(Today's Webtoon)
(Episode 8: I Will Be Your Unchanging Truth)
Drink up.
Producer Jang, I see that you can still drink quite a bit.
Oh, sorry. You're an assistant editor now.
You can call me whatever you want.
The title doesn't matter. We're friends, you know?
No, it's important. It's a sensitive issue among office workers.
I don't care. You know I'm cool with stuff like that.
Yes, you are cool indeed. That's why I like you.
Let's drink.
- 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 the assistant editor from Youngtoon?
How are things at Youngtoon?
Pretty good. The sales numbers have been good,
and we have loyal readers.
But there's one thing we don't have.
- What might that be? - What do you think?
It's you, Mr. Na Gang Nam.
What? Look at you, Ms. Assistant Editor.
If you could publish a new webtoon with us,
Youngtoon would soar even higher.
I'm struggling to meet my deadlines for "Princess Kumiho."
I can't start a new webtoon.
You said you'd finish the series soon when I was at Gingertoon.
Right, I did. But it's still not finished.
Has it been about five years already?
But "Princess Kumiho" wasn't what you wanted to do.
You always wanted to write an intense story.
That's right.
I like dark, intense stories.
But every time I pitch a story like that,
they say it's too dark and gloomy.
"Princess Kumiho," which I worked on with Seok Ji Hyeong,
was my first webtoon that got published.
But the truth is, it's the total opposite...
of the kind of story I wanted to write.
Who knew it'd be such a hit?
You're so talented. You were bound to be successful...
even if you didn't write "Princess Kumiho."
Hey, why are you flattering me nonstop today?
Stop it already. You're making me dizzy.
I'm just stating the facts.
Mr. Na.
Don't you think you've done enough?
I mean, for "Princess Kumiho."
I want to see you...
working on the kind of story...
that you've always wanted to tell.
The Youngtoon readers...
are dying to read such dark, intense stories.
Besides, such genres targeting adults sell better too.
We can offer you a top-notch compensation package.
Because you're top-notch.
My baby!
Oh, no. Are you hungry? I was in the shower for too long, right?
Let me give you some food.
Hi.
Here, eat up.
Was she hacked?
Darn it.
I covered everything.
There's something else.
I feel like someone takes photos of me when I'm getting into my car.
I've heard the shutter sound a few times in the parking lot.
And my packages keep going missing.
Let's report it to the police.
The security footage will tell us who took your packages.
That person must be the culprit.
Is there anyone you think that could do something like this?
Someone who knows your address.
No, I can't think of anyone.
You and Mr. Kwon are the only ones who know my address.
I communicate with my assistants via messenger.
Darn it.
Did Mr. Kwon hack into her computer?
Why are you staring at me like that? Got something to say?
No, it's nothing.
What's wrong? You look tired.
Oh, I didn't sleep well last night.
Everyone's here, right?
- Hello. - Let's get started.
I already skimmed through this, but I was wondering...
Hey, Yu Mi. What about the fan goods?
I ordered them from the place that makes BLACKPINK's fan goods.
- I see. - A microphone and some cushions.
- Nice, well done. - Thank you.
Let's look at the last page.
(Best New Artist of the Year)
What?
Dong Hee! This...
Do you need something, sir?
Oh.
I forgot how to undo what I just did.
- I see. - I can't get this to work.
One moment, please.
What's wrong?
Sir, this is...
- The whole thing's been deleted. - What?
- That's it for the meeting. - Okay.
Make sure you guys prepare thoroughly for the new projects.
Also, Youngtoon is busy stealing artists from other platforms.
Papaya lost a couple of their main artists.
They're going bonkers now.
Their new webtoons will go up next month.
Be careful and make sure we don't get our artists stolen.
- Okay. - Okay.
What's with you guys today?
- Ma Eum. - Yes, sir.
You, of all people, can't be like this.
Yes, sir!
Will you let them steal Na Gang Nam?
No, of course not. Well understood, sir!
Should I visit Mr. Na at his studio?
- Why? - Well...
You heard Mr. Jang. He was like, "Don't let them steal him."
I'll figure out what to do once I'm there.
