WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET YOUR NEXT BOYFRIEND?
EPISODE 1 THE FUTURES OF YOU AND ME
2 WEEKS AGO
I'm home.
Please turn on.
Initiating home mode.
Home sweet home.
We have 24 hours in a day, right?
I spend six hours sleeping.
Ten hours at my job.
An hour each way commuting and an hour eating.
An hour and a half on my bath and beauty routine,
which leaves a measly three and half hours for me.
Enough time to watch a movie or two if I multitask.
Hmm.
SELECT YOUR PROFILE
I don't waste my precious free time on just anyone.
I have very high standards.
Ah!
Days like today are the best. No meetings and no demands on my time.
So relaxing.
I wish every day could be like today.
I need to sleep.
Initiating sleep mode.
When it's time to get back on the clock,
I try to stay in my little bubble as long as I can.
A NEW ERA OF LOVE BEGINS BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND
I think about you
What can I do?
All I now know is I think I need to
Can I come over to kiss ya?
I think about you
What can I do?
All I now know is I think…
-Hi. -Hi.
I had the best time in the Philippines last summer.
I wish I could jump in the ocean right now.
When is summer coming?
Sorry.
-Yeah? -I think he got some on you.
Little chocolate-covered devil.
The doors are opening.
The doors are closing.
Uh, good Morning.
Morning.
It's not working.
I think you're rubbing it in.
I guess.
What's his deal?
The doors are opening.
The doors are closing.
Unregistered fingerprint.
Hey, producer!
Oh. Uh, hi.
-Right on time! -Yes.
Yay, congrats.
-For what? -You did it!
-Way to go! Yay! -Producer Park!
Thank you.
Yes!
You have once again succeeded in arriving not a single minute early.
Your streak continues. She's impressive.
Is it Kyeong-nam's birthday or something?
He got good news.
-His new adaptation deal got signed. -No!
What do you expect?
The director's taking us all out to celebrate.
-Mm-hmm. -Really?
Oh. I actually have plans already.
Oh, is that so?
Just say you're fasting instead.
Producer Park will be coming, right?
Since he's the man of the hour.
And he's definitely not fasting.
Are you coming, Mi-rae?
Or do you want to incur the wrath of Director Hwang for not going?
I'm not the only one who isn't going.
I'm… pretty sure Kyeong-nam never goes either.
You have a point. He's got that broody leave-me-alone thing going on.
Don't you think he's so charming?
Oh?
-Don't bother. -Mm-hmm.
Eun-ju's been fangirling over him for weeks.
-For real? -Yes.
After much deliberation, I've decided to give liking him a go.
-Oh. -Hold on.
-Are you actually gonna pursue this? Why? -Mm.
Because Producer Kyeong is so handsome.
-He also smells nice. -Ew.
Eun-ju, that is a really bad idea.
About what?
Dating and then breaking up with colleagues is super awkward and messy.
Do not date someone at work.
Well, um… I never said I wanted to go on a date.
Just keep ogling him.
-Can't hurt. -Don't encourage her.
PARK KYEONG-NAM
Here's the feedback on Team Two's proposal from last week's meeting.
Oh, I forgot.
Cons. Doesn't highlight what makes the protagonist charming.
Lack of understanding of the fantasy genre.
Disappointing characters and ambiguous message.
No universal story or potential for improvement.
Pros. None worth mentioning.
Nice.
You can't do that! Hey! Hey!
Producer Cho! I wasn't done lecturing you!
Come back here!
I quit.
-You can tell Ms. Yun. -No, please, sir.
-You can't go. -No. You walk out, you're through.
-Good! -You know how he is.
-Get your hands off. -Take the day off.
What the heck happened?
I'm not taking any more of this crap! I'm outta here!
Sir!
-Why's is he leaving? -Why is he leaving? The hell?
You see? That's what happens when you can't take criticism.
Someone check the cafeteria. See if he really quit.
JI-YEON
I really need to see you after work. It's urgent.
Sounds serious.
Ji-yeon!
-Bestie! -My God.
It took me forever to get here.
When you said it was urgent, I thought you were serious.
I was. I wouldn't have met you here for nothing.
I have a very important issue to resolve, and only you can help me out with it.
