From Passion To Pixels: "A Shoulder To Cry On" BL Webtoon Artist Dongmul Tells All About Her Creative Genius | Exclusive Interview

Dongmul is a BL (Boy's Love) webtoon artist who has had quite an impact on webtoon lovers throughout her career so far. Thanks to her one-of-a-kind sense for writing, drawing, and composition, her webtoons have seen a world of success, too. Her webtoons can often be found in the top ranks of webtoon platforms. She is renowned for being an author who immediately becomes your favorite author to the point where you look for more of her works to get your fix of her unique style. Dongmul has earned herself nicknames from fans that included (and are not limited to) 'My Favorite Webtoon Artist of All Time' and has released diverse works that appeal to many. She is one of the most-anticipated webtoon artists to date.

You can follow and keep up with her work here: Dongmul's Twitter/X.

"A Shoulder To Cry On" ("소년을 위로해줘" in Korean) is one of the fan-favorite webtoon masterpieces in the BL webtoon fan community. It is one of the works that was written and illustrated by the renowned webtoon artist, Dongmul.

You can read the "A Shoulder To Cry On" webtoon on Lezhin Comics in Korean here and in English here.

This year, "A Shoulder To Cry On" was adapted into a BL web drama starring OMEGA X’s YeChan and JaeHan, Shin SiYe, Jeong HoGyun, and Kim DongWon, becoming a hot topic among BL webtoon and drama fans alike! The drama was especially complimented for bringing the webtoon to life in an impactful way, bringing more attention to the original story, as well.

Kpopmap had the honor of conducting an exclusive interview with the webtoon artist, Dongmul, about her creative process as a webtoon artist in general and particularly when creating "A Shoulder To Cry On". We spoke about how she expresses her real-life experiences in her projects, her thinking behind some of her artistic choices, her impressions of the web drama, and more!

 

First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak to Kpopmap today, Dongmul author. Could you please introduce yourself, for the sake of Kpopmap's readers from around the world? We’d love to share a TMI about you with our readers. Please tell us the meaning behind the pseudonym 'Dongmul’. 😊

Hello. I'm the webtoon author known by the pen name 'Dongmul' and currently active as 'Lee ChaYeon'.
I'm honored to be able to greet you this way. I'm a bit cautious about discussing my pen name. ‘Dongmul’ was quite literally taken from the word ‘animal’. The reason behind this was my fear that my real name would be easily discoverable at the time.
If you search ‘animal webtoons’ or ’animal authors’, you’ll see webtoon creators who raised animals or artists drawing animal illustrations, which allowed me to remain hidden.
The reason behind this decision was that when I initially started creating webtoons, I thought I wouldn't be able to sustain this profession for long.
I'm fundamentally a reserved person and the realization that I wasn't adequately prepared instilled in me a fear of the worst possible scenario. I thought it would be best to disappear as if I had never been there in the first place. I've since received a new name, 'Lee ChaYeon', from a good fortune teller, and now, I've come too far to choose a different path. I believe that creating webtoons suits me, and I can continue with it. Before I began, I had many thoughts I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams. So I decided to change my pen name, which I adopted with a heavy heart, as it seemed to lack responsibility and professional courtesy.

 

Your first work started in the BL genre which you personally handled both the artwork and the story for. BL is considered a more specialized field compared to mainstream romance, so it couldn't have been easy. Can you tell us what motivated you to choose this genre?

First of all, I believe that if it weren't for the love story between handsome men, seen from both the front and back perspectives, I wouldn't have been able to engage in creative work. I've been exposed to the BL genre since my adolescence, and that's all I've been reading. After that, my preferences became more fixed.
I reached a point where there was a lack of content that matched my taste, and I started indulging in my own fantasies. As my fantasies deepened, I eventually began writing them down in words or expressing them through drawings (which seems to be a common occurrence). Strangely, as a result, I don't really know how to write stories that aren't BL.

 

We would assume that to prepare for this project, you've probably watched many BL dramas and works. Do you have a favorite BL drama or work that stood out to you in your lifetime?

I had almost stopped consuming BL content while preparing for this work. Perhaps it was because I had watched too much over the years.
Since becoming an adult, I've been either repeatedly reading my favorite works or shifting from different genres to BL to fuel my fantasies. In any case, my all-time favorite BL work is "Bon Appétit" by author Jeo SuRi.

 

“A Shoulder To Cry On” is a coming-of-age story that focuses on two boys who have been hurt and how they grow and heal together during their tumultuous adolescent years. It seems like this story resonates even more with readers who are going through a similar phase in life. How did you find inspiration for creating such well-rounded characters and providing a sense of realism through the material you used?

It was my school days. I think my own flaws and concerns helped provide a well-rounded sense of realism. TaeHyun's self-doubt which leads to his subsequent human distrust... DaYeol's obsessive pursuit of stability and survival instincts leading to self-loss - all of these are my own shortcomings. Since it wasn't about someone else, I could be quite explicit in their portrayal. Because of that, I couldn't show these aspects to those close to me.