I'm meeting him for lunch.
- I see. I'll come with you... - No.
I understand that you're anxious,
but we can't force him to stay with us.
If we show up together, it might rub him the wrong way.
So just relax and wait.
Okay, Ms. On Ma Eum?
Okay.
- It's okay. Sit. - It's hot today, isn't it?
Yes.
I really needed something to help me relieve my hangover.
You suggested meeting here as if you read my mind.
Anyway, what's up?
- Let's eat first. - Okay.
You see, yesterday...
I saw you.
You did? Where? Why didn't you say hi?
You were with Jang Hye Mi.
Oh, boy.
I'm not bringing this up to make you uncomfortable.
I guess that's why you wanted to see me today.
My gosh. So you rushed here to see me.
I guess I'm not a has-been yet, after all.
Come on. You're hurting my feelings here.
You're like the face of Neon.
So? Are you worried?
Yes.
Are you seriously thinking of joining Youngtoon?
I'm not sure yet. I'm still thinking.
But I'm free to go wherever I want.
If I end up joining a different platform,
don't call me a traitor like a petty loser would.
But you'll complete "Princess Kumiho" with us, right?
I'm thinking about it.
As you know, I don't have...
the physical energy to work on two projects at the same time.
If I want to move to a different platform and start something new,
I should wrap up "Princess Kumiho."
I see.
Is what Youngtoon offering a lot better than what we're paying you?
If you tell us, we could definitely try to match the offer.
No, it's not about that.
From time to time, I wonder if it's okay...
for me to keep working on webtoons like "Princess Kumiho."
It's all I've been doing since my début.
But you see,
it's not the kind of webtoon I really wanted to draw.
I'm 40 now. The world is changing so rapidly,
and I still have tons of stories I want to tell,
but I'm not young anymore.
When I think about that... How should I put this?
I feel all anxious and hot inside.
- You know what I'm saying, right? - Yes, I sure do.
If you want to start a different webtoon,
we'd be more than happy to publish it.
Our styles are too different.
I know what Neon readers want better than anybody else does.
But you see, we now publish a wide range of webtoons.
Also...
Ma Eum and I will give you all the support you need...
Hey. You'd better not tell Steamed Dumpling.
She'll cry if she hears that I'm thinking of ending the series.
She's a die-hard fan of "Princess Kumiho."
Anyway, this is about my career.
Let me think a little more and decide.
- Can I order suyuk? - Sure, of course.
We'd like some suyuk, please.
- Eat up. - Okay.
Something's up, right?
- No! - Your face tells us you're lying.
What's going on?
- Well... - Tell us.
The thing is...
I happened to see Mr. Na having a meeting with Youngtoon yesterday.
If he suddenly wraps up "Princess Kumiho"...
and joins Youngtoon...
My gosh, it's all my fault.
Well, it's not decided yet. Right?
Also, why is it your fault?
Because it's happening after I started working with him.
Every webtoon has an end, you know?
It's not like you were forced to end it because it wasn't doing well.
You won't be held accountable for the series coming to an end.
- What's wrong? - I am that person.
- What? - I may be forced...
to end the series because it's not doing well.
Oh Yoon's new webtoon keeps getting bad feedback.
I should've talked him out of starting "The Beginning of Men."
Are you still worried?
Yes, I am.
I really can't let Mr. Na go.
Am I being selfish?
Every reader of his webtoon must feel the same way.
And as his producer, you ought to protect the project.
- Hello. - Hello.
Hi. What brings you to the head office?
We had to stop by the marketing team's office.
I see.
Jun Yeong, what is the name of your colleague here?
I'm On Ma Eum in Webtoon Service, sir.
I see.
The contract worker we hired through special recruitment?
Yes, sir.
Jun Yeong, can you spare me a moment?
Sure.
- Will you step aside? - Oh, sure.
- Can you take this? - Yes.
Are there any issues that have come up recently?
"Issues"? What do you mean?
Are they wasting money?
Any changes in the artist lineup?
I'll hear about everything eventually,
but it'd be nice to know in advance.
We might lose one of our main artists.
Which one?
Na Gang Nam.