Really?
What is it?
You know you have to dress up for the wedding?
Huh?
Did you… No!
You weren't planning to cop out and just send cash again?
I am pretty overloaded at work, so I really should--
You're going. And you're dressing up.
You're gonna try on everything in here if you have to. Everyone'll be there.
And my clothes don't cut it?
Maybe for an office party, but this isn't that.
You need to make an effort, in case your ex and You-mi are there
doing their cutesy little couple routine.
You need to show everyone how amazing it is to be single,
and how freaking perfect your life is. That's what weddings are for.
Hey. Se-june and I ended things ages ago. Why would he care what I wear?
Oh, this one is gorgeous.
Now get in there and try it on.
I mean it!
It's not my ex's wedding I'm going to. Why do I need this?
I forbid you to return that. I'll know if you do.
Could you say it louder? Everyone's gonna think you paid for it.
What art teacher can afford that outfit?
If I could, I would have bought you two.
Hmm.
Poor thing, your life is dreary.
Hey, my life is fine, okay?
My job is good, and I have my oasis.
Aren't you lonely?
Oh no.
Don't tell me you wouldn't want someone to snuggle once in a while?
A boyfriend is not gonna get me that raise I deserve, is he?
Course not. Because if I had a boyfriend, I would want to spend time with him.
And I'm always so exhausted, I don't know how I would do that.
But tiredness isn't even the biggest issue.
You know, it's the mental mumbo jumbo you have to deal with
from dating an immature idiot.
So just go out with a mature idiot instead.
Or find someone who's exactly like you are.
Boom. I pick him off a tree. Is that it?
Duh!
-You're gonna have to look in the shadows. -Why?
Because if he's like you, he's gonna do his mysterious aloof thing.
The quiet kinda sexy that sneaks up on you.
-You can tell Ms. Yun. -No.
Producer Cho, you can't go.
-You know how he is. -Get your hands off me.
-Take the rest of the day off. -I said I quit!
Oh gross! I do not live in the shadows!
I want someone with a boatload of friends
who's really social.
You want a guy who's your opposite, then?
Hush.
Hey, I'm home.
I said I'm home!
Initiating home mode.
I can't afford this. Why the hell did I buy it?
It's not funny.
Jerk.
How are we supposed to get ahead if this is what it does to people?
It was Yun Song, right?
Such a drama queen!
Who do you think'll take over? The Romance crew's pretty good.
I heard Park Kyeong-nam's in the running and Mi-rae for some crazy reason.
Huh? That means things are worse than ever.
You know I love her, but the girl can't stand the genre.
The Romance crew all threatened to quit if they got stuck with Yun.
And Mi-rae does have room for another author.
-Oh! -Hi, guys. What's up?
What? Who died?
What? What?! Me? Why?
Hey, everyone. How's it going?
Morning! Happy day!
You're good. Kyeong-nam has been kicking butt lately.
You're safe. Hwang'll want him to take over for sure.
Hmm?
Better be prepared. The man can throw a mean curveball now and then.
-Ugh! -It might not even happen.
Not again.
Ms. Yun!
I need it!
Open the door and give me the file!
Please!
Ah! The deadline!
If we miss the deadline, I'll get fired!
I need it!
Ms. Yun!
YUN SONG
WEBTOON EPISODE 21
UPLOAD COMPLETE
Working with Yun Song was utterly exhausting.
She was like a vampire flu virus that sucked the marrow out of my bones.
YUN SONG
-Yes, Ms. Yun? -It's too much.
Are you… crying?
Have you seen the comments?
The mean things they write about me online?
It's 3:00 in the morning.
-Maybe you should get some rest? -They want me to fail, don't they?
And they won't stop until I do.
But why should I?
I won't give them the satisfaction! Evil sons of bitches!
I won't go back!
I gotta get out the big guns.
Director? May I have a word?
Sure. Come in.
I thought of you when I went by the cookie store after lunch.
So I got your favorites.
Macaroons. Pretty funny you stopped by there too.
Yes. We both happened to have lunch near there, I guess.
Why don't you have a seat, so I can, uh, chat with my mouth full?
Oh! Mm!
Sweet Jesus! What is that? Is that vanilla?
