Behind the Panels: Why ‘Today's Webtoon’ Is a Must-Watch on Netflix
Introduction
What happens when a former judo athlete dives into the chaotic, heartfelt, and surprisingly cutthroat world of webtoon publishing? Today's Webtoon is a fresh and touching Korean drama that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Korea's most booming industries. Filled with determination, setbacks, and emotional growth, this series reminds us how hard it can be to chase a dream—and how worth it that journey is.
Overview
Title: Today's Webtoon (오늘의 웹툰)
Year: 2022
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Workplace
Main Cast: Kim Se-jeong, Choi Daniel, Nam Yoon-su, Park Ho-san
Episodes: 16
Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes per episode
Streaming Platform: Viki, KOCOWA (availability may vary by region)
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
On Ma-eum (Kim Se-jeong), once a national judo prospect, finds herself at a crossroads after an injury forces her early retirement. She stumbles into the webtoon editorial department of a major publishing company, a world she knows nothing about but quickly becomes passionate about. What starts as a mere job soon becomes a mission: to support artists, build great stories, and prove her worth in a competitive field.
As Ma-eum learns the ropes, she battles both her inexperience and the skepticism of those around her. Seok Ji-hyung (Choi Daniel), a senior editor known for his quiet competence and sharp instincts, becomes her unexpected mentor. Though initially distant, Ji-hyung gradually warms up to Ma-eum's sincere enthusiasm, and their partnership becomes one of mutual respect.
Goo Joon-young (Nam Yoon-su), another newcomer, enters the team with a contrasting background in business. While he initially looks down on the industry, his transformation into a dedicated editor forms one of the drama’s most satisfying arcs. His rivalry-turned-friendship with Ma-eum highlights their personal growth and the emotional toll of editorial work.
The show doesn't just follow the editors—it delves into the lives of webtoon artists themselves. From mental health struggles to burnout and self-doubt, each artist brings their own emotional backstory. This lens allows the audience to understand just how deeply creative work can affect a person, making even the small editorial decisions feel high-stakes and poignant.
Ma-eum’s father (Park Ho-san), a former athlete himself, adds another layer of depth to her character. His disappointment and later pride in her nontraditional path underscore the generational divide and the universal desire for parental approval. Their interactions are among the drama’s most moving moments.
What makes Today's Webtoon exceptional is how it balances slice-of-life realism with character-driven storytelling. Each episode builds toward not only professional success but also emotional healing and self-definition. As Ma-eum becomes more than just a judo athlete or a rookie editor, viewers are reminded that passion can thrive even in unexpected places.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
In Episode 1, Ma-eum's disastrous interview at Neon Webtoon sets the tone for her uphill battle. Her determination, despite physical awkwardness and ignorance of the industry, wins over viewers immediately.
Episode 4 offers an emotional subplot involving a talented artist who spirals into self-doubt. Ma-eum's persistence in encouraging him highlights her empathy and growing editorial instinct.
The turning point for Joon-young comes in Episode 7 when a failed negotiation with a creator makes him question his approach. It's a moment of humility that paves the way for his transformation.
Episode 10 features Ji-hyung opening up about his past failures. This rare moment of vulnerability strengthens his bond with Ma-eum and gives insight into the pressures senior editors face.
In Episode 13, the team faces the possibility of restructuring. The fear and solidarity that follow offer a compelling commentary on the fragility of creative departments in corporate settings.
Episode 15 climaxes with a live webtoon launch event. The behind-the-scenes chaos, artist meltdowns, and editorial teamwork make for one of the most exciting and gratifying episodes.
Memorable Lines
Episode 1: "Even if I fall, I’ll keep standing up. That’s what I learned in judo." — Ma-eum, as she defends her lack of qualifications but not her lack of heart.
Episode 4: "Artists draw with their hearts. If that’s broken, the story breaks too." — Ji-hyung, reflecting on the fragility of creators' minds.
Episode 7: "I thought numbers were everything. But people—people are unpredictable." — Joon-young, after failing to secure an important artist.
Episode 10: "The more experience you have, the more cautious you become. That’s not always wisdom—it’s fear." — Ji-hyung, sharing doubts from his past.
Episode 13: "Our job is not just editing. We help someone’s dream survive another day." — Ma-eum, rallying the team during restructuring fears.
Episode 15: "You don’t have to be the best. But you have to be there, cheering for someone else’s best." — Ma-eum to a discouraged colleague.
Why It’s Special
1. A Unique Setting in the Webtoon Industry: Unlike many workplace dramas that focus on traditional corporations, Today's Webtoon dives into the fast-paced and emotionally demanding world of webtoon editing, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look rarely explored in K-dramas.
2. Kim Se-jeong’s Outstanding Performance: Kim Se-jeong’s portrayal of On Ma-eum brings a contagious energy and vulnerability to the screen. Her transformation from a clumsy rookie to a trusted editor is portrayed with depth, humor, and authenticity.
