What's this?
No way.
Uh…
GREETINGS, DEAR SUBSCRIBER
Huh?
Uh?
Huh?
Ah!
Ah.
-Took ya long enough. -Who are you?
Let me see.
Seo Mi-rae.
ZODIAC: CANCER, BLOOD TYPE: B JOB: WEBTOON PRODUCER
Twenty-nine, heterosexual. That's you, isn't it?
Yeah.
Sorry, but are you an actual person, or…?
I will manage your dates, personally. You can call me Unni, all right? Hmm?
All right, but, um… Where are we?
-I mean, what's with all these posters? -Oh.
Gimme a sec.
It's yours.
Everyone who comes here is given a ring like this.
It'll appear on you automatically every time you log in.
And then when you remove it, you'll log out.
Okay, so this place is a virtual reality, right?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, wait! Is everything okay out in the real world?
I'm not sure.
That's great. Ready to go?
Going where?
You'll see.
THE MAN YOU THINK YOU KNOW
Go on.
In there?
What the…
Wait a minute.
He's the…
Oh! He's Choi Si-woo!
Ms. Seo Mi-rae, congratulations!
You've met your first date!
I've never seen a guy this gorgeous.
Oh!
Uh, are you… are you okay?
Oh my God.
Hi.
When you remove it, you'll log out.
EPISODE 2 CLICHE OR CLASSIC
BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND
The technology of DU, the leader in K-games, has come far.
Boyfriend on Demand is a game meant to be experienced with all senses.
The imminent release of Boyfriend on Demand,
a platform that will change the very paradigm of romance,
raises some concerns regarding addiction.
When the doors of everyday life close,
and a new door opens,
the love life you've dreamed of will begin.
Are you ready for another thrilling day?
This is where any romance you desire becomes reality.
With 900 themes waiting just for you.
So, who will you be dating today?
Mr. Min, you scoundrel.
Your work is truly amazing.
When people experience something extraordinary,
it takes a minute to absorb it.
Mi-rae.
Uh, it's from Mr. Cho. He wanted you to have it.
Oh. Oh, okay then.
-Thank you. -Um, I'll just leave it here?
Mm-hmm.
Sorry? You want to release Hwany's webtoon on Fridays?
Yeah, check this out.
This is a list of our current Friday releases.
It's a bit outdated.
DIRECTOR HWANG BYEONG-HAK
And now, look at the ratings for TMK.
-What do you think? -I mean, Hwany's getting popular recently.
So I doubt he would want to compete with The Man to Know--
Although, if you were to float the idea, hmm?
What's wrong? Don't want to?
No, it's not that.
I just don't understand why you'd want to release
our two highest-rated authors on the same day.
Oh, I have no intention of betting the fate of the company on one project.
And don't worry, that guy does whatever you say anyway.
So, you'll talk to him about it? Huh?
Huh?
-Okay, I can do that. -Okay.
-Go on then. Back to work. -Yes, sir.
-Uh, by the way… -Hmm?
Did you let Seo Mi-rae know? Already?
What're you talkin' about, uh? Uh, uh, uh.
If Yun Song finds out, that'll be it, so sh.
We're taking a leap of faith.
-Right. -Mm.
I can feel him looking at me.
Seriously, come on. Get a grip. It's just a drawing.
Attention. The train is now approaching the station.
Eastbound direction. Please stand back…
NAEMO'S BEST FRIDAY WEBTOON THE MAN TO KNOW
Was that always here?
CAN I… STAY THE NIGHT?
What the…
WANT A SHARPER NOSE THAN A WEBTOON LEAD? PEOPLE PLASTIC SURGERY
-Choi Si-woo is so cool. -I know, right?
THE MAN TO KNOW
THE MAN TO KNOW, VOL. 1
Choi Si-woo is everywhere.
THE MAN TO KNOW NAEMO'S NO. 1 WEBTOON IN STORES
-What the heck? Where am I? -Morning.