-Mm! -Try it with this.
Thanks.
I got citrus. Is this the, um…
-Yirgacheffe. -Oh, you splurged, huh? Ah, I like it!
Ah, this is a real treat. I never realized you two were so outgoing.
I did come concerning Ms. Yun's--
Stop!
I want you both to have an equal shot at this opportunity, huh? Hmm?
So let me hear which one of you should be the lucky one
to oversee our highest-ranking and highest-grossing author
as her producer?
-I think I should go first-- -I'm not finished!
Neither of you ever attend the company dinners or functions I host.
But I'll make an exception and not hold grudges.
I'll decide this thing strictly on merit.
So, no pressure on either of you.
And you're first up.
I have had the privilege of being part of Ms. Yun's success story,
so I think it's only fair I let Kyeong-nam have…
-It worked for them. -Hmm?
I think it would be a real shame not to have them back together
after the success they had.
And although I've been here longer,
Ms. Seo's a natural with the writers.
I appreciate what you're doing, but she's yours.
Well.
He's too modest. Sir. You just signed an adaptation deal.
I don't know if I'm good enough yet. To take things to that level.
You're being modest now.
He has managed to get his newest projects to the top in record time,
so he's used to working with the best of the best.
And his review of my team's recent proposals, they were harsh,
but it shows his heart really wants our success.
That critique was for someone who has no business being a writer.
I don't think it applies in this case.
I'm sure. Just step up. Your team could use the experience.
All right.
Enough.
Stop. Because you'd rather have a root canal than take this job.
I hear you. She's a handful.
How are you going to survive? You know how this business is.
If you don't give your all, you're never gonna make it!
You need to forget about your work-life balance.
You two were my best options.
So, I'm sticking with Seo Mi-rae.
What?
Well, you only have six authors on your schedule anyway.
-I'll get some more. -And the romance!
It's all thanks to you Yun Song dedicated herself to that genre in the first place.
And I handed it over to Producer Cho as fast as I could too.
-I can't stand that saccharin stuff. -Readers love it.
So that's settled.
If you don't mind, I'll get going. My meeting got pushed a little early, sir.
All right. Bye.
Thank you. This was quite pleasant.
Huh.
Do you mind?
Oh.
I wasn't aware he had a meeting. So, where were we?
Ugh. Lying little weasel.
How'd it go?
It's you?
Oh wow.
Kyeong-nam had an entire box of macaroons and a coffee.
-Someone must've tipped him off. -What?
Who? It wasn't us.
Did he, um, mention how long you would be working with Ms. Yun at all?
-I wish. -We already know the answer.
Until she collapses from exhaustion again.
Mi-rae, it's been three years.
You've come a long way. You've gotta show her who's the boss here.
Come on. She's up against Yun Song, remember?
Is it possible for someone to haunt your past and your future
at the same time?
I mentioned this, didn't I?
3 YEARS AGO
My sister's friend works at a big fancy law firm?
Did you just get home?
-I wake up tomorrow. -Sh!
-I'm gonna get them… -Who is that?
-Make those nasty trolls stop leaving… -The author.
-The one I told you about. -I don't care how much it costs.
When does she ever have time to draw? You're always on the phone with her.
Calling my sister now.
Oh? She's gone. Thank God.
I swear. She'll be the death of me!
Are you sure you wanna go out?
Uh… She is not gonna ruin your birthday.
That ad thing we talked about last time, is it still on?
I don't see why it wouldn't still be on.
Make sure it is. I might need the money for my lawsuit.
All right, I'll look into it first thing.
I've been so busy writing and drawing,
I barely have time to eat or sleep. Do you know how tiring that is?
-I know how hard you're working, Ms. Yun. -I wanna take a break this month.
What? This month is a bit soon. You just took one about three weeks ago.
With the way these trolls wear me down, I feel like it was a year ago.
-Don't they have anything better to do? -Listen.
Try not to read too many of those.
SE-JUNE
The person you are trying to reach is unavailable.
Please leave a message.
SE-JUNE 12 MISSED CALLS
Shit.
Come on.
Really?
That was the beginning of the end of my love story with Se-june.
It's not just leaving work on time.