 

In most BL works, the romantically involved characters tend to meet in a conventional way. However, one of the most iconic scenes in "A Shoulder To Cry On” is in the infirmary when DaYeol hovers on top of TaeHyun on the nursing bed (a heart-fluttering scene right from the first chapter!). How did you come up with the idea for this unique meet-cute?

Actually, "A Shoulder To Cry On” wasn't a planned project. There was no formal planning; I simply started drawing the moment that came to my mind one day. The initial moment was when TaeHyun gestured to DaYeol to be quiet through the curtains, and I initially drew about five panels of that as a simple diversion. (Those exact panels were eventually used in the manuscript.) From there, it evolved into a full-fledged project.

*Note: a 'meet-cute' is the term for the first encounter between romantically involved characters in a story.

 

In this project, DaYeol's dialogue as an archery athlete is filled with inspirational quotes such as, "My life was on the bullseye." Was there a specific reason for choosing this field of sport, and do you have any particular connection to archery that led to this choice?

During my school days, there was an archery range nearby. I often saw the archery enthusiasts coming and going, and I became interested in it. The influence of friends who were preparing for physical education college entrance exams in my class also played a role. While most of us were focused on academics, those preparing for physical education colleges had the fascinating goal of training their bodies. So, when I imagined what kind of thoughts they might have while pursuing such a goal, I often put myself in their shoes, even though I didn't actually practice archery.
(Still, I wonder how someone who has experience with archery would react if they happened to come across “A Shoulder To Cry On”).

 

"A Shoulder To Cry On" falls somewhere between a BL and a youth drama, with a gentle and heartwarming focus on the budding emotions of the two boys. It's not as intense as many other BL works, and it stands out for its refreshing qualities. However, many readers expressed disappointment because the pacing they anticipated didn't materialize until the end. (The gift of the kissing scenes in the side story was greatly appreciated). When you were creating the project, did you intentionally aim for this level of physical intimacy? Additionally, is there a reason you intentionally excluded some of the typical BL elements to conclude the story in this balanced manner?

During that time, I had a preference for more realistic portrayals. Therefore, I struggled to accurately depict certain elements unique to BL manga, like situations that only exist in BL (e.g., three gay couples in one class without anyone finding it strange, etc.) and characters that are more commonly found in manga (e.g., tsundere, hot-blooded guys, etc.). While I couldn't make the story entirely like reality, I tried to base the characters on people who might be found in real life.
While DaYeol and TaeHyun have elements of fantasy, I thought about real high school boys a lot, sharing my thought processes with each of them. I believe that for two guys who weren't aware of their own queerness to go from being friends to becoming lovers due to some particular reason is something close to a miracle. Even though their hearts were connected as friends, I felt that it might be a bit difficult for them to engage in physical intimacy. However, it seemed possible at the time for an extra or side story.

 

As a webtoon author, I can imagine that the feeling of seeing your work adapted into a drama and having the characters come to life on screen must be surreal. How did you feel when "A Shoulder To Cry On” was adapted into a drama, and you had the opportunity to watch it with fans during the first screening?
Additionally, the drama adaptation of this work received praise for its perfect visual casting. After watching the drama, are there any specific memorable scenes or aspects that you were particularly satisfied with?

I thought that someday, it would definitely come to light. The best and most honorable era of my life was definitely then… The moment I felt that would probably be during that premiere screening. (I’m trying not to think that way). While the tone was a bit different from the original work when I watched it, I found it really enjoyable. It was a bit embarrassing since it's my own work, but I also objectively felt that with more experience, I could have expressed it even more entertainingly. While I don’t think I’d be able to match that level of freshness, I approached it from a reader-friendly perspective.
When I received the phone call from the producer, I was having a meal alone in a restaurant. At first, I thought it was an incredibly elaborate voice phishing scam. In hindsight, I realize it was a bit of a paranoid delusion on my part, but at the time, I truly felt that way. After looking into it, of course, it wasn't voice phishing, and I was in a state of awakening for a few hours afterward.
One of the standout scenes for me is TaeHyun's crying scene. In the original work, he didn't cry as much. I think the drama's crying scene portrayed the raw emotions of a regretful youth better. I'm highly satisfied with the starring actors, of course. That goes for the supporting actors, as well. There may be some differences from the original work, but I don't think it lost any of its essence. I was able to discover facets of TaeHyun, DaYeol, MinJung, WonYeong, SoYeong, and YeBum that I didn't know before, and for that, I'm truly grateful.

 

The “A Shoulder To Cry On” webtoon and web drama had some slight differences in terms of character portrayals and narrative details. For example, small details like the nicknames that TaeHyun and DaYeol used to save each other’s phone numbers, and DaYeol’s parental background were portrayed as significantly different, featuring a passionate father. The personalities and dialogues of supporting characters also exhibited some variations. As the original author, if you have any points you liked about these changed settings or if there were any moments where you felt disappointed or like something was missing, please share your thoughts.

I don't have any regrets. I think they expressed the same material and content in different ways as separate mediums. If, in the drama, DaYeol’s father had been a chronic depressive salaryman, like in the original, it would have been too heavy in tone. Also, in the original, supporting characters were like holograms for some narrative point, but in the drama, they were actual characters. I think I thoroughly enjoyed the charm of the supporting characters. I realized that supporting characters are important.

