtoon)
(Can't we stay together?)
(You're like my long-cherished dream.)
Hey, come out for a second.
Are you reading a webtoon again?
I'm done.
Come on. Let's go!
- It hurts. - Okay.
(A Dazzling Day: You're like my long-cherished dream.)
(Episode 7: You're Like My Long-cherished Dream)
You're like my long-cherished dream.
(Episode 7: You're Like My Long-cherished Dream)
Mr. Im Dong Hee?
Mr. Im!
- Ma Eum. - Who knew I'd run into you here?
Do you jog every weekend?
No, every day.
- Every day? - Yes.
On weekdays, I just go for a run in my neighbourhood.
Today, I came to the Han River since it's the weekend.
What about you? What brings you here?
Oh, I came here at dawn to take some photos for the background...
and stayed to watch the sunrise.
For the background? You take such photos yourself?
Yes, I still prefer to draw based on the photos I took.
Of course. You're really amazing.
Amazing? Oh, please.
I'm still preparing for a contest...
when I've been an assistant for ten years.
Don't say that.
In Mr. Baek's studio, you're like the anchor...
that keeps everyone grounded. I know I can always count on you.
I assure you that your hard work will pay off.
Well, by any chance...
Would you be able to take a look at my work later?
I'd love your feedback before I submit it to the contest.
Well, I'm not sure if I can be of much help,
but I'd love to check it out. I'm excited and curious.
My gosh. Thank you so much for saying that.
- I'm honoured. - The honour is mine.
I've been an aspiring webtoon artist for ten years.
I'm so used to this now.
But I may be able to take the leap this time.
You can do a good job, right?
Don't be nervous. Just relax and be yourself, okay?
I'll do my best.
You can do it. Best of luck.
Doors are closing.
(Jang Hye Mi)
Please, ma'am. Don't remove Webtoon from the homepage.
You know that getting the exposure on the homepage...
has a direct impact on the number of clicks.
Every manager is asking me...
to include their team's service on our homepage.
And my job is to achieve a fair balance between them.
Remember what we promised? There isn't much time left.
Give me as much support as you can during the time we have left.
That way, we won't have any regrets.
Both you and I.
You're back.
Jun Yeong.
Can the three of us have a meeting?
Come to the meeting room.
Dae Lyug, it looks like you'd have to redo what you sent me just now.
Oh. Why?
Come here.
The perspective is skewed.
If you draw a line in the middle with the soldiers at the eye level,
you can see that you should make the soldiers bigger...
and the horses smaller.
But why?
This way, the sense of pressure is heightened.
In any case...
Just redo it.
Okay.
He probably never learned how to do it,
but he instinctively knows how to stage the story for comics.
(How to improve the homepage)
Write up a report that explains the reasons...
why Webtoon has to stay right here.
Data analysis and service planning are your specialties, you know.
It has to be good enough to persuade Director Heo,
so we could really use your help, Jun Yeong.
The current webtoon team will be gone.
You know Youngtoon, right?
They're number two in the industry. We want to acquire that company.
Jun Yeong, we're counting on you.
I'll take you out for a nice dinner.
I've got plans for lunch. Enjoy your lunch, guys.
- Okay. - I've got plans too.
Enjoy your lunch.
Shall we go for lunch too?
- Sure. - Let's go.
Jun Yeong, let's go.
- Okay. - She wants galbitang. That way.
- Let's have ginseng chicken soup. - Sure, I just want some soup.
I want tteokbokki.
All of a sudden?
The fried rice with the sauce is so good.
Hey, you're mean.
Who is she?
They worked together at Gingertoon for many years.
She's currently the assistant editor of Youngtoon.
I see.
If they didn't break up, they'd be an assistant editor couple now.
What? They were in a relationship?
A long time ago. It was many years ago.
I see.
What brings you here?
I'm here to have lunch.
Don't give me that.
You're still so boring.
Did you sign with all the artists you discovered...
through the Webtoon Camp?
Yes, the ones that we need.
I see.
You seem immensely interested in Neon.
Of course, I am. Neon is our competitor.
You should pay some attention to Youngtoon too.