You'll be lucky to catch the train.
Not to remind you, but the last time you worked with her,
you got a bald spot around here, didn't you?
Let's make sure we know what we're working with.
-Seriously? -So far, so good.
Now, over here.
Oh, it's gonna fall out again anyway for sure.
You guys, give her some space.
We have that thing to discuss, right?
Oh yeah.
That thing about the meeting with what's-his-face.
-Oh! Oh! Oh my goodness. -My hair!
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that.
Are you okay, miss?
Dang it.
Is that lilac or lavender?
-They all do. -Your socials always look so much fun.
-Hey. Girl? -Did she just shush us?
No. You returned that amazing suit?
-No, I put in the closet. -Why the heck is it in there?
I tried it. I just wasn't feeling it.
-I just went with the old standby. -But…
Oh no, Mi-rae!
Ji-yeon really got you to come in person?
It's been way too long. Are you dating anyone?
-I lost track. What's new? -It'll take a few drinks to catch up.
Let's go out after this.
-All right. -The lucky groom!
Lucky for me, the awkward run-in
with an ex-boyfriend at a mutual friend's wedding didn't happen.
But I kept expecting it to.
And now, please turn your gazes to welcome the star of the show, our bride.
So live in the moment
Trying to find the words to say…
-Amazing! -Beautiful!
I wanna let go of tomorrow
Let my worries fade away
Don't wanna find out What my life might bring…
You're perfect!
And making all the same mistakes…
-He's so lucky! -Live in the moment
Wasn't her dress to die for?
-They looked happy. -That dress was perfect.
We're gonna catch up over drinks.
-You're coming, right? -Of course she is.
Wanna hear about your project.
-Oh, it's good. -Okay, great. I'll be back.
-No skipping out for work. -I won't.
It's been way too long.
You-mi!
-Hey! -Congrats!
I didn't know she was here. Where did she come from?
You-mi! She's here.
She's engaged.
They're getting hitched! Se-june proposed!
-Thanks, girls. -Se-june's back from the States?
No, but pretty soon.
We'll all be getting together again for your wedding, right?
A girlfriend who would be the envy of all,
with a sparkling new engagement ring on her perfect hand.
That jerk managed to steal the spotlight without even showing up.
This feels even more awkward.
Was it totally romantic? Tell us everything.
How did he propose?
He did manage to surprise me, but I had doubts about the ring.
I can't wait to do that. After I get married someday.
So is that something you want?
-Yeah, of course. -Who's the girl?
Hmm?
I'm sure you'll have a fabulous wedding one day.
I know that voice. What's going on?
Nothing.
Come on. What did I say?
It hurts my feelings when you mention big life goals, and they don't include us.
You only use "I" when you talk about the future.
I look forward to catching up after so long. See you tomorrow.
Ugh, my God.
It's starting already.
Ugh! I don't deserve this!
THE MAN TO KNOW
EP107
HOW DARE YOU… MAKE A MOVE ON MY FAMILY?!
SQUEEZE
WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU DISAPPOINT ME, AUNT
It's been a while. But it's gotten cheesier.
Naemo's most popular webtoon for three years running,
Yun Song's The Man to Know.
A chaebol romance featuring Choi Si-woo, the third-generation heir of SY Group.
Of course, he's just as arrogant as he is handsome
with the classic and clichéd selling point of being helpless against feminine charm.
It's a hodgepodge of melodramatic action and political intrigue
that comes with a chaebol family.
As for the fairy-tale romance, the plot is so typical
it's surprising Hans Christian Andersen hasn't risen from the grave to sue
for plagiarism.
While staying in Cebu for the construction of a resort,
Si-woo goes surfing at dawn and gets swept away by a monster wave.
But he's miraculously rescued by Eun Na-ra,
who happened to be on vacation there too, and he falls madly in love with her.
THE MAN TO KNOW
Yun Song the has-been is ranting on Instagram again.
Yo, TMK. Want some crackers with that cheese?
How is TMK number one?
Naemo's gone downhill. Time to give YS the axe!
Send an editor! It's outta control.
Recommended for low blood pressure low.
Yun should stay off socials. I feel sorry for her fans.
Webtoon author Yun Song engages her readers in another heated debate.