3. Character Growth Across the Board: Every main character, from Ji-hyung to Joon-young, experiences significant growth. Their arcs are woven seamlessly, making the drama not just Ma-eum’s journey, but a collective evolution of an entire team.
4. Emotional Exploration of Creativity: The show doesn't shy away from depicting the emotional toll of creative work. It presents artistic burnout, self-doubt, and perseverance in a way that resonates deeply with viewers, especially those in artistic or freelance careers.
5. Visually Creative Touches: The drama makes clever use of animation and stylized visuals to bring webtoons to life, providing a dynamic viewing experience that blends reality and art in an appealing way.
6. Warm Themes of Found Family: At its heart, Today's Webtoon is about people who choose to support one another despite the odds. The editorial team becomes more than colleagues—they become a family bonded by shared passion.
7. Realistic Portrayal of Work-Life Balance: The drama balances idealism with realism, addressing job insecurity, creative compromise, and the difficult choices that come with pursuing your passion in a professional environment.
Popularity & Reception
While Today's Webtoon didn’t dominate the ratings charts, it garnered consistent praise from a loyal viewership for its heartfelt narrative and strong performances. Kim Se-jeong's acting was especially well-received, with many viewers calling it her most nuanced performance to date. Her portrayal of Ma-eum resonated with young professionals facing similar career challenges.
Online forums like Reddit and MyDramaList reflected warm international responses, particularly from fans working in creative industries. Many commented on how the show’s portrayal of artistic burnout, editorial tension, and intergenerational understanding felt both authentic and comforting.
YouTube clips of key scenes—especially Ma-eum’s monologues and Ji-hyung’s subtle mentorship moments—have gained hundreds of thousands of views. Viewers in comment sections repeatedly mention how inspiring and cathartic the drama felt during difficult periods of their own careers.
Though the show didn’t reach viral status, its emotional storytelling and grounded setting allowed it to become a quiet favorite—a "hidden gem" for those looking beyond splashy romances and thrillers.
Cast & Fun Facts
Kim Se-jeong (On Ma-eum): Formerly of the K-pop group Gugudan and popular for her breakout role in Business Proposal, Kim Se-jeong brings a deeply relatable charm to On Ma-eum. She reportedly took time to meet with real-life webtoon editors and athletes to better understand her character's dual background. Her performance was praised for its sincerity and energetic presence.
This role marked a significant shift from her previous rom-com characters, showing her range in portraying emotional nuance and professional resilience. Her judo scenes were physically demanding, but Kim trained with a real coach to deliver realistic movement and posture.
Choi Daniel (Seok Ji-hyung): Known for his roles in School 2013 and Jugglers, Choi Daniel plays the quiet, observant Ji-hyung with understated warmth. His character serves as an emotional anchor to the team, balancing professionalism with quiet compassion.
Interestingly, Choi returned to the small screen after a short hiatus, and fans welcomed his mature, grounded performance. He shared in interviews that he wanted Ji-hyung to be a "mirror" to Ma-eum’s passion, showing how calm strength can be just as powerful as loud enthusiasm.
Nam Yoon-su (Goo Joon-young): Rising to fame with roles in Extracurricular and Beyond Evil, Nam Yoon-su plays a young man struggling to redefine success beyond numbers and prestige. His portrayal of Joon-young’s character arc—from aloof and analytical to emotionally invested—earned critical praise.
Nam mentioned in behind-the-scenes content that he worked closely with the scriptwriters to understand Joon-young's emotional trajectory, particularly the internalized pressure of being the "perfect employee."
Park Ho-san (On Gi-bong): As Ma-eum’s stern but loving father, Park Ho-san provides much of the show’s emotional weight. A respected actor known for Prison Playbook and My Mister, he delivers a heartfelt performance as a man who struggles to understand his daughter’s career path but grows alongside her.
Director Jo Soo-won: Best known for directing I Can Hear Your Voice and Pinocchio, Jo brings a warm and emotionally observant lens to the series. He masterfully balances slice-of-life storytelling with dramatic tension.
Writer Jo Ye-rang: Jo Ye-rang reportedly drew inspiration from the real-life experiences of webtoon editorial staff, aiming to create a narrative that would resonate with both creatives and young professionals navigating modern careers. Her emphasis on emotional growth over traditional plot twists gives the series its signature feel-good appeal.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Today's Webtoon is a quiet yet powerful journey through the lens of an industry few dramas have explored. It doesn’t rely on grand twists or intense romance to hold your attention. Instead, it builds a compelling narrative around growth, teamwork, and emotional vulnerability. Watching Ma-eum fight for her place, uplift her peers, and protect artists’ voices becomes a deeply moving experience.
If you're searching for a Korean drama that inspires without being overly dramatic, celebrates creativity, and reminds you why stories matter, Today's Webtoon might just be your next must-watch. Tune in not just for entertainment, but for a refreshing dose of empathy, resilience, and heartfelt connection.
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