Sure thing. I'm very interested in what Youngtoon is up to...
because it's our competitor, like you said.
I'm keeping a close watch on Youngtoon.
Then let's keep in touch more often.
And let's share some information too.
We don't have the kind of relationship where we should be...
talking often, do we?
You're still so old-fashioned.
Are you uncomfortable around me?
Yes.
Get used to it.
I'll keep contacting you when I want to know what you're up to,
and I'll come and see you when I miss you.
I'll see you around.
Enjoy your lunch. I already took care of your bill.
Oh, you really didn't have to.
Thank you.
(On Ma Eum, Webtoon Service)
You'll be seeing me often.
Gosh, I'm getting indigestion.
You suggested coming here.
You can't pick restaurants anymore.
Producer On.
Mr. Im!
What brings you here?
Are you here to see Mr. Baek? Or Dae Lyug?
No, I'm here to see you.
Me?
Oh, because of the thing I mentioned?
Oh, that.
Well, I'm here to see Mr. Baek, Dae Lyug,
and you as well. I'm here to check in with everyone.
Oh, I see.
Have you eaten?
No, not yet.
- You must be hungry. - Yes.
Were you out taking photos for the background?
Yes. How did you know?
- Did you eat gimbap again? - Oh, how did you know?
(Publication Rights for "The Eyes of the Dragon")
From now on, you can just send me these things by courier.
No, I don't want to.
I'm your fan, you know.
This way, I get to see you. I like doing this.
By the way, is Dae Lyug doing well?
I was a little worried at first, but he's doing a pretty good job.
Anyway, I heard...
you strongly vouched for Dae Lyug's work.
Yes.
Why did you like it so much?
I just thought...
it was interesting.
I really wanted to see how the story would end.
I see. That's the most important thing.
You really have a good eye as a webtoon producer.
You really think so? Thank you. I'm flattered.
- Let's sit over there. - Thank you.
Thank you so much.
It's a humble spread, but eat as much as you want.
What? This is a feast.
She's such an amazing cook.
That's why I can't leave even after ten years.
I still haven't made my début because of her delicious food.
Is there something you need?
Dae Lyug.
I'll go and check in on him.
- Are you all right? - Yes, I'm okay.
Dae Lyug, what's wrong?
What's the matter, all of a sudden?
Mr. Baek's wife is a wonderful person.
I know.
I know that, but...
When someone touches me...
Especially if it's a woman...
It's hard for me to be in the same space with women.
What about Producer On?
You're okay around her.
You can eat with her, and you two talk often.
That's because she's not a woman.
Hey, what do you mean? That's rude.
To me, she's like the Almighty.
The Almighty?
She recognized my talent...
and discovered me. She's like the Almighty who made me.
Did something happen at the studio?
I thought you'd be upset with me.
You'd never do something like that for no reason.
If there are things that bother you or stress you out at the studio,
you have to tell me.
Okay.
Oh Yoon's ambitious new webtoon, "The Beginning of Men."
It's at rock bottom.
- I keep scrolling down... - Darn it!
- but can't seem to find it. - That little... She's dead meat.
- His comedy webtoon was a hit. - What's going on?
- I thought he'd keep it up. - The Webtoon Witch...
- But of course, - bashed "The Beginning of Men."
- he clearly can't. - Webtoon Witch! How dare you.
She's gained more subscribers,
- It's boring. - and she's gotten even feistier.
It's not even touching.
- I've been there too. - It's not even original.
Hey, Du Hee. If it stresses you out that much, take care of it.
You really frustrate me.
This is driving me nuts!
I want to shove this burger into her mouth.
It's so predictable.
The planet will crash into Earth. Earth is doomed,
and so is the webtoon.
Naturally, Oh Yoon is doomed too.
My gosh.
I mean, it's worse than a B-rated comedy.
I really don't understand why he can't give up on this story.
Don't tell me...
- that Oh Yoon thinks... - This one...
- got so many views. - this will be a masterpiece.
I'll be even blunter in my next video.
(Webtoon Witch: I'll be even blunter in my next video.)
It looks like you drew with your foot.
- Look who's talking. - Hey, Gang Nam. You made it.
Gang Nam, we're in Gangbuk!
