<Whispers 2> Interview with Author Yetsaram
Meeting the Author in the Spotlight
vol. 242
[Whispers 2]
Author Yetsaram | NAVER WEBTOON
Life and death, past and present
The countless stories and connections that make up life...
Did this short story bring comfort to you, too?
Stories written with a strange yet warm perspective
Interview with Author Yetsaram of <Whispers 2>,
starts right now!
[INTRO]
Q. Hello, Author Yetsaram! Thank you for agreeing to this interview! Before we begin, please briefly introduce yourself.
A. Hello. I am Yetsaram, the author currently serializing <Whispers 2> on NAVER WEBTOON's Friday lineup. It is nice to meet you.
[About Yetsaram]
Q. How did you decide on the pen name "Yetsaram"?
A. Hmm... Since I have liked old-fashioned things for a long time, my friends used to playfully tease me saying I am like an 'old person' (Yetsaram),
and I think that playful teasing became the reason for creating this nickname.
Q. Starting with your first work <Gwiyagok>, followed by <The Successful Fan> which added lively imagination,
and to your representative mystery omnibus <Whispers> series... the subjects and genres of your works are very diverse.
Do you have a particular source of inspiration when selecting topics, or an element you consider important when planning a story?
A. When I was a rookie right after my debut, I used to get a lot of ideas from words or music.
And while I used to unfold stories mainly for entertainment just as they came to mind back then,
now I focus on making sure they are entertaining while also containing the message I want to convey.
△ You can find the author's previous works on NAVER WEBTOON👍
Q. Among them, the thriller and mystery genres stand out the most. Do you like ghost stories or mystery genres?
A. Yes. I really love them. I like them so much that you could say I only pick and read mystery and thriller genres. haha
Q. After debuting on Lezhin in 2013 with <Gwiyagok>, you have been consistently presenting works until now.
Please tell us if you have a secret to your consistent creative activities!
A. The reason I could be consistent...
is, thankfully, because there were many people beside me
who helped me tell the stories I wanted to tell.
The biggest contributors among them, of course, are the readers,
NAVER WEBTOON, which spares no feedback so I can focus solely on producing my next work,
and my precious family and friends. Because of them, I think I have been truly lucky to draw comics all this time.
Q. Your genres are diverse, but the changes in your art style according to the genre are also noticeable.
I know that changing art styles is a difficult task, so I'm curious why you present a new art style every time!
A. Oh, do you feel like my art style changes a lot..?
Actually, I want to change the mood and art style to match the story depending on the genre or subject,
so I try my best, but I can't erase the thought that it looks similar every time...
If you notice a change, I'm truly grateful..!
△ Every single art style is so charming❣️
Q. What are some of the difficulties or rewards you feel in the process of trying a new art style?
A. I feel incredibly rewarded when readers say they were more immersed in the atmosphere while reading the webtoon..!
(I don't think there are any major difficulties..! Rather, I find it quite fun to work while changing the art style.)
Q. Is there a comic you read as a child that you still consider your absolute favorite?
A. Unsurprisingly, I really, really love and respect Author Chon Kye-young. <Audition> is still the comic of my life.
I still occasionally recall lines from the comic in certain situations.
Also, I absolutely love all the works of Author Yuki Urushibara.
Q. Do you have any music you often listen to or media you get help from while working?
A. I always have YouTube playing in the background. I tend to watch a lot of YouTube channels that cover incidents and accidents,
and I also quite enjoy book-reading and movie review channels.
When working on dialogue, I play music playlists without lyrics.
Q. I'm curious about your workspace!
A. There is nothing special..😢
Just a few small souvenirs I bought from my travels sit on my desk, and I only use one computer for work.
△ A snapshot of the author's desk😁
[About <Whispers 2>]
Q. After the conclusion of <Whispers> Season 1, you presented Season 2 after 8 years.
How long was the preparation period for <Whispers 2>?
A. I can't exactly say that the preparation period for Whispers Season 2 took a specific amount of time, because
even while working on other series, I would constantly jot down ideas that came to mind.
So I think it's more accurate to say that I always had Season 2 in mind.
Still, I'd say the full-fledged preparation took about 6 months.
△ Left) Whispers 1 Right) Whispers 2
Q. Is there any difference from the previous Season 1?
A. Over the past 8 years, my values have undergone many changes, and I've had various life experiences.
If there is a difference, I guess it would be that those emotions are embedded in the story more deeply than in Season 1.
Q. Although it's an omnibus series, there must be a key episode that led you to plan the <Whispers> series.
Which episode served as the starting point for <Whispers 2>?
A. 'Three Cold, Four Warm Days' (Samhansaon) was definitely the starting point.
I thought I absolutely wanted to show it in Whispers,
and it's the story I spent the most time working on, so you could say it became the origin of Whispers 2.
