‘Calm Man’ Drops the Pen: Popular YouTuber Announces Complete Cartooning Retirement – A Breaking News Update
In a surprising announcement that’s rippling through the Korean entertainment world and beyond, Calm Man (Lee Byung-gun), the celebrated YouTuber boasting 4.16 million subscribers and a past life as a webtoon artist, has declared his complete retirement from cartooning. The news broke during an appearance on the popular MBC entertainment program ‘Radio Star’ and has sparked discussion about the evolving landscape of digital content creation. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and SEO visibility.
From Webtoons to YouTube: A Creative Evolution
Calm Man, who previously worked under the pseudonym ‘End of Year,’ revealed on ‘Radio Star’ that he has no plans to return to cartooning. He explained that his pseudonym stemmed from a desire for a life free from the constant pressure of deadlines – a pressure he found incompatible with his preferred lifestyle. “If you draw a webtoon, you will not be able to live in the later soldiers,” he stated, referencing his need for a more flexible existence. His journey began with amateur cartoon submissions on online bulletin boards, eventually leading to work with Yahoo Webtoon.
But it wasn’t just a lack of time that influenced his decision. Calm Man also spoke candidly about his artistic limitations. He acknowledged needing significant training to improve his drawing skills, but discovered a natural affinity for internet broadcasting during that period. “Unlike the picture, the broadcast was well expressed, so I fell in love with the internet,” he shared, highlighting the power of real-time connection and the immediacy of the medium.
A Video Letter to a Master: Addressing Past Criticism
The announcement wasn’t without acknowledging past critiques. Kim Gu-ra, a fellow panelist on ‘Radio Star,’ referenced a previous video letter Calm Man had sent to comic master Heo Young-man, noting that his cartooning skills appeared to be declining. Calm Man addressed this directly, stating he had reviewed the video and respectfully disagreed with the assessment.
In a poignant gesture, Calm Man then released a new video letter directly to Heo Young-man on the day of the broadcast. He expressed gratitude for the master’s interest but reaffirmed his commitment to internet broadcasting as his chosen creative outlet. “I’m not a member of the Manga Association. I’m not a formal cartoonist. I’m not too big,” he stated, humbly acknowledging his position outside the traditional comic art world.
The Rise of the Digital Creator & The Future of Webtoons
Calm Man’s story is emblematic of a broader trend: the rise of the multi-faceted digital creator. Many artists are now diversifying their skills and platforms, moving beyond traditional mediums to embrace the interactive and immediate nature of platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for the webtoon industry. While the demand for webtoons remains high, creators are increasingly drawn to formats that allow for greater personal expression and direct engagement with their audience.
SEO experts note that this story is particularly relevant for searches related to “Korean webtoons,” “digital art careers,” and “creator economy trends.” The speed of breaking news coverage, combined with the evergreen appeal of the creator journey, positions this article for sustained visibility on Google News and search results.
Calm Man’s decision isn’t a dismissal of cartooning, but a re-prioritization. He’s choosing to focus on a medium where he feels most comfortable and connected, a testament to the evolving definition of artistry in the digital age. His story serves as a reminder that creative paths are rarely linear, and that success often lies in embracing change and pursuing one’s authentic voice.
Image Placeholder: Calm Man during his appearance on ‘Radio Star’.
Image Placeholder: Comic Master Heo Young-man.