Eun Na-ra, the female lead of The Man to Know, works at a hotel.
SEO MI-RAE
Does that mean I'm supposed to be a webtoon character?
APPROVAL REQUEST
Attention, general manager.
GENERAL MANAGER CHOI SI-WOO
I was right.
He really was Choi Si-woo. Huh.
It appears there's an employee who thinks she can sit on my desk.
Or was I imagining it?
-I was just-- -Get out. Right now.
Uh?
Oh. Hmm.
Whatever.
Hold on.
Didn't you want me to leave?
You look familiar.
There it is.
Oh my God, this is insane.
It's you from when I nearly…
That's right.
-But how are you here right now? -Um.
Well, I work here?
I thought I'd never find you.
Huh?
You know, ever since you saved my life,
I've thought of you every single day. I've never forgotten.
Wait, what? What's wrong with him?
Every single day.
You've never left my thoughts.
I had forgotten how cringey the male lead in The Man to Know is.
I need you to stop acting quite so intense or I'm gonna--
Don't speak.
Let us take this moment.
For what?
Identical.
To what?
To the beautiful face I longed to see,
and I've desperately searched for, every night in my dreams.
It was yours.
Ugh!
Oh! Holy shit!
Is he deranged or what?
There’s only so much cringe a girl can take.
Identical. To the beautiful face I longed to see,
and I've desperately searched for, every night in my dreams.
Ugh. I can't do it.
Can't stand the sight of him?
He's really having a hard time these days, isn't he?
Poor Choi Si-woo.
Hard time? Why do you say that?
-You haven't seen what Hwany posted? -Um. Why?
Oh, jeez.
What?
-Oh, hi! -Mr. Hwang.
Is it true that Hwany's going to be published on Fridays?
Uh-huh, I'm afraid so.
How could you do that without letting me know first? It--
You're not in charge here!
You should've let me know!
Who knows when's the last time she had healthy competition?
This is a good thing, okay? It'll be fine.
This wasn't by any chance
Park Kyeong-nam's idea, was it?
Hmm?
Mm. No.
Real… really not at all.
-Ugh! -It's not impactful enough.
I think we're gonna want a stronger ending.
Ugh, how is that even possible?
Wouldn't it be crazy if I got to number one?
Stop counting your chickens.
Okay, fine.
If I'm gonna make it more impactful,
I could ramp up the plot more aggressively.
And we could move the manager scene from the next episode up a little?
If we use it as the ending, it would be more engaging.
Ugh, seriously.
I told you to pick up when I call you.
You’re the one who nudged me and asked me out, aha
I'm not the one who nudged you And asked you out, aha
SEO MI-RAE
You lied to me all the time
Saying you couldn't pick up my calls Because your phone died
I hate you so much, aha
Say no more And just hang up the phone
Hang up! I don't want to talk…
Answer your phone! What the hell! I've been calling all day!
My phone is crying And so am I
Holy crap! Oh, Mi-rae.
-Wait. -We're leaving.
-Stop. -Stop! Let me go!
Stop! You're hurting me!
Stop it! The headphones! Are you crazy?
Seriously! And anyway, how come you're even here?
Who told you where I was?
You might consider being less predictable.
I came because I need to talk to you about something.
-Oh? -Do you know? Is that why you're here?
Don't give me that, Mi-rae.
You're the one who handles all the office stuff, aren't you?
Yeah! When they told you he was moving to Fridays,
what exactly were you doing? Telling him to come on in?
I was…
They didn't give me any warning, that's why I couldn't stop it.
Ugh! This stinks.
He wants it? Good. He can have it.
What?
Don't give it to him. You can't do that.
What do you care? It's not like it would affect you that much anyway.
It would so. I know you don't mean that.
If your ratings drop after I start working with you,
I'm sure Park Kyeong-nam…
I mean, the fault would go to me, because it should.
Besides, this little punk only wanted to sneak his way onto the same day as you
hoping your light will shine on him.
Shit.