- That was funny, right? - You and your lame jokes.
Okay, no more jokes.
Hey, do you think you're always the man of the hour?
Must you always be the last to arrive?
It's not like I wanted to be late.
I barely got any sleep but came here to see you guys...
right after meeting my deadline.
Hey, we have deadlines too.
We're not as successful as you are, but we're working hard too.
Didn't you say you finished the series recently?
- I'm working on a new one. - Already?
These days, if you sit on your ideas,
they become useless before you even know it.
The world is rapidly changing.
Well, that's true.
But you have nothing to worry about.
Thanks to "Princess Kumiho,"
you don't have to work for the rest of your life.
My gosh, I'm so jealous.
- Hey, hear me out. - What?
I have an idea for a new webtoon.
It's about someone who has autism.
(I want to know!)
(Mom)
Is everything okay?
Yes. Same old, same old.
You really can't say that anymore.
- What? - It's already been ten years.
How much longer will you keep trying?
You should move back home if you can't make your début this year.
You see, your dad is getting old now.
I really am almost there.
If I quit now, all my hard work will go to waste.
You're almost there? Are you sure?
You said the exact same thing last year and the year before too.
A big opportunity may come knocking on my door,
just as it did with Sin Dae Lyug.
I hope she'll be my Almighty Saviour too.
Producer On. Remember what I asked you the other day?
Do you mind taking a look at my work?
(Producer On Ma Eum)
Mr. Im!
My gosh. The story is very solid.
The drawing style is very cute.
This is great. Do you have to submit this to Papaya's contest?
Why don't you submit it to ours?
I already did, but I didn't win.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I was one of the finalists.
But I never make the final cut, every single time.
The fact that you made it to the finals...
means that your skills are already top-notch.
You should look at it that way, don't you think?
It'd be helpful if you could figure out a way...
to win the judges over.
- Win the judges over? - Yes.
I recently participated in the Webtoon Camp.
And I learned that...
the ones that are well-liked by most judges...
don't necessarily stand out more...
than the ones that aren't really liked by everyone...
but a couple of judges...
rave about.
The ones that a couple of people are super passionate about...
tend to do better.
You mean, like Dae Lyug's work?
What?
Oh, right.
Anyway, I love webtoons with a strong theme.
This is a love story of a human being and an AI, right?
Well, not really.
The main story is about the AI's journey to find its identity.
Gosh, I'm sorry. I keep doing this.
Don't be sorry. It's not your fault.
I've never encountered anyone...
who could figure out the theme right away.
Even Mr. Baek said it was difficult.
It's all my fault.
No, don't say that.
Gosh.
I was really hoping to hear her say that it was a fun story.
But I did not get to hear that.
Oh, thank goodness. You're still here. Take this.
- Oh. - It suddenly started raining.
Thank you.
I'll return it to you soon.
Don't worry about it. We have tons in the office.
And here.
What is this?
It was like my good luck charm back when I was doing judo.
I don't think I need it anymore.
- It's a bamboo tree. - It's mojuk.
Once, I fell into a bad slump while doing judo.
I don't know where my dad heard about it,
but he gave me this.
What is this?
Mojuk.
It's a type of bamboo tree...
that takes five years to germinate.
It's busy putting down roots.
But after five years,
it can grow several dozen centimetres a day.
You feel like you aren't improving, right?
You're wrong.
You're just...
taking some time to put down roots right now.
Once your roots are fully grown,
your skills will begin improving drastically,
just like this mojuk.
It's just something little, but the advice really comforted me.
I hope it can be your good friend.
Thank you.
It's raining. Get home safely.
Will do.
Don't try to blame the artists.
The producers are to blame.
Especially you.
It's raining. Where were you?
I met with Mr. Im Dong Hee.
Mr. Im? Why?
He's preparing for a contest. He asked me to take a look at it.
I thought he was working on a project with a different platform.
That fell through.
So he's participating in another contest?
He's got the skills, but luck hasn't been on his side.
Luck? Give me a break.
It just means he doesn't have it in him to go any further.
There's a fine line between mediocrity and good.
What? Do you think I'm wrong?
If we do our best...
to support him, we can help him become great.