△ Welcome to the beginning of strange tales...
Q. As it is an omnibus series, you must have a variety of stories. Where do you usually find the material for your stories?
A. I think I get a lot from randomly heard words, music, and my main areas of interest.
Q. I think <Whispers 2> is closer to the drama genre than thriller or mystery.
We can feel your perspective in various places beyond humanity.
Personally, I was deeply impressed by the story of the grim reaper treating a young deceased soul in the 'White Dew' (Baekro) episode.
On your Instagram, there is even a dubbed video by aspiring voice actor Kim Won-jae!
Are there any other episodes in <Whispers 2> with a special production backstory like 'White Dew'?
A. 'White Dew' is an episode I personally cherish, and I am incredibly grateful that it was dubbed.
I was so thankful then, and I still am.❣️
As for other episodes with a special behind-the-scenes story...
For the room interior background in the 'Lighthouse' episode, instead of drawing it using SketchUp or reference photos,
I bought and assembled a miniature model,
and then took pictures of the directed angles to use. I suppose that would be a somewhat special production secret.
Q. Even episodes centered on death or the deceased often stand out with their calm and warm directing.
I think this deeply reflects your usual values.
Is there an episode that best expresses your view on life and death?
A. I think the 'Dreams' (Kkumjari) episode portrays life and death closest to how I wish them to be.
△ What kind of dream did you have today?
Q. Your works feature diverse stories and charming characters.
Among them, is there a particular episode or character that you hold especially dear?
A. I love the 'Kaleidoscope' (Jumadeung) episode.
Perhaps because I have a pet dog, I poured even more of my earnest wishes into drawing it.
I also have a lot of affection for the male protagonist in the 'Belonging' (Gwisok) episode.
It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but while working on the story, I empathized with him from his perspective and even shed a tear...
Maybe that's why, when I think of him, I feel slightly sorry and pitiful for him.
Q. Watching <Whispers 2> reminded me of Japanese author Yuki Urushibara's work, 'Mushishi'.
It would be wonderful if a charming series like <Whispers> could reach readers in more diverse ways, just like 'Mushishi'.
Are there any plans for an animated adaptation or physical book publication of the <Whispers> series?
A. Ah... An animation adaptation is, yes, like a dream, isn't it..? haha. Currently, there are no plans for an animation or physical book publication.
Q. Since it's a work with diverse themes and moods, it would be wonderful if merchandise symbolizing key episodes were released.
If we could actually see the pencil from the 'Queen of the Forest' episode, the story's resonance would be felt even more deeply beyond the screen.
If you were to make merchandise, which episode's item would you want to create?
A. Well, I'd like to try producing a mood lamp. The 'Lighthouse' episode would be nice, and I think the 'Three Cold, Four Warm Days' episode would be good too.
Q. Readers leave various reactions in the comments for every episode.
Are there any comments that are particularly memorable? Please let us know if there are any reader comments that have influenced you!
A. There are so many comments I am truly grateful for.
I am often amazed that people look upon my work so favorably and analyze it so well.🥲
I am always truly thankful..!
If I were to pick one comment that left the deepest impression recently...
It was a comment on the '120 Years of Flight' episode by a reader with the nickname 'Monongraepi'..!
They wrote it applying a line from the story,
「There is a saying that 12 years of memories and connections are built up for every 1-star rating.
Since I gave you 10 stars, the author and I have now built up 120 years of memories and connections.」
They left this comment, and I was so comforted and moved by such beautiful words!
I don't know if the reader will see this post, but... I want to express my sincere gratitude!
[Outro]
Q. Even if it's not your next work, if you were given infinite time and capital, is there a specific genre or story you definitely want to draw?
A. I... would like to try a romantic comedy for once. haha
Q. For readers who are new to <Whispers 2>, please let us know if you have any tips on how to fully appreciate the charm of this work!
A. There aren't any particular tips, but I think it would be nice to watch Season 1 first.
And if a suitable piece of music comes to mind for the story, I dare say... I hope you can listen to it while reading.
Q. Thank you so much for your hard work answering this long interview.
Are there any things you really want to say about <Whispers 2> that weren't in the prepared questions?
A. I am genuinely happy to be able to serialize Whispers.
It is no exaggeration to say that this is the happiest moment of my life as an author, and I am so grateful.
Q. Lastly, if you have anything you want to say to the readers who loved <Whispers 2>, please feel free to share.
A. Because you always support me despite my shortcomings, and look upon me with warm hearts and unsparing praise,
I can continue to draw comics. I will do my absolute best to wrap up the remaining stories well.
Even if one day I no longer draw comics and readers forget about me,
I will live my whole life remembering those warm words and support you gave me. Thank you..!
Sometimes chilling, sometimes warm stories... Hoping they brought you comfort today as well,
thank you for joining this long interview.❣️