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
A comics-focused publishing house. Its flagship title, Kyung-kyu Cho’s Omurice Jam Jam series, has grown into a long-running bestseller, with 16 volumes published as of March 2026 and more than 500,000 copies sold in total.
The series first began on Daum Webtoon in 2010 and has continued with one season every year. It has now completed 16 seasons, with Season 17 scheduled for 2026, making it one of the longest-running webtoons of its kind.
Built around family life and food, the series goes beyond simple food stories. It explores the history of dishes, word origins, scientific facts, and the many stories connected to what we eat, offering rich and wide-ranging information in an engaging way.
With the growing global interest in K-food, Omurice Jam Jam stands out as a leading food-centered content property that can share Korean food culture through diverse, entertaining, and informative storytelling.
The series first began on Daum Webtoon in 2010 and has continued with one season every year. It has now completed 16 seasons, with Season 17 scheduled for 2026, making it one of the longest-running webtoons of its kind.
Built around family life and food, the series goes beyond simple food stories. It explores the history of dishes, word origins, scientific facts, and the many stories connected to what we eat, offering rich and wide-ranging information in an engaging way.
With the growing global interest in K-food, Omurice Jam Jam stands out as a leading food-centered content property that can share Korean food culture through diverse, entertaining, and informative storytelling.