Oh, everyone will flip out.
Neon Webtoon is nothing without Na Gang Nam.
Any other changes that I should know about?
No, sir.
All right. You may leave.
When we were launching Neon Webtoon,
everyone strongly suggested that we acquire Youngtoon.
But I said no to that...
and chose you and Gingertoon's editorial department.
For that, I'm always grateful.
Don't be.
If you keep failing to meet my expectations,
I'll fire you without hesitation.
Do not make me regret my choice.
I believe the company will suffer a lot of damage.
Do not humiliate me in front of Heo Kwan Young.
Do you understand, Mr. Jang?
Yes, well understood.
(New Email from Na Gang Nam)
(From Na Gang Nam)
What's gotten into him?
Mr. Na sent me the episode two days before the deadline.
("Princess Kumiho," Episode 230)
(I'm sending you Episode 230.)
Maybe this is like that thing.
Men are suddenly nice to their wives when they're having an affair.
They come home early and send flowers.
It means he's made up his mind to leave us.
Hey! Don't say stuff like that.
You know what? I agree with him.
Where is Ji Hyeong?
Tell him to come back at once.
Yes, Mr. Seok... Okay.
What?
What is it?
So you're saying...
you failed to persuade him?
Yes, he said he needed some time to think.
Time to think, my foot.
He's trying to buy time to negotiate with Youngtoon.
What matters the most is what he wants to do.
My goodness. You guys have no sense of urgency.
We must make him stay at all costs.
Aren't there any hidden clauses in his contract?
- Mr. Kwon. - Don't be such a snob.
Think about the money "Princess Kumiho" brings in.
It brings in over ten million dollars a year.
Do you know how you'll make up for it if you suddenly lose it?
If you leave it up to the artist because you want to act nice,
and if our sales drop because we lose him to our competitor,
will you take responsibility for it, Mr. Seok?
Will you?
Sorry to interrupt,
but I am Mr. Na's producer.
I don't know what I can do to take responsibility for it,
but if one of us must be reprimanded for this situation,
I believe it should be me. I'm really sorry.
I apologize.
I'm the one...
who should be held accountable.
Ma Eum, Mr. Seok.
- Yes. - Yes, sir.
Do whatever it takes to persuade Na Gang Nam.
To Neon Webtoon, Na Gang Nam is...
Please do it for me.
Make him stay.
Okay.
Hey. If you don't think you can do it, let me know.
I'll visit him myself.
No, I'll visit him again and try to persuade him.
"Princess Kumiho"...
"Princess Kumiho" is... We really can't lose it, you know.
Yes, I know.
It's the last remnant of Gingertoon.
But when he said he felt as though he was the only one...
not moving forward in this rapidly changing world,
I didn't know what to say.
Asking him to stay, knowing how anxious he feels...
I feel like I'm being selfish.
(This old comic is bringing back so many memories.)
(This is my Taekwon V underwear!)
(Yi Seul was born at this hospital!)
"How to turn back time."
"Please, I need a time machine."
Hey, I thought you already sent the file over.
Come on! Why are you still working?
Aren't you taking me out on a date?
A different platform approached me with a nice offer,
so I'm trying to sketch out the story.
Does that mean you're finally done with "Princess Kumiho"?
Well, I guess.
That's such amazing news! I was sick and tired of it.
Hey! That's mean.
For the past five years, "Princess Kumiho"
has been putting food on the table for me.
Not for me, though.
I make a lot of money too.
Then can't we go out and have some fun today?
Let's throw a party! To celebrate the end of "Princess Kumiho"!
No. We'll have a wrap party after I finish the webtoon.
- Let's go! - No. I have to work on this.
- Are you going to wear that? - No.
- Come on. Wait. - Please.
- Yes! - I can't go to a party...
This is so good.
Did you tell Steamed Dumpling that you were wrapping it up?
No, not yet.
She must be so sad.
She was a huge fan of "Princess Kumiho."
Right. If you join another platform,
you won't be working with Steamed Dumpling anymore?
And Mr. Seok Ji Hyeong too?
Well, yes until I sign another contract with them.
That's disappointing.
Both of them were so adorable.
