Webtoon ‘Good Listener’ writer “Some concerns are resolved as soon as revealed”

연합뉴스 / 2022-08-13 15:17:18

▲This photo, provided by Jude Friday, shows the writer of "Good Listener." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲This photo, provided by Jude Friday, shows webtoon "Good Listener." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, August 13 (Yonhap) —“Some concerns do not need advice or solution. But the reason people still talk about their concerns is because the moment we open up, some form of resolution is achieved.

Jude Friday, 44, the author of the webtoon “Good Listener,” answered when asked about the meaning of “listening well” in a written interview with Yonhap News on Saturday.

“Good Listener,” like the title, is a work in which Jude, a cartoonist who listens to the stories of the dead, is the main character. When talking with Jude is over, she finishes a picture and conveys the sincerity of the dead to those left in this world.

Why do deads keep coming to see a cartoonist who only draws pictures without a word while listening to their desperate stories?

The writer said, "People think that they can only tell deep stories to people who know them well, but that's not necessarily true,” adding “It is burdensome to talk to someone who knows you well because they try to give advice or solve the case for us. You want to take the time to solve it by myself, but it's frustrating to just hide it.”

The picture drawn by the main character acts as a letter left by the dead to this world.

He said, "It’s like Jude wrote a script letter for them," adding, "A picture or a painting can have more meaning than a long text. I think the letter is like saying 'I was happy and it was fun. Even if I leave, don't be so sad and live a better life.'”

While each episode mostly deals with unfortunate deaths and sad stories, “Good Listener” still has a warmth because of its warm colors and friendly characters.

The author gave the main character his pen name and added the background that he was an unpopular cartoonist. The main character is like the author, who likes corn tea and is usually calm but sometimes impatient.

He said, "I finished 'Rain and Snow Mixed Boy' and planned several works, but I didn't make it past the Naver editorial meeting and I was very tired,” adding, “I brought the character who I can draw the best as I thought about what story I can write the best.”

He added, "Looking back, I think I was drawing who I wanted to be."

When asked if he is a “good listener” like the main character, the writer said, "Everyone can not be a good listener for everyone," adding "I want to be a good listener for my child at least."

Writer Jude Friday officially debuted with “Meet on the Road” on Naver Webtoon in 2011. Choosing between a company or a career as a webtoon writer, he moved to India with his family that year.

Although he lives in India, he meets readers of his previous work, “Sleepy Boy.”
every night by using things such as voice chatting.

“Good Listener” started its series in May 2021 and ended on Aug. 6. Up to three volumes have been published.

Although the artist is thinking of many contents for his next work, there is a possibility that he will release a work similar to “Good Listener.”

He said, "'The Good Listener' received good feedback and I realized that a cartoon like this suits me the best,” adding, “I'm thinking about a story in which the main character helps with solving the case."

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