 

We heard that you also paid special attention to the characters' lines in the drama. Since they are all high school students in their teens, I think you must have been very careful during the script review because current slang and expressions are important. If there are any lines that were particularly emphasized in this way, please introduce them.

While there were no particularly standout lines during the review, overall, I remember requesting a more realistic and typical approach in line with how male high school students would speak. My memory is quite faint, but I recall asking for less sentimental or affectionate language and more direct and rough language, even incorporating some swear words.
I don't have much material left, but I've pulled a few excerpts of my notes:
- "So you came to do whatever you want, huh?! --> Looks like a mental breakdown is coming.”"
- "My identity? You're really cute --> Delete 'cute'."
- “I don’t think they’ll use the slang for a greedy person (욕심쟁이 in Korean), maybe change it to a pit of desire (욕망의 항아리) or something like that.”
There wasn't much to say after reviewing the script because I received a good feeling from it, but I was touched that all of my requests were taken into consideration.

 

In reality, when it comes to the BL genre, Japan and Thailand have been leading the way for quite some time and have been praised for their well-crafted works. However, in recent years, Korean BL has also been emerging as a rising star and is considered a new, strong contender. If there are specific strengths or unique selling points for Korean BL, what do you think they would be? Please appeal Korean BL to international readers.😊

As a matter of fact, I've been exposed to BL mainly through novels and comics, and I haven't really watched BL dramas or animations.
I haven't had enough experience to confidently comment on the dramas because I haven't watched enough of them to provide any distinctive insights.
When it comes to Korean BL, it does seem like many works aim for a slightly more realistic approach. Korean BL often focuses on portraying relationships and characters in a way that feels relatable and authentic.
Certainly, even though BL is fundamentally a fantasy genre, it's true that Korean BL, like many forms of popular culture and genre literature in Korea, often incorporates serialization as a fundamental aspect. This can indeed contribute to more engaging and stimulating storytelling, including elements that may be more provocative or dramatic. I think that BL, in particular, tends to blend elements of romance and fantasy, making it a genre that often captures the imagination while exploring various themes and character dynamics.

 

Your talent in handling both the art and the story for “A Shoulder To Cry On”
all by yourself was truly impressive! However, on the other hand, I imagine it must have been even more challenging as a result. Can you share the moments during the preparation of this work when you found it most difficult and when you were able to enjoy your work?

The most challenging moments for me were when the reality of weekly deadlines, combined with my own limitations, made me feel like giving up on the journey towards my ideal. Meeting the deadlines became more crucial than producing high-quality artwork or creating an excellent story. Disappointments and a sense of frustration kept piling up as part of the serialization process. I often felt uneasy and in a constant tense state.
I may have seemed like a detached creator, not engaging with readers. This was because I struggled to look up feedback due to the reasons mentioned above. As a result, I didn't experience much joy during the serialization period.
It wasn't until after the series was completed and I began to slowly discover the audience's feedback that I could start attaching some positive significance to the work. Ultimately, when the series was adapted into a drama, I was finally able to fully accept the flaws in this work.
The fact that characters with my own imperfections could still be loved by readers was a great source of comfort and reassurance for me.

 

When you were relieved from the agony of serialization deadlines, what did you do to enjoy your freedom? If you had any small joys or goals you aimed for, please let us know.😊

I apologize if my response to your light-hearted question seems a bit bleak. After the serialization, I struggled with mental health issues, particularly anxiety, for a while. It was a really tough two years. However, things have improved significantly since then, and I can manage my condition as long as I take care of my physical and mental well-being.
I've been cautious about starting new work, as I was afraid it might trigger a relapse. Instead, I spent a lot of time traveling with friends and engaging in cultural activities. It's been quite a healing experience, and I've tried to focus on self-care and self-improvement. It's a slow process, but I've been working at my own pace and prioritizing my health above all else.

 

Many readers are eagerly anticipating your future work. If you are planning your next project, can you give us a hint about the kind of material you'd like to explore? Also, as a side note, do you have any plans to return to BL with new content?

Yes, I'm currently preparing for my next comic. To put a positive spin on it, the period of illness was a time for me to figure out what I truly want in the most challenging way. This interview might coincide with the release of my upcoming work. I'll share in advance that it's a BL work that combines various genres. While the content has been upgraded, I'm not entirely sure if it matches the level I had in mind. It's quite different from both “A Shoulder To Cry On” and my debut work in terms of the overall feel.

 

Lastly, do you have anything to say to global fans who enjoy your webtoons? Can you share a special message for them?

From the moment I started drawing comics, I've been driven by one thing: "Making what I love in a way that others can enjoy." This is far more important to me than being loved by many people. Creating something I don't personally enjoy just because others might like it would be a lonely endeavor. I appreciate you giving meaning to what I strive for.
I'll always make an effort to be sensitive to different tastes and try to make my expressions engaging or friendly.

Thank you, once again, to webtoon artist Dongmul for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer this interview with so much sincerity. We can't wait to see more of her webtoon works in the future and wish her all the best going forward!

What did you think of the "A Shoulder To Cry On" webtoon? Let us know in the comments!