If I join another platform, you can't leave home again.
- Why? - "Why?" Isn't it obvious?
No one from that platform will find you and bring you back.
I don't like that.
Darn it. This is no fun.
"Fun"?
- What's this? - This way. Here!
(Producer On Ma Eum)
- Mr. Na. - Hey, Producer On.
Why are you calling me at this hour?
I have to tell you something.
Tell me what?
How much "Princess Kumiho" influenced my life.
I mean it.
You have no idea...
how every single word and action from San Ha comforted me...
whenever I had a tough time with judo.
San Ha had been my role model ever since I started college.
And she had been my friend too.
I'm sure a lot of teenage girls and girls in their 20s...
consider San Ha their role model and friend.
Why are you telling me this in the middle of the night?
Because...
I just wanted you...
to continue this series for a long time.
You must've heard something.
Come on. I told him not to tell you.
I hope this can help you make a decision.
Thanks, anyway.
It was quite moving...
although it didn't help me at all.
Goodnight.
(Pounding)
Right. As for your drawing style,
I think it will be better...
with a cheerful story than a dark story like this.
Pardon?
You see, the way you draw your lines complements...
perky scenes.
So colourful and cute characters...
and such cheerful stories might be good use of your style.
What do you think?
Why don't we trust my instinct and try this out?
Mr. Na.
(Clicking)
(Lee Hyun Jae!)
Gosh. This is awful.
You startled me.
Dad! Haven't you heard of knocking? Where are you manners?
I'm bringing you folded laundry. And you're yelling at me?
No. I didn't ask you to fold them for me.
Hey, should I be criticized for folding laundry...
for an unemployed daughter who lounges around at home?
I'm not just lounging around.
Why do you always think I'm not doing anything?
I have a plan too!
What's wrong?
You and I are going to talk later.
I hate you too, Mom.
You guys only adore Ma Eum.
Gosh. That scared me out of my wits.
I fainted because it was so boring.
Du Hee, this is driving me crazy.
How could an artist like Oh Yoon end up on the bottom like that?
Seriously.
I told you he should stick to his forte, comedy webtoons.
It's like a Chinese restaurant selling tteokbokki.
It can be Jjajang tteokbokki.
That sounds tasty... Do you have a death wish?
He was going to leave us if I didn't say yes.
What could I have done?
He added some comedy factors because I kept giving him feedback.
At first, it was even more serious and bleak than this.
I don't care about the mood of the story. It's not entertaining.
I'm sorry.
See how he feels about ending the series prematurely.
- Pardon? - If Mr. Na leaves,
we're going to have a huge hole to fill for our sales.
Ten million dollars a year.
To offset the loss, we need him to come back...
with another comedy webtoon to give us some breathing room.
So what is "Feeb" exactly?
"Feeb" is...
a kind of weapon that controls people's potential.
In other words,
it's a monster that instils fear.
- So... - Exactly. What's that?
As for "Weapon Feeb,"
if you fail to make the readers understand the concept of Feeb,
it won't even stand a chance.
Here's what I think. Mr. Sin...
is drawing his webtoon based on his instincts.
That means...
it's possible that even he might not understand...
the true nature of his webtoon or the message he wants to deliver.
You can't repeat what Mr. Sin said...
like a parrot just because that's what he said. Right?
Right. I'll fix it again.
Okay?
Okay. Good work. You can go.
- Good work. - Good work.
Well...
It's nothing.
(Contacts)
(Producer Jang Hye Mi)
Let's do our best.
Do our best?
Okay.
We can do this!
Let's go!
It's easier to follow the plot...
when the readers can identify themselves as the characters.
That way, it'll be easier to understand Feeb.
(Clear emotional development)
Okay.
I'll try my best since you said we need to do this.
But I'm not sure.
I just draw my webtoon the way I see it in my head.
- Can I use the restroom? - Okay.
Gosh.
Hey, that was really mean.
- Are you all right? - Are you okay?
Gosh.
Are you hurt?
Mr. Sin.
I'll think more about the feedback you gave me today...
when I'm working on the webtoon.
No. I...
Why did you want to see me?