Yun, who posted a targeted message on social media, faces backlash.
Fans angered by popular author Yun Song's irresponsible hiatuses.
Did you lose something?
No, I just…
Annoying jerk.
Selfish jerk.
Self-centered jerk.
-Ms. Seo? -Yeah?
Do you have much longer on that?
Oh.
Another… five minutes.
Great.
Ah! Lovely weather today.
Would you like the files for Ms. Yun? They're ready.
Yes, I was going to ask you about those.
Kyeong-nam has them.
What?
Hi, Kyeong-nam?
I found this in the chair. I guess you didn't feel it?
Oh. No.
Are you ready for the handover? I need the files.
Right. You're ready now?
Conference room.
Five minutes.
Or so.
-Or so? -Yes.
Right.
So the ratings could be better, but sales are steady.
There's a dedicated fan base.
We have three outstanding ad deals.
One will run as a branded webtoon until next month.
The CTR is pretty good, so we can highlight that
when we want to on-board new clients.
Bet you're feeling great about leaving me with a ticking time bomb, huh?
Not a single cuticle or chew mark in sight.
Of course his nails are perfect.
-Did you get them? -What?
Can you accept the files?
Oh.
Sorry.
That's everything we gave Producer Cho regarding The Man to Know.
-It's pretty thorough. -Thanks.
And also…
PARK KYEONG-NAM SENT A MESSAGE SAUNA COUPON
What is this?
Ah. He said it'll probably become your second home soon.
'Cause I'm gonna be so stressed?
Do people think I'm gonna cave like he did?
Yes. For sure.
Anyway, you're all up to speed now.
I'm done. Unless you have any questions?
-No. -Excellent.
Excellent. For you.
Time for lunch.
Ugh. Are you sure that clock is right?
Uh… you're seeing her this afternoon?
-I got you. Grilled eel special. -Ah!
You are my guardian angel.
-Grilled eel rice bowls! -Let's go. Ah!
I'm not letting you put ginger on mine. It makes me nauseous.
How is that possible?
Ginger's the thing you take to not throw up.
Oh, that's right!
I hope it's not crowded.
-I forgot to have breakfast. -Doors are opening.
Seo Mi-rae!
You're early! What a pleasure, Ms. Yun.
I got my favorites, so we can catch up before our meeting.
Only enough for two.
Let's go. I'm starving.
-Ah. -Enjoy your lunch date.
Stay away from the ginger.
Delicious. Mm.
-Are you worried about our collab? -Our what? No, course not!
If my old producer hadn't gotten sick, he'd be here now.
I had no idea he was such a frail man.
Still as self-centered and clueless as ever.
It's kind of impressive.
I remember you well. We really clicked, yeah?
Yes. I really hope we're still a good fit.
The reason I'm so successful is 'cause you're a great producer.
I think your success is due to your genius storylines.
Mostly them.
So the female lead being constantly tormented
by the sister-in-law or grandma-in-law,
and having her daringly rescued by Cho Si-woo looking cool in his tuxedo
is not trending as well because readers are used to it.
And the newest aunt-in-law kidnapping her on vacation…
Goodness.
So you're basically telling me
you don't want my lead character to play the hero?
Ah.
I was only referring to the tendency
for the in-laws to always be conspiring against her--
Why else would the trolls hang in there?
They complain online because then everyone knows they exist.
You don't get it.
This is why I was hesitant.
Huh?
About what?
You're a bright girl with good ideas,
only you don't get… anything about my style.
Hmm.
Well, I'm sure Director Hwang can get you someone who does.
My style's unique.
There's nobody who completely gets me, so we'll struggle along.
Just try to keep up.
If we miss the deadline, I'll get fired!
Just try to keep up.
-Just try to keep up. -I need it!
Ah!
Sorry to interrupt, but you have a visitor.
Someone to discuss a new project with Ms. Yun.
Send them in.
Yeah, yeah. Great. Come in.
-Hello, everyone. -Oh, Mr. Min.
-Nice to see you, Ms. Yun. -Good to see you.
Min Jun-young, this is Seo Mi-rae, Ms. Yun's newly-appointed producer.
Ah, okay.
-Nice to meet you. -Mr. Min.