Don't say stuff like that in front of Im Dong Hee.
If you mean well but can't take responsibility,
it can do a lot of harm.
Okay?
Get back to work.
(Answer Right Away)
Hey, Producer Goo.
Let's have a meeting with Lee Woo Jin.
- Now? - Yes.
(Neon Homepage Renewal Proposal, By Goo Jun Yeong)
This is Producer Goo Jun Yeong. You know him, right?
Yes, we met at the camp.
Once your project kicks off,
he will be your producer.
Pardon me?
What? You don't want to do it?
It's not that.
I look forward to working with you.
Although it hasn't been confirmed yet.
Well, you prepared diligently for your webtoon.
I sent you the file for "Full Count."
You read it, right?
- Yes. - How was it?
It was fun.
The pace of the plot development was great.
Your approach to show baseball was original too.
Thank you.
But how should I say it? It was too informative.
There was too much text explaining the rules and the matches.
I think the readers might be turned off...
by excessive information before they get hooked.
Right.
That was mentioned at the camp as well.
And as for readers who aren't interested in baseball,
I think you might need more interesting elements.
Like what?
Well, there could be romance.
I decided to exclude romance when I started this webtoon.
Why?
Even if it's about baseball, it takes place at a school.
Just because a high school girl is the main character,
it doesn't mean there should be romance.
I want to include many incidents she has to go through...
as she plays with the boys.
I started this webtoon because I wanted to show...
how the characters improved through this journey.
If I add romance to the webtoon, the story will have no direction.
Isn't that a prejudice? Romance isn't a bad thing.
Whatever we do, love is all around us.
I think it will be great as long as it's not the main focus.
Or do you feel not confident that you can't draw romantic scenes?
I can draw romantic scenes too!
If you want, I can even turn this into a love story between men.
I can make everyone on the team fall in love.
Gosh. That sounds fun.
- Pardon? - What?
I think you both have a point.
Woo Jin, why don't you consider this too?
Okay.
Please consider it in a positive light.
I'm only saying this because I want your webtoon...
to get more attention when it's officially released.
Thank you.
I'll get going.
What? Everyone left to have lunch.
Should we order sandwiches?
Sure.
- I want that one. - Me too.
Okay.
(Mushroom)
This is good.
By the way,
you were pretty tough during your first meeting.
I thought my honest feedback would help her webtoon.
I'm sure you probably had similar feedback.
How come you didn't tell her before?
You were planning to put her webtoon up on our platform too.
Firstly, I wanted her...
to tell her story as much as she could in the beginning.
Secondly, you were going to be in charge of her project.
I want you to fill out the report for the meeting...
before we officially sign this off.
Pardon?
Add that everyone on the team will have their own love stories.
Pardon? You're joking. Right?
I'll root for you.
Do it well.
(Answer Right Away)
You must be busier than me.
It's hard to reach you.
- I'm sorry. - No.
I like that you're working hard for the company.
But...
I'm going to need that report from you pretty soon now.
Okay. I'll do that.
(Can I stay there from Monday to Wednesday?)
Is it available this Friday and Saturday?
Yes, ma'am.
Yes. Really?
Thank you.
Of course. My team...
is going to work so hard, so you don't regret this.
Thank you! Bye.
- Will we be on the main page? - Yes.
Hey, we secured our spot on the main page!
- Let's work harder now! - Yes!
- Yes! - You did it!
Yes!
Let's eat meat!
Fine. I'm buying tonight!
- Yes! - Yes!
So you're going to include webtoon on the main page?
We have other major services. Why webtoon?
Mr. Jang had a point.
To bring in teenage customers who will be our future customers,
the company launched a webtoon platform.
So we ought to give them unyielding support...
at least for three years.
That way, when the result comes out at the end of their third year,
they will be able to accept the result.
I should even the playing field for their match.
So there won't be any complaints later.
Are you sure you're just evening the playing field?
I think you are already leaning toward one side.
I am?
Not at all.
Why would you think that?
You're all preparing to discuss the new webtoon, right?
Yes. The incubating team for rookie artists...
will discuss Ms. Lee Woo Jin and Mr. Sin Dae Lyug's webtoons...
during the meeting.