I was kind of excited to get a call from you.
Why would you get excited? I'm sure you know why.
What did you offer Mr. Na?
I guess you really don't want to lose him.
Na Gang Nam's webtoon...
You know what it means to us.
Are you doing this because you know that?
Ji Hyeong.
Do you think I'm doing this because of a personal vendetta?
I'm Youngtoon's assistant editor.
I simply made a proposition to an artist we need.
And I get that "Princess Kumiho" is meaningful...
to you and Mr. Jang because it began...
back in your Gingertoon days, but that's what you two think.
You know that Mr. Na never liked it...
because it wasn't his style.
If you make him turn down a good offer...
and force him to keep drawing it, I'd say it's so selfish.
(Chungma Studio)
The readers must be able to relate to the character...
to follow the story,
so I think you should provide a clearer portrayal of the emotions.
That way, it'll be easier for them to understand what "Feeb" is.
You need to help me with this. I can't do this alone.
Good morning!
- Hello. - Good morning.
Ma Eum, Jun Yeong. Can you guys spare me a moment?
- Sure. - Come to the meeting room.
Sure.
A meeting.
("Please, I Need a Time Machine")
- Oh, this is... - You know this? Have you read it?
Yes. It's a classic, isn't it?
Yes, it is. Look at you!
- What about you, Jun Yeong? - I've never seen this before.
Right, I bet.
It came out before you were even born.
Read it.
It is one of the best-known time-travel comics of the 90s.
The story is interesting, and it's very well-made.
- Okay. - That said,
I want the two of you to come up with a proposal...
- for a remake. Work on it together. - Pardon me?
You want to do a remake of "Please, I Need a Time Machine"?
Our target readers are probably younger than you guys,
so I'm sure they don't know about this series.
You two can probably relate to them the most,
so I want you guys to be in charge of the project.
Okay, I'll do my best.
And you, Jun Yeong? You look like you have something to say.
Well...
There will be things...
that are simply not in line with current trends.
Is there a reason we must do a remake of such an oldie?
This project is meaningful because...
Back in the day, comic books had to be printed to reach readers.
These days, everyone reads webtoons.
And nowadays,
people turn them into Memes and circulate them on social media.
(Watch what you say.)
Some scenes from this series have become popular Memes.
- I saw it. - You did?
All right. These days, everything changes so fast,
but it'll be sad to lose all things of the past.
Good things must live on.
I think it'll do well.
But that's just what I think, and I'm old.
Your opinion really matters because you two are young.
That's why I want you guys to work on it.
I'm in.
Me too.
It'll be fun.
You've been needing more time to finish your episodes,
and I was worried about your wrists too.
Thanks, Producer Choi. You're the best.
The view count isn't going up,
so I'm losing my confidence.
I was able to work on it quickly when I was feeling confident.
I don't know where it started to go wrong.
I think the project got off on the wrong foot.
You must stay confident.
We're all counting on you.
Right.
Did you not promote it because you were totally counting on me?
- Sorry? - I mean, think about it.
I'm famous, so it's odd that the view count is this low.
Are you sure it got enough exposure?
I can assure you that it got as much exposure...
as all the other Neon webtoons did.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
Then what is the problem?
Producer Choi, is "The Beginning of Men" that bad?
Yes, it is.
I mean, it's not bad. But it's not something...
people are used to.
It's not the kind of fun people are familiar with.
Exactly! It's novel.
Novel and unusual.
It doesn't mean it's boring, you know?
Well, you're right.
Then how come the view count isn't going up?
I can't get through to him.
This conversation will go on in circles.
Well, Mr. Oh.
Do you have a good idea?
Your specialty...
is comedy. How about you go back to that?
- What? - I don't think your fans...
are ready to open up to your novel, unusual ideas yet.
Are you saying we should drop the project altogether?
If you're okay with it, we can start working on a new one...
and publish it right away once this ends...
Are you kidding me? You'll force me to end it early?
- No, don't get me wrong. - My gosh, Neon and you...
I didn't think you'd be like this. I can't believe this.
How could you blind side me like this?
No! Please don't get the wrong idea.
I just wanted to get your opinion.