-Sorry for just dropping in. -It's all right.
-I'm glad to have you. -You're gracious.
Like Director Hwang said.
So, Mister Min and his people at DU launched
a new dating simulation platform
using one of our characters.
Choi Si-woo as a matter of fact.
DU and Ms. Yun have agreed to certain uses.
Simulated dating, is that a new kind of video game you're trying out?
Actually, it's an app more than a game using virtual reality.
-Did your people give it a name yet? -"Boyfriend on Demand."
I told you she was like this. She's allergic to the genre.
I swear she gets a rash at the slightest sign of romance.
-You caught me off guard. I'm-- -I'm used to it.
It took me a while not to laugh at it.
The reason I wanted to meet today
is that the team that's working on the final touches loves your character,
and they were wondering if we could use some of your other ones as candidates.
-Oh, love it. -So you want more of my cute leads?
Yes.
Choi Si-woo could work because his popularity is off the charts.
He's kind of a fluke, but don't use the other ones.
Unless you wanna call it Boredom on Demand instead.
-That's funny! -They were duds!
If she didn't write, she could do stand-up!
But what you meant to say was…
I think Ms. Yun has an excellent grasp
of how her characters compare to Choi Si-woo.
I actually wanted to see if you had any objections.
My sense is, we need to go to the drawing board.
-Make a suggestion. -If they're duds…
Ah! Have you considered using the supporting characters at all?
-Using the, um… -So the secondary male characters?
Exactly. Ms. Yun's always had a particular knack at creating
contrast between her male lead and secondary heroes
to the point the female love interest has a hard time choosing.
Oh!
Take Hong-ju from Bloodsucking Boyfriend.
You had to kill him off in the jungle when he got too popular, didn't you?
A fever.
The courier from Did the Team Leader Say That? got review-bombed.
Diehard fans were afraid the lead was gonna get killed.
True.
I suggest you use other great characters Ms. Yun has created
on your platform and give them new life.
They already have a backstory, and we know they're appealing.
It could be a good way to get users hooked.
Oh, I love it! Oh, that is clever! It's good.
-Get people hooked! -You are good.
-That's good. -I love it.
The doors are opening.
Do you think it's possible for you to answer when I call?
I'll try.
-It's important close to deadlines. -Uh-huh.
-You're leaving? -Ms. Seo.
Did you work something out with Director Hwang?
I did. I'm glad I caught you.
Do you think we could sit and talk a little while longer?
Now?
Review your dating platform?
It wouldn't be anything too demanding.
We would send you the equipment,
give you a one-month trial, and you would review it when you're done.
All right. So am I reviewing the technology or the content?
It'd center on the experience. The dates that you'd be going on.
-Oh. -You'd review the candidates.
Say what you liked or didn’t like, their strengths and weaknesses.
It's more of a role-playing situation than an actual date, isn't it?
Yes, but we want it to feel like a real one.
If I understood correctly, you're not the cheesy romance type?
Uh. Uh-huh.
That's good, because we want to appeal to a wide audience.
And you strike me as very honest.
We're just testing our beta service.
I could really use a thorough assessment to see where we're at.
My budget's decent, and your time is valuable, so I insist on paying you.
I get paid to test it?
So, will you?
You had such good ideas earlier. I’d love your input.
BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND
"Boyfriend on Demand."
"Step one, sync your mobile phone with the base unit."
Now transmitting user information into the system.
"Place the ring on your head, and assume a comfortable position."
The ring will automatically adjust to fit the user's head?
"You are now ready for the wonders of Boyfriend on Demand."
User optimization complete.
Please place the ring on your head, and assume a comfortable position.
When you press the button, the ring will light up
and begin the connection process.
Please press the red button on the base unit.
Press the button on the right side of the ring to begin the connection process.
What's happening?!
Huh?
Wow.
Oh!
Oh… Oh… Oh!
Huh?
I can
breathe.
What do I do?
You look familiar.
THE MAN TO KNOW
Hold on. Are you who I think you are?
Ms. Seo Mi-rae, congratulations.
You've met your first date.
Oh my God. It’s Choi Si-woo.
Are you… are you okay? Can you talk? he ring to begin the connection process.