Ms. Yun, you can't let him have his way without a fight, can you?
I hate you! God!
This is driving me crazy.
Oh, thanks very much.
So is it okay if I go?
Ugh! This is so freaking painful.
Uh, sure, So-yeong. You can go now. It's okay.
Right.
I know we'll think of something brilliant if we focus a bit harder here.
-Roger that. -Oh. Roger that.
Ms. Yun.
Come on. All we need is something new to happen to Choi Si-woo, okay?
Define "new" then, okay?
You're the one who said you weren't a fan of his aunt kicking up a storm.
My brain's giving me nothing right now.
Should I kill him off?
Don't you think that would make them watch, if the main character dies?
Please, this isn't the time for jokes.
Did you ever
wonder why this one took off the way it did,
more than anything else I drew?
Oh.
Well, I think, it was because your talents were able to truly shine.
And what are my talents?
Uh. One of them is, uh, your male characters are gorgeous.
So you see my issue.
That's been it from the very start.
I didn't intend for any of this.
The only reason I made it this far was that Choi Si-woo was so hot.
This is all because he's so stunning, okay?
He's the reason everyone keeps reading this incredibly boring slop.
They keep reading through it all, just because he's too good-looking!
Ow, shit.
I'm starting to understand why Mr. Cho quit this job.
I…
I honestly don't want to do this anymore. I'm so sick and tired of all of it.
Look, Mi-rae.
Help me get out of this, okay?
My whole life is falling apart.
YOUR DAILY WARMTH, A PERFECT MOMENT
Having fun? You're ruining my life.
-Do you think he likes me? -Hey, stop talking about him.
You've been talking about him all day since this morning.
Why are you doing that?
He won't give me a clear answer, yes or no.
Why don't we go and ask him if he likes you or not?
-Let's go ask him right now. -Right now?
Uh-oh.
Why don't we go and ask him if he likes you or not?
Let's go ask him right now.
Do you think he likes me?
-Stop talking. -Think he likes me?
You've been talking about him all day since this morning. Why?
It's just that he won't give me a clear answer, yes or no.
Let's go ask him right now.
What are you doing? Come in.
I'm here. What's this?
Really?
You asked me to come to your room?
There are prying eyes everywhere else.
I haven't noticed any.
They follow me like bees to honey.
Hang in there. Think about why you came.
What's with the face?
But I have to say… he's so damn handsome.
Uh…
-I do have something to say. -You're a supervisor, right?
-Don't come in anymore. -What?
I need you to stop working here.
I… Are you firing me right now, or what?
Yes, I suppose so. After all, if you work here, I can't ask you out.
If I don't want to get in trouble,
I have to fire you.
Why is he obsessed with labor laws?
And he's assuming I wanna go out.
Did you say something?
I'm guessing that every woman you've asked out until now said yes.
-But not this time. -You think so?
Show a little bit of effort. Just show me what you're made of.
You're a compelling woman, you know that?
Do you mean you'd like it if I seduced you? Would you?
Oh my God. Seduce me, yeah. Quickly, please.
I'm in a bit of a rush, so get to it.
I'm starting to consider not firing you.
It's too late. You already said you wanted to date me, so…
Yeah, but I'll keep my eye on you a little longer.
Keep your eye? I'm in a rush.
Yes, Mr. Choi.
Yes, Ms. Choi.
Transfer her to the secretary's office.
-Yes, sir. Right away. -Unbelievable.
-What is it? -Huh?
You can go now. I'm done.
What?
Uh…
Allow me to introduce myself.
I'm the chief secretary who assists Mr. Choi
all day, every day, by his side.
Call me Choi Min-ju.
CHIEF SECRETARY CHOI MIN-JU
As you are aware,
SY Group's secretarial office might be a difficult assignment.
Mr. Choi may have helped you into this situation.
It's only right that we follow the bare minimum of protocol, so he put in a…
request for a simple job interview.
An interview? Why?
Yes. I'd like you to please answer simply.
What's your favorite food?