Mr. Sin Dae Lyug?
I see. Are you confident, Producer On?
Yes.
His drawing has improved, and he finished a lot of episodes.
I'm sure you'll be curious about the ending no matter what.
Really?
Mr. Sin might be ready.
But you know that if you're not ready,
it won't go anywhere, right?
Pardon? Me?
Yes. You.
He wants you to draw up a nice report for the meeting.
Include the characters and summary in the report.
I see. Okay.
Producer Seok, you're in charge of Ms. Lee's webtoon.
So no problem there.
Oh, that. Producer Goo will be leading it.
Really?
Producer Goo, do you think you can do it?
I'm sure he'll do well.
Great. I'm looking forward to it.
Especially Mr. Sin's webtoon.
Great. This is it. Get back to work, everyone.
- Good work. - Good work.
- Good work. - You too. Good work.
Jun Yeong, can I talk to you?
Thanks to you,
we were able to secure a spot on the main page.
- I see. - You really are...
a huge help to our team. Thank you.
Don't mention it.
(Producer On Ma Eum)
- Hello. - Mr. Sin.
We'll have a meeting to decide on new webtoons to release.
And "Weapon Feeb" will be discussed too.
Pardon?
I see.
I'll work hard, so your webtoon gets picked.
I'll be in touch again.
Okay.
Hey.
Sir.
Do you have some time to spare?
- Was it Ms. On? - Yes.
They will have a meeting to decide on new webtoons next week.
And mine will be discussed too.
Gosh. Good for you.
If you get picked, your webtoon will be on Neon right away?
Gosh. I'm jealous.
When will I make my début?
You're still young.
You should train for ten years like me.
Why are you putting a curse on...
You heard that, right?
Stop making such jokes.
When people hear it, it comes across as a curse.
You've been doing it to yourself for ten years.
Hey. Why you...
Dong Hee.
Your webtoon will be chosen, and you'll make your début too.
I got a good feeling about this.
Okay.
Im Dong Hee?
Yes.
I heard that he made it to the final round at our contest.
Do you remember his webtoon?
I see. Yes.
I felt bad when his webtoon wasn't chosen, so I bought him drinks.
I gave him feedback recently.
I was wondering if my feedback confused him more.
Isn't that overestimating?
I think Mr. Im is quite a talented artist.
No, not his talent. I'm talking about you.
I see.
So far,
we've been watching Lee Woo Jin and Sin Dae Lyug...
getting discovered and polished...
- from the beginning. Right? - Yes.
The producers can't take all the credit for their journey.
I remember his story.
I even remember why it wasn't chosen as a winning webtoon.
Then wouldn't it be helpful if we let him know why?
Well, I'm not sure.
Shouldn't he be able to fill the blank himself...
for him to truly grow?
Whatever the result may be.
Enjoy your time.
This is fascinating.
I feel like we're still in college.
It looks like everyone grew up but me.
You grew up too. How could you not have?
I'm not sure.
I just feel like I'm getting old without achieving anything.
I still feel like a kid at heart.
It feels like only my body is getting old.
You'll get a break too.
You've been working under Baek Eo Jin for ten years.
Not everyone can do that.
All of us think you're amazing.
All of us forgot about our dreams a long time ago.
But you're dedicating your youth to make your dream come true.
That's amazing.
Right.
I did dedicate my youth to this.
I didn't know, but dreams come at high prices.
What if my dream can't come true in this life?
Goodness.
(Papaya webtoon contest)
(Papaya webtoon contest announcement)
(Winners of the 2022 Papaya Webtoon Contest)
(Seung Hyun, Dong Ran, Jin Soo, Min Ho, Lee Eun Chul)
(It's not bad to turn to religion from time to time.)
(I don't need it.)
(Flop)
(Are you afraid of me?)
Hey, you're here.
Is Dong Hee not here today?
No, he hasn't even called.
Right, they announced the winners yesterday. Is that why?
Did he make it this time?
No, he didn't win again.
Is he shocked?
In the past, he always smiled even when he didn't win.
And he always came here,
but he must have a lot on his mind since he's not young anymore.
Good for you.
