ARTIST
Cartoon
- Year of Production
- 2019
- Content Type
- Publication (Magazine/Book/Newspaper)
- Target Age
- Adult
- Quantity
- 2
Summary
Artist
By Ma Young-shin
Artist is a full-length graphic novel that delves into the tangled, all-too-human world of the Korean art scene.
The story follows a group of aging, struggling artists who once belonged to a creative collective called “Arcade.” Over the years, the more successful members drifted away, leaving only three: Kwak Kyung-soo (48, divorced), a painter; Shin Deuk-nyeong (45, single), a novelist; and Chun Jong-seop (44, single), a musician. Over drinks, they often reminisce about the past and promise each other they’ll stay true—no matter what success might come.
When Shin sees potential in Jong-seop’s talent, he encourages him to write an essay collection. Shin plans the entire project—title, concept, even connecting him with a publisher. But when the book unexpectedly becomes a bestseller and Jong-seop gains overnight fame, Shin is left with a storm of conflicted feelings.
Meanwhile, a former rock star dies by suicide after releasing one final song, which goes viral. The tragedy galvanizes the local music scene in Hongdae, leading to the formation of a new musicians’ alliance that demands government support. In response, the Korean government announces the launch of a new Unified Arts Promotion Agency, replacing its fragmented system of support for different artistic fields.
With livelihoods on the line, Kwak and Shin begin maneuvering to secure a spot within this new organization—starting with seeking out powerful figures in their respective fields to pull some strings. What follows is a sharp, often darkly humorous look at pride, jealousy, survival, and friendship in the creative world.
By Ma Young-shin
Artist is a full-length graphic novel that delves into the tangled, all-too-human world of the Korean art scene.
The story follows a group of aging, struggling artists who once belonged to a creative collective called “Arcade.” Over the years, the more successful members drifted away, leaving only three: Kwak Kyung-soo (48, divorced), a painter; Shin Deuk-nyeong (45, single), a novelist; and Chun Jong-seop (44, single), a musician. Over drinks, they often reminisce about the past and promise each other they’ll stay true—no matter what success might come.
When Shin sees potential in Jong-seop’s talent, he encourages him to write an essay collection. Shin plans the entire project—title, concept, even connecting him with a publisher. But when the book unexpectedly becomes a bestseller and Jong-seop gains overnight fame, Shin is left with a storm of conflicted feelings.
Meanwhile, a former rock star dies by suicide after releasing one final song, which goes viral. The tragedy galvanizes the local music scene in Hongdae, leading to the formation of a new musicians’ alliance that demands government support. In response, the Korean government announces the launch of a new Unified Arts Promotion Agency, replacing its fragmented system of support for different artistic fields.
With livelihoods on the line, Kwak and Shin begin maneuvering to secure a spot within this new organization—starting with seeking out powerful figures in their respective fields to pull some strings. What follows is a sharp, often darkly humorous look at pride, jealousy, survival, and friendship in the creative world.
Company Profile
Cartoon
SONGSONGBOOKS
Songsong Books Publisher mainly publishes comics. Representative works include <Omurice Jam Jam> series by Cho Gyeong-kyu and <Taste of Gangwon-do> by Jeon Soon-ye.