Food?
I… I like beef and pork, I guess.
BEEF, PORK
-I… I'm a fan of meat, all kinds, really. -What about hobbies?
If you were to go on a date, name something you'd want to do.
-Do you have a dream travel destination? -Something to do…
-This isn't for a job. -What guys are you into?
He should just ask me himself. Why is he making you do it?
Excuse me.
Yes, Mr. Choi. Yes. One minute.
Allergies, absolutely.
I better ask her shoe size too.
I'm glad to help, sir. Yep.
Oh, and Mr. Ko! Why haven't we left yet?
Uh, a car's parked in front of us.
Mr. Ko, Mr. Choi insists that we keep moving.
I'm not sure they're leaving.
Yo! Oh, apologies.
They're asking for it.
Hey! You bastard!
Let me get them moving, okay?
Hey!
Wait, what's he gonna do, anyway?
Don't worry.
You'll find Mr. Ko isn't exactly average.
I took care of it.
They didn't have to turn it into an action film.
Ms. Seo, Mr. Choi is expecting you.
After you.
Be careful, Ms. Seo.
Mr. Choi wouldn't want you to knock on the door twice.
Going forward, whenever you knock,
one soft and gentle tap will suffice.
-This is so much fun. -Sorry?
Nothing.
Go ahead then, just one tap.
-Gently. -One tap. Okay.
Come in.
You may enter. But for next time, you were a bit aggressive.
Ah, just like the webtoon version, super annoying.
What's all this?
Flowers.
Nothing like flowers when you wanna seduce a woman.
Wow. What a nice guy.
Listen,
I may be trying to seduce you, but you shouldn't forget who the boss is.
Oh.
And so? Do you like them?
Hmm.
They're okay.
You're hard to please.
So, what's next? What are we doing?
This is the point where you ask me out. You've prepared something, right?
You're pretty shameless, aren't you?
I… You're not asking me out, then?
Fine, let's get out of here. Right now.
This is it?
What?
Is this all the food there is? What kind of review do you think--
I mean, what kind of appetite do you think I have?
-Huh? -Don't you worry.
It hasn't even started yet.
I figured you could use a good meal before we go out.
Bon appétit.
Mm. Tastes like real food. Oh!
Oh my.
Excuse me.
Ugh. What did I do to deserve a woman like her?
What are we doing in a department store?
Wait a minute!
Given my social standing,
I can't go out with someone without doing a little shopping first.
No way!
Well?
Try them on.
-Whoa. -Like to try it on?
YES
Do you want it?
You rented out the entire hotel pool,
but won't swim in it?
Yeah, why? That okay?
Sure, it's okay.
Seo Mi-rae.
Do you like it? It's for you.
Not sure.
But I'm starting to think that I do.
You're late.
I finally get it.
I thought it was a cliché, but it's not!
Ms. Yun! Ms. Yun!
It's too early. What is it?
-Classic. I know what to do. I got it. -Know what?
I know what Choi Si-woo needs to do now.
Huh?
-We need to go back to go forward. -Ugh. Back to go forward?
You said the reason behind TMK's popularity
was Choi Si-woo's stunning good looks, right?
It also offers the fantasy of a chaebol who can give you everything you want.
You're the one who said people were criticizing it
because the chaebol thing was cliché.
No, no, no, no. I think I was wrong.
You were wrong?
Ms. Yun, Choi Si-woo is not a cliché.
He's a classic.
He's the very essence of a classic romantic fantasy.
I mean, what readers love about this show
is that it offers them an escape from their difficult realities.
Don't keep making Si-woo say cheesy lines.
I promise you that's all that's making them lose interest.
Hmm. So what do we do?
I think we go back.
We go back and revisit the core elements of the very essence of a chaebol fantasy.
First, the department store. Because that's part of the fantasy.
-A shopping trip. -All luxury--
Luxury brands.
Oh! When Choi Si-woo suddenly loses his composure, that's when my heart…
-Our readers' hearts will flutter. -All right.