You got lucky and can début at a young age.
Did you touch my laptop, by any chance?
No, why would I?
Well, it's not working.
Try restarting it.
It won't turn on.
I had all my files on this laptop.
Did you not back up the files?
No.
You should have. What if the files become corrupted?
It was you, wasn't it?
- Just a moment. - Hey, what are you doing?
Someone broke my laptop!
So what?
Are you saying I did it?
Are you nuts?
What happened?
Why are you fighting?
(Webtoon Selling Point)
Is it going well?
I'm doing my best.
But knowing that this could make or break the rookie artists' débuts,
I feel like nothing I write is good enough.
(Artist Sin Dae Lyug)
It's Sin Dae Lyug. Why is he calling me?
He never calls me first.
Hello, Mr. Sin.
All my files are gone.
Sorry? What do you mean?
All the files on my computer are gone.
Everything I've worked on, from the very beginning. All of it.
Calm down.
I'll be right there. You're at the studio, right?
Okay. I'll be there shortly.
What's wrong? Did something happen?
Yes, I must hurry.
- I'll come with you. - It's okay. You're busy.
I'm sure I can be of help.
Isn't it urgent?
- Yes. Then would you come with me? - Sure.
Thankfully, I backed up the files that you had emailed me.
So don't worry too much.
I guess there were files that you hadn't emailed me yet.
Yes.
But...
I can draw them again.
Does that mean everything's been sorted out now?
Is Mr. Im Dong Hee not here today?
If someone deliberately broke Mr. Sin's laptop,
we should look into it.
Are there any security cameras in the studio?
I never once thought...
I'd need to install cameras in the room where my assistants work.
I'm sorry, Mr. Baek. What we meant was...
Honestly, I think he's delusional.
Both Dong Hee and I are confident and proud of what we can do.
- Who does he think he is? - That's enough.
Well, it looks like the situation...
has been sorted out now.
You guys can leave.
You too, Dae Lyug.
It's partially your fault too.
So let it go, and do not stir things up.
Yes, sir.
All right, then.
Sorry for the trouble, sir.
We apologize.
I know he denied it,
but what if Sin Dae Lyug is being bullied?
He doesn't seem like the type to put up with something like that.
If anything, he'd shut himself off from the world.
Anyway, I didn't see Im Dong Hee at the studio.
What if he did it?
Gosh, no way.
He'd never do such a thing.
And he always takes such good care of Sin Dae Lyug.
You never know what someone is really thinking.
You didn't come in today.
I suppose you didn't get the result you wanted.
I'm sorry.
I should've told you.
I get it.
I understand that you need some time to pull yourself together.
But don't be childish.
Pardon me?
As for Dae Lyug, I calmed him down.
What you did was very unlike you.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what I was thinking.
Just remember this one thing.
In order to create something,
you must look inward and continue to reflect on yourself.
No matter how ugly or pathetic it is,
you must face the truth about yourself.
Sir.
I...
hate his guts.
I really envy his talent.
I'm so jealous of him, and it's driving me crazy.
I want...
to be like him too.
Hey, you're here.
Hey.
Dong Hee. The winner of the Papaya Grand Prize...
is very young.
It's someone who goes to a top-tier university.
And a skilled artist, on top of that. I'm jealous.
Life is so not fair.
The story is so boring though.
There's nothing special about the story and the main characters.
Hey, it takes a skill to create an engaging story...
with such a plain plot.
I bet that person has never felt a sense of despair.
I bet they've never been hated...
or treated like a nuisance by anyone either.
Does it bother you that much?
It's not about that.
They have a place to return to even if they can't draw webtoons.
And you don't?
No.
Not even one.
You must have had another job.
I only had that job literally to survive. Nothing more.
If I don't draw webtoons,
my life will be pointless.
Dong Hee, could I meet with you in private?
Luckily, I had saved his files.
So we were able to secure the files.
But considering what happened at the meal,
I was wondering...
if Mr. Sin was having a hard time fitting in at work.
I know what you're worried about.
But no one is bullying him at work.
Gosh. Of course. I know that.
I'm just concerned...
that I might have put him...
in an environment that's hard on him out of my own greed.