Of course, my answer is no.
I will not end it early, no matter what.
I will keep going even if the view count doesn't go up at all!
If you'd like,
you could take a break,
and then work with Youngtoon and with us as well.
Well, will I have enough energy to pull that off?
If "Princess Kumiho" ends,
Steamed Dumpling will cry, right?
I'd want to cry too.
What? Come on. This is so unlike you.
I'd like to...
work with you...
for as long as I can.
But...
if you decide to end the series,
please make sure...
to give it an absolutely memorable ending...
that befits...
its masterpiece status.
Your fans have been a big part of this journey.
Make them proud.
Do you really mean it?
Yes.
- Come on. - Okay.
It's right here.
What are you doing? We're running late because of you.
Oh, sorry. Where is it? Which way?
Let's go.
Ta-Da!
- How do I look? - You look so gorgeous.
Then let me try on something else.
This. It's the one I saw. What do you think?
- Do you like this? - Yes, it's the one. Go for it.
Okay!
What?
Hey.
Babe, where are you?
Oh, I'm...
I'm...
Where are you?
Do you want some salad?
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.
I felt like someone put some kind of spell on me or something.
You'd better not leave me alone and take off like that ever again.
You got it. Never. I won't do that again.
Promise me.
I promise.
Gosh.
You.
How could you leave me alone and take off like that...
the moment you promised you wouldn't do that?
I'm sorry. But I really saw Princess Kumiho!
Earlier at the shopping mall and the restaurant.
Are you crazy? Have you finally lost it?
Get a grip! I'm so sick of you talking about "Princess Kumiho"!
You'll never be able to end "Princess Kumiho."
You love that girl more than me.
Gosh.
This...
I...
(Let's go! To Neon's Head Office!)
(Artist Na Gang Nam)
Hello.
Yes.
Okay.
Yes. Okay.
Yes.
Thank you so much.
Okay.
Was that Mr. Na? What did he say?
He will continue drawing "Princess Kumiho."
- Ma Eum. What's wrong? - Gosh.
My legs. My legs just gave out.
- Hey, get up. - Thank you.
But he does want to publish a new webtoon simultaneously.
So he had developed a 20-episode horror webtoon a long time ago.
And he will try to publish that with Youngtoon.
I'm fine with everything. I'm so grateful. Thank you, Mr. Na!
- Yes. I'm glad he will stay! - Thank you!
To be honest, my heart was shrinking into a small lump.
Shouldn't we tell Mr. Jang about this?
Right. I'll call him and tell him.
Gosh. I'm so relieved!
Seriously.
Thank you, Mr. Na.
Thank you.
Don't thank me.
I didn't make the decision. She did.
What do you mean?
It's something between us.
I tried to draw different characters or come up with different stories.
I ended up drawing Princess Kumiho.
She showed up in my dream too.
On top of that, I even saw her in the afternoon.
I knew it. You don't believe me. You think I'm lying. Right?
I'm being serious.
This wicked brat doesn't want me to abandon her.
She's been following me all day wherever I went.
She still got life inside her.
I can't end the webtoon prematurely.
I used to be a poor bicycle, spinning on its own.
And "Princess Kumiho" turned me into a huge plane I am now.
I want to keep driving this plane with all the people on the plane...
for the time being.
Gosh.
I'm so glad...
that I still have...
a chance to tell you this.
Actually,
I like it too.
I'm a fan of "Princess Kumiho."
I'm a hardcore fan of the webtoon...
just like Ma Eum.
I'm a true fan of it.
We're all fans.
Gosh. There's no way you like it more than me.
You know what? That brings me to my point.
- Yes? - Well,
could you find Han Seul tomorrow?
She left home again.
- Gosh. - Gosh. Don't joke about that now.
- Gosh. - She left home?
I'm serious.
Seriously?
- That's important. Right? - Gosh.
I'm so glad to hear that.
Producer Goo.
I need you to pay...
special attention to Pomme for the time being.
- Pardon? - Youngtoon has been...
quite aggressive lately.
Just like they did to Mr. Na, they might contact our artists...
and try to get them to switch to their platform.
They might come after our artists.