So-yeong, for this scene, I think we could use a darker palette.
-Got it. -Why is he sweating so much?
-The ring's small. -Bigger?
-Look, it should be this big at least. -Okay, make it ridiculous. You heard her.
Then Choi Si-woo grabs her and pulls her out the door.
-Ah! -She feels a vibe, and that's it.
Game over. Classic.
EUN NA-RA, SHINE FOR ME, BY MY SIDE
-Are you getting a coffee? -Uh, yeah.
One iced latte, please.
Here's your iced latte. 5,000 won, please.
I guess we'll both be here late every deadline, huh?
I guess so.
It wasn't intentional.
You're talking like it was a car accident.
Don't worry about it.
I get the feeling you're mad though.
-I don't care. -The doors are opening.
It's a habit, isn't it?
Pretending you don't care.
The doors are closing.
It's obvious anyway.
It's written all over your face.
-Hmm. Oh yeah? -Yeah.
If it's so obvious, then why ask? Jerk.
Oh. Uh.
By the way, I see you're staying late today too.
-You see? -Yes. Two cups of coffee instead of one.
Oh.
The café closes soon,
so I got a second one for the drive back home.
Once the ice has melted, doesn't taste great.
I know. I don't plan on staying here that late.
-Oh. -The doors are opening.
Me neither!
1 MESSAGE
Oh, Jesus.
Shit.
Are you kidding? Honestly?
Ugh. No. Don't message her.
No messages, none.
Seriously.
Oh.
YUN SONG: THE MAN TO KNOW EPISODE 110
Oh yes. It's over.
Don't look yet.
3: PlanC HWANY
1: THE MAN TO KNOW YUN SONG
Yeah! We did it!
First place!
We did it, we did it We did it, did it, did it
However did I end up In first place so easily?
I saw Ms. Mi-rae.
-Congratulations! -Congratulations!
Good for you!
-Oh, hi guys. -Great job.
Congratulations!
Seo Mi-rae!
Hello. Morning.
Oh no.
Who turned you around?
Mm.
Hmm.
-I'm impressed. -Hmm?
Um, I am not sure I understand.
Why do you all seem so excited today?
Ooh!
Let's get to it, okay?
This is it. It's finally returning to its roots.
She's really poured her soul into this episode.
A triumphant return to form for TMK.
Ah. So much fun. You're so sweet.
It's great.
I clearly meant dinner. What's with the private jet?
Disappointed?
-Hmm. -What took you so long?
I have to stick to my working hours. I'm an employee, after all.
Using work as an excuse after you make your boss wait.
Where are we having dinner tonight?
Follow me, and you'll see.
Wow.
Look at that!
What! Look at the dolphin!
Let's get engaged. I'll tell my parents.
Engaged?
But that's crazy.
A chaebol proposes to you and you spit out your drink?
I already told you. Casual dating is all I ever wanted.
What?
I told you not to fall for me, didn't I?
It's beautiful here.
Seo Mi-rae.
Hmm?
I'll make you a deal.
What deal?
We don't have to be engaged, okay?
Hmm.
But in exchange,
can you at least be my girlfriend?
This is the first time I've ever asked for anything.
There's
something else I'd like.
What's going on?
Oh.
I'm experiencing a dopamine explosion.
Is everything okay?
Oh yes. It's all good.
I got you something.
Hmm?
It's simply a ring for my girlfriend.
So don't turn it down. It doesn't mean anything else.
Choi Si-woo.
Oh my God!
Hmm?
Hold on. What the hell?
What's going on?
Come on!
Ms. Seo Mi-rae,
your 50 hours of dating Choi Si-woo has ended.
Fifty hours?
SERVICE PERIOD EXPIRED
No!
Choi Si-woo?
Ah shit!
What was that?
"You may not date a male character for more than 50 hours."
Why?
No! Why?
No!
We have a meeting with Mipare tomorrow.
