Artist Gwang Jin enjoys all kinds of pop culture, some of which influence his work and “further enriches his life.” 

One of his masterpieces, Itaewon Class, has become a pop culture icon itself. 

Published from 2016 to 2018, the webtoon chronicles the story of ex-convict Park Sae Ro Yi and his friends fighting a mighty foe into making their dream of opening a bar at the vibrant Seoul district a reality. 

The plan isn’t just a run of the mill decision by a bunch of kids. It is rather a plot to avenge the death of Sae Ro Yi’s father who died in an accident caused by Geun Won, his high school bully. Geun Won’s father runs a restaurant chain in Itaewon. 

As of January 2025, Itaewon Class garnered over 430 million cumulative views. Its K-drama adaptation, starring Park Seo Joon, became a global hit on streaming platform Netflix. 

“I’ve learned a lot. The line between success and failure can be razor-thin, but the difference in reward is massive. Every line of dialogue, every frame carries pressure. And I’ve learned about all the ways a work can be expanded into different businesses. I want to keep feeling that challenge,” Gwang Jin said in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE. 

The webtoon and K-drama received such warm reception due to its themes of social prejudice and adversity, both of which resonate so much with Filipinos. 

“It made me realize that despite cultural differences, people are fundamentally the same. I’m deeply grateful,” he added. 

Aside from it being a K-drama, Itaewon Class has also been adapted as a musical at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia Hall. The adaptation is a three-way collaboration among Kakao Entertainment, the Korean drama producer SLL and Japan’s TV Asahi. 

“I used to think that derivative works were a separate realm, so I didn’t feel personally affected/pressured. But after seeing the musical adaptation myself, that changed,” Gwang Jin said. “I got chills seeing how faithfully each panel was brought to life. I think I’ll be even more meticulous in future planning of my original work.”

Creative process

Gwang Jin first felt a sense of thrill when he read a comic in his first year of middle school.

“That was the moment when I realized I wanted to become a cartoonist, to convey that same emotion to others,” he recalls.

His most memorable webtoon was Her Aquarium. According to him, although it wasn’t perfect by any means, it topped the platform because of its good concept. 

“It made me realize how important planning/concept-making is. When I plan a story, I focus on three things: a ‘blue ocean,’ appeal to the general public, and whether ‘I can execute it.’ If people gave good feedback to my work, I think it’s because of those three elements,” he said. 

But what of writer’s block? “I experience it all the time,” he admits.

Gwang Jin tries to compromise with the present moment. What’s important is to keep creating, he said. “I believe that even if I can’t overcome certain limits now, maybe in a year — or in my 40s or 50s — I will.”

The creative journey into making a webtoon starts with planning the project, not just the story itself, but also the strategy, platform, schedule and potential for growth. After that comes the whole form: structure, write the story, make the storyboard and draw. Then comes the hardest part: Choosing a title.  

Gwang Jin said, “I didn’t used to think titles were that important. But now I do. When readers are choosing from thousands of webtoons, the only things they really see are the title and thumbnail. Of course, it varies by project, but choosing a title is still very tricky.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about fun — whether your prefer webtoons about drama, romance, thriller, horror, comedy, action, mystery or sports. Gwang Jin said, “Everyone finds fun in different things. That’s why platforms need to value diversity and have a keen eye for supporting good comics.”

In the content industry, the line between newcomer and veteran isn’t so important, he adds.

“A great idea can easily surpass a veteran’s work. If I had to say something, maybe this: have the resilience to endure failure and keep growing — and the confidence to believe in yourself,” he advised.

Gwang Jin is preparing to launch a web novel about chairman Jang Dae-hee, a character from Itaewon Class. A kids’ animation project that uses AI technology is also in the works.

In Manila

On 4 July, from 1 to 4 p.m., Gwang Jin will be at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for “Sketching Beginnings.” The next day, from 1 to 4 p.m., the creator goes to The Metropolitan Museum of Manila for “Plot lines and Panels.” On 6 July at 1  to 4 p.m., he will visit PICOF 2025 at SM Megamall for “Ink & Industries (Masterclass with the Artist).”

The events are free though pre-registration is required. 

Alongside Gwang Jin’s talk shows, KCC is making its debut as an exhibitor at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF). A dedicated space on Korean Webtoon featuring its growth and notable works with hands-on experience will allow visitors to scroll themselves into the world of Webtoon. A fee applies. Passes can be secured at bit.ly/PICOF_ExhibitionHall. 

Meet the Mentor: The Creator of Itaewon Class is hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025, Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.