Okay. I'll pay more attention.
This is so creepy.
How did he figure out my address?
By any chance, are you on social media?
- Yes. - Did you post photos of your house?
No. I didn't.
(See All)
I guess I posted a few.
Let me see them.
(Courier)
Gosh. I should take this down now.
(Delete)
(Do you want to delete this post?)
You shouldn't post photos on social media for the time being.
It could be dangerous.
Okay.
Is there anyone you can call?
- Someone who could stay with you. - No.
My parents live in the countryside.
I don't want them to worry, so I'd rather not tell them.
I don't have close friends.
Why don't you invite your assistants here and work with them?
- How many are there? - Two. A woman and a man.
Great. Why don't you ask them to commute here?
I've never met assistants in person.
This is a good chance to meet them.
It's better than being anxious and not being able to focus.
You're not worried about me, right?
- Pardon? - You're worried...
that I might not be able to meet the deadline.
No.
Of course, I'm worried about you.
How could you say that?
I'll stop by often too.
Okay. You can leave now.
I won't miss the deadline...
and make sure to send the file on time.
Go.
Just leave.
Right. I do have to ask you something.
- What is it? - You said you had a meeting...
with another platform. Which platform was that?
Why are you suddenly asking me that? You weren't interested back then.
I'm interested now.
Youngtoon. Why do you ask?
Was it their assistant editor, Jang Hye Mi?
Was that her name?
It was a female assistant editor. I'm going to meet her soon.
Pomme, please don't join them. I'll do better.
What's this sudden change of attitude?
- This isn't like you. - What?
You're more charming when you act indifferent.
Leave already. Just go. Seriously.
- Don't leave us. - Go!
What does Mr. Sin want to express through "Weapon Feeb"?
It's fear and domination.
What does Mr. Sin want to express through "Weapon Feeb"?
Fear. It's...
Gosh. You startled me!
What are you doing here?
I thought you were going home after your meeting.
I had to prepare for the new webtoon meeting.
Jun Yeong, you've changed.
I have?
At first, you didn't want to handle a rookie artist.
Right after the camp.
Then do you want to prepare for the meeting together?
I was practicing my pitch. But I was having a hard time.
And I'll help you with yours too.
Sure. Let's do it together.
Sounds good.
There are three key points behind the intentions.
"We all have dreams in life."
I really like that you focused on the keyword, "dream."
I really liked this part because you sounded confident.
Then I'll practice a bit more...
and see what I should add more.
- This is Feeb. - I see.
I think you should keep it up to this line, not this.
I think that might be better. Other people...
might have a hard time understanding it.
I see. I have to get people to feel related.
Then if I just tell them this is Feeb, they might not get it.
Feeb is closely connected to fear.
(Log line)
It shows.
Everyone is here.
- You're here. - Okay.
All right.
Ms. On. Did you prepare a lot?
Yes!
You sound confident.
All right.
We shall start our meeting to decide on our new webtoons.
Is "Full Count" first?
Jun Yeong, you may begin.
Originally, having too much text was a downside of the webtoon.
But this aspect has been improved.
We'll add a love story to widen the range of our target readers.
I...
enjoyed it.
The artist is talented.
With the added love story, it will definitely increase views.
Good job, Mr. Unclogger.
Right. Well done.
A baseball webtoon always brings in a bare minimum of readers.
It's because you love baseball.
Be honest. It's fun. Isn't it?
It's fun.
The scenes and plot development are pretty good for a rookie.
Right.
Next up is Mr. Sin's "Weapon Feeb."
Ms. On.
Let's see.
His drawing has improved a lot.
But his drawing is still pretty rough.
Think about where he started. There's a limit to his improvement.
Rough lines can be seen as his artistic style.
His sketches look good.
His style matches the mood of the webtoon.
But the plot is the most important.
It won't be fun if the artist tries to make things too complicated.
But we must know the story well for us to tell our readers about it.
Ms. On, could you tell us about the setting of the webtoon?
Sure.
Through his webtoon, Mr. Sin wants to portray...
fear and domination.
Feeb is a weapon that latches on to people's fear...
and controls people's hearts.