I feel reassured hearing that from you.
I envy him.
What? Why?
He has such a sweet producer like you...
who looks after him.
I can sort of see...
why he said to me you were like a deity to him.
He said that? Gosh, I'm far from it.
I didn't do much for him.
It was my bad luck...
for not being able to meet a producer like you...
when I was younger.
Don't say that.
I'm sure you met more competent producers than me.
Then it means I'm just not talented.
Gosh, no. I didn't mean it like that.
I know.
I'm sorry.
I can't seem to fix this habit of looking down on myself.
What about the contest?
I didn't get picked again.
I see.
Then could you send me the revised file...
you submitted to the contest?
I'll show it to Mr. Seok.
No.
Why not?
Thank you for everything.
- Goodbye. - Bye.
I kept my place by making lame jokes...
when everyone but me had made their début.
I laughed at myself first before others had a chance.
I've been here for a decade, but I haven't made my début yet.
Aren't you being a bit inconsiderate?
Then I guess I'm just anyone seeing how I'm here for ten years.
If you make a début before me, hire me as your assistant.
"It means I just need a bit more time."
"I'll make it if I try a little more."
"A little more."
I had been fooling myself by telling myself that...
I could be like Mr. Baek someday.
But the moment I read Sin Dae Lyug's webtoon,
I couldn't fool myself anymore.
I felt emotions I had never felt while reading my own webtoon.
Are you all right?
If I don't draw webtoons,
my life will be pointless.
He doesn't care about his surroundings.
A free-spirited genius who only speaks the truth.
People like him will be beloved...
by the deity of webtoon.
Not me.
(Proposal for Revision, "Pygmalion Love")
(Main Characters)
- What are you doing? - Gosh.
I thought you were writing a proposal for Mr. Sin.
I already finished his.
This is for Mr. Im's webtoon.
When I gave him feedback last night, it might have been too casual.
I thought giving him a report would help him more.
You're so enthusiastic.
You're not even handling his webtoon.
I won't be able to give him the answer he's looking for.
But we can at least look for the answer together.
He's really talented and works hard.
I don't think he's always short of luck.
He's also lucky seeing how you're trying to help him.
He is.
What was that?
Hearing that is making me want to work harder.
Are you leaving without saying goodbye like the others?
Gosh, no.
I was going to tell you in the morning.
Has it been ten years since you began working under me?
Yes.
Thank you...
for everything, sir.
Did you finally face yourself?
It took so long.
I realized that you had been waiting for me...
all this time.
I had been waiting for you to break out of that shell...
and face it head-on.
I'm sorry.
I think this is the end for me.
And...
I was truly happy.
Thanks to you, I was able to dream.
Mr. Im.
Gosh. Ms. On.
I wanted to stop by to see you. Are you going somewhere?
Yes. This won't take that long.
- Thank you. - Sure.
- I'll get it. - Thank you.
I thought you always rode that bicycle.
Yes.
I bought it when I started working as an assistant.
I've had it for ten years.
Anyway, what brings you here?
Do you want to talk to me about Sin Dae Lyug?
No. Today, I'm here to see you.
Me?
Here. I should have given this to you sooner.
What's this?
(Proposal for Revision, "Pygmalion Love")
I didn't think my feedback last time wasn't that helpful.
(Proposal for Revision, "Pygmalion Love")
(Solution 2: Focusing more on mystery)
(Regarding Characters)
Thank you, Ms. On.
But I'm going to stop drawing webtoons.
What?
What? Why?
I think this is my limit.
No. Why? Why don't you try a bit more?
You're almost there.
No.
I spent ten years thinking I was close.
I was the one who broke Sin Dae Lyug's laptop...
the other day.
I'm sorry for not telling you earlier.
Whenever I saw him, I kept getting mad.
When I observed him,
it became very clear to me that I was running away...
by using my dream as an excuse.
He's creating something I had dreamed of...
when I first started.
I realized that by observing him.
That the truth was...
I was scared of becoming a professional webtoon artist.
I was afraid of getting evaluated and confronting my weaknesses.
But I complained why people didn't see my talent.
I just thought someone was bound to recognize my talent.
I only resented them and waited.
Pathetic, right?