Okay. Both of them are on the rise right now,
so we have to bring their upcoming projects to over to us.
-Yep. -Team one?
Oh, um, I was able to get a hold of Hwan-su,
but they said we should talk after the series is finished.
So that's on hold.
Choi Si-woo left an impression on me.
Ow! Oh shit.
So much so, I'm not myself these days.
Even better looks than his webtoon original,
good conversation skills, and a quiet thoughtfulness.
Definitely over-the-top.
Too sexy to resist though.
So sexy.
HELLA SEXY
DEVICE SATISFACTION USER EXPERIENCE REVIEW
As expected, Seo Mi-rae, you've given us a quality review.
-Glad you like it. -It's fascinating.
You got matched with a character from a series that you produce.
How was that? Just an organic response.
Uh… What do you want to know?
Oh, I just wanted your honest opinion about the experience.
Ah. I… I mean it was fun. Super… exciting.
Then why did you review it after so few?
Uh, I experienced enough to understand most of the service.
Besides, Choi Si-woo set the bar way too high.
I figured he'd be hard to beat.
Ms. Seo.
Yes?
There are 899 others.
Couldn't you've found another one to rival Si-woo?
Oh.
You haven't used all of your time yet.
If you don’t use it, you’ll regret it.
It's like I'm watching a movie.
He drives women crazy.
-Totally. -Yeah, those eyes…
He just melts your heart.
-He draws you in. -The way he holds her hand!
Dopamine.
I need more dopamine.
There are 899 others.
Couldn't you've found another one to rival Si-woo?
You haven't used all of your time yet.
If you don't use it, you'll regret it.
He's right.
It's a free one-month subscription. I should use it while I still have it.
Shouldn't I?
Jeez, since when do I make enough to turn down free stuff?
Beggars can't be choosers.
Wow.
You lucked out on another amazing pick today, huh?
Go on then.
I let Mr. Min talk me into coming back,
but I was still skeptical.
Could there really be another man in here more thrilling
and charming than Choi Si-woo, the classic male lead?
Is there anything wrong?
Give me a minute.
Oh, such a baby.
Now…
Hm?
Oh! You pushed me!
One day you told me I love you baby
When the powers off Will you still be mine?
-I'm saving our loving -Oh!
To my memory file
We are happy like floating clouds
I can't feel on my skin
I guess you'd be soft and warm
A love made-up still feels better
Even though you're fiction
We are dancing slow
Love's reflection glows So real to them
I need one more chance
Your voice drips like warm honey Oh girl…
Once again, Boyfriend on Demand far exceeded my expectations.
La dah dah…
BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND
La dah dah-dah-dah
La dah dah dah dah-dah-dah dah
Someday you'll call me Your digital baby
When it's sleep time Will you dream of my love?
I'm saving your smile in my coded file
Coded file
We'll still be shining Like midnight clouds
I can't see where you've been
You fade through the screen again
Loving pixels still feel so tender
Even though you're just the sender
We are dancing slow
Love's reflection glows So real to them
I need one more chance
Your voice drips like warm honey Oh girl who I want
La dah dah-dah-dah
La dah dah dah-dah-dah-dah
Dah dah dah-dah
La dah dah-dah-dah
La dah dah dah dah dah--dah-dah
Someday you'll call me Your digital baby, boo
When it's sleep time Will you dream of my love?
I'm saving your smile in my coded file
Coded file
We'll still be shining Like midnight clouds
I can't see where you've been
You fade through the screen again
Loving pixels still feel so tender
-Even though you're just the sender -Ooh ooh ooh
We are dancing slow
Love's reflection glows So real to them
I need one more chance
Your voice drips like warm honey
Oh girl who I want
Maybe love's just a line of code
A sweet illusion I call my own
Even if this world resets again
My heart will still Log in to your name
We are dancing slow
Loves reflection glows So real tonight
I need one more chance
Your voice drips like warm honey
Oh girl who I want
La dah dah-dah-dah
La dah dah la dah-dah-dah honey