The moment people feel fear, Feeb attacks them.
You would be fine as long as you don't feel fear.
But people can't suppress fear.
Colonel Kim Hwal is beloved by everyone.
But he has a secret agenda to dominate people...
by using Feeb.
After figuring out his agenda, only this character...
stands up to Hwal and raises his voice.
That's our main character, Hwi Young.
But the main character doesn't leave an impression.
He looks so weak. The readers won't find him attractive.
Because he's small, weak, and ordinary,
he's fighting against fear more desperately.
Not only does the main character confront his enemies,
but he also has to face his inner fear...
as if his life depends on it.
Because the main character is weak,
he's more desperate to escape from fear and be free.
Just like the main character,
we have to face our own fear every day.
It could be a trauma from our childhood.
Or it could be a sense of insecurity about work.
Or it could be a sense of loss.
Seeing the main character and his friends in this webtoon...
standing up to their fear and fighting it...
will give a lot of courage and hope...
to our readers who try their best to stay strong...
even when fear comes after them every day. I'm certain of it.
- That's it. - Gosh.
Great job.
- I have a meeting. Excuse me. - Okay.
- Good job. - Thank you.
Good work.
Gosh, Jun Yeong. You were better than I thought.
You sounded very smart.
Mr. Sin. I have good news.
It's official that your webtoon will be released on our platform.
Gosh. I knew you could do it.
You're doing a great job with the rookies this year.
The rookie producers or the artists?
All of them.
I told Director Heo that I would show results with the camp.
And I'll get to shove it in his face.
I know you're working hard to lead the incubating team.
Gosh. We're just getting started.
What if the webtoons don't do well after we launch them?
He will use that to make us look bad.
Let's pick up a hit webtoon.
And that will be our walk-off home run. Nice and neat.
Keep managing them to the end.
Okay.
Get home safely.
Gosh. There's another typo.
I've already reviewed this multiple times.
Why do I keep seeing typos?
(We're going on a trip. We made kimchi stew.)
Right. This is definitely waking me up.
Jun Yeong, do you want some too?
It might help you focus better.
Thanks.
Do you want to switch webtoons?
A fresh pair of eyes might be more helpful.
Sounds good.
- So this is the one? - Yes.
I'll put this up.
Here.
(A full count is bound to make both the hitter and pitcher nervous.)
What are you two still doing here? I thought you went home.
We had a lot to get done before we launch the webtoons.
I see.
Right. Your first webtoon artists will be making their début.
Yes.
You've been working hard ever since the camp.
We have you to thank.
Gosh. Don't thank me.
You guys met up with the artists, revised the webtoons,
and made them come this far.
Jun Yeong, you're getting a call.
Oh, that.
You don't have to pick it up? The caller ID was Answer Right Away.
- It's okay. - I see.
She must be your girlfriend.
What?
You changed the caller ID to Answer Right Away.
You had a girlfriend?
Gosh, no. I don't.
This is getting interesting.
Your face got red. It really must be your girlfriend.
- No. - Your ears are red too.
Then who is it if it's not your girlfriend?
It's not my girlfriend. Anyway, it's not her.
I didn't know that you could get shy too, Jun Yeong.
Okay. I'll pretend I don't know that. Don't be so shy.
Anyway, wrap up and go home.
- Are you going home now? - Yes, I'll get going first.
- See you tomorrow. - Bye.
See you tomorrow.
Gosh. It feels iffy...
to answer an unknown number at this hour.
Hello?
What?
You've been well, right?
(Saman Tech Building)
Mr. Seok, I would like to recruit you...
as the chief editor of Youngtoon.
(Today's Webtoon)
(Special thanks to Lee Dal and Woo Jung Won for their guest appearance)
(All the animals were filmed under the guidance of experts.)
Can you please not tell anyone at work?
If anyone finds it out, you'll be in pickle.
We've found out where the artist is.
You piece of garbage...
Looks like you've decided to change your spot.
Happy birthday.
(My dear friend, happy birthday)
I heard that the next chief editor for Youngtoon...
will receive a huge salary.
Why would Mr. Seok...
go to Youngtoon?