I mustered up my courage for the first time...
in ten years to quit.
But I still have no regrets.
I did everything I could for all these years.
And I was truly happy.
Well,
it might come across as an excuse.
No, not at all.
Right.
Here. Let me give this back.
I wasn't a mojuk.
I don't deserve to keep this.
No.
You've been fighting to stay in the game for ten years.
I'm sure it will shine...
wherever and whatever you do.
It's my present for you. Please keep it.
I will then.
Keep working at Neon for a long time,
so you can produce a lot of great and fun webtoons...
for the readers.
I have no doubt that you can do it.
When did you get home? I didn't hear you come in.
Mom.
What's wrong?
Did something happen?
Today,
I met an aspiring webtoon artist...
who gave up on his dream after working so hard for ten years.
I wanted to stop him too.
"He shouldn't give up. What a waste."
"He should try one more time."
I was reminded of Dad.
Dad must have been so sad that my effort went to waste.
Do you understand how he feels now?
But I still couldn't stop him.
He gave everything he had to his dream for ten years.
Just like you?
Just like me.
Your dad will realize that too.
He just needs time to accept it.
Everyone. Can I have a minute?
Dong Hee will be leaving the studio as of today.
What?
Thank you for everything, guys.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you for everything.
Let's help him move his things.
Gosh, no. I already got my stuff.
My uncle will pick me up since I'm going back to my hometown.
I know you're busy. You don't have to see me out.
- But still. - I'm all right.
He's here.
Take care, everyone.
Call me when you come to Busan.
Mr. Baek, I'll go now.
Okay.
I think Dong Hee forgot this.
I'll go and give it to him.
Here. You forgot this.
I left it there on purpose.
You can use it.
Gosh.
I don't need that anymore. Please use it well.
Why are you leaving?
Is it because of me?
Because...
I bothered you too much?
Yes. That's right.
So I'm going to quit now.
Actually, I couldn't tell you before.
Your webtoon was moving.
I choked up when I read it.
AI's journey to find its identity.
I could sympathize a lot.
You're the first.
You're the first person...
to realize that my webtoon was a story about finding identity.
Gosh. Thank you.
I'm glad that you understood my story.
Well,
the person who broke your laptop...
was me.
Do you know why?
Because...
my drawing was awful.
Gosh. No way.
Goodness. You're something else.
Work hard for my sake.
I'm me.
I can't be you.
Right. You're right.
Stay healthy.
It's the answer Mr. Im found.
I should respect it.
I see. Right.
He could probably come to that decision...
because he had given his all...
to his dream.
As I told you before,
just because you do everything for them from A to Z,
it doesn't mean they will be webtoon artists.
Overprotection...
can backfire.
Then as for the webtoon artists you handle,
what kind of webtoon artist do you want them to become?
Me?
Well,
I want them to be strong enough to be able to wade the waves...
all on their own even if their producers...
or the platforms change.
You know, after all, webtoons are created...
at the end of the artists' fingertips.
(Pomme)
Hello.
Can you come right now?
I think I'm being watched in my house.
What do you mean?
Okay. I'll be there right away.
Hey, we've been to this place before.
- That's right. - I thought you found a new place.
- Let's go inside. - Fine.
(Mapo Seodaepo)
- Hello. - Hello.
Hello.
What's wrong?
- I see. The woman from Youngtoon. - Ma'am.
A beer, please.
Okay. Thank you.
- Let's drink soju first. - Sure.
- Gosh. Let me pour it for you. - Mr. Na Gang Nam?
You finished it? Gosh, you can hold your liquor.
Why is Mr. Na meeting up...
with an assistant editor from Youngtoon?
(Today's Webtoon)
I want to see you working on the kind of story...
that you've always wanted to tell.
Are you worried?
I should wrap up "Princess Kumiho."
We might lose one of our main artists.
Neon Webtoon is nothing without Na Gang Nam.
"Princess Kumiho"...
had been my role model ever since I started college.
And she had been my friend too.
please make sure to give it an absolutely memorable ending...
that befits... its masterpiece status.
It's really hard to see...
the gifted ones work for a long period of time.
Is that true?
Why did you do it?