Kian84 was visibly emotional as Japanese manga artist Junji Ito drew his iconic character "Tomie" right in front of him, turning a long-held dream into reality.
In the March 20 broadcast of MBC variety show "I Live Alone," Kian84 finally came face-to-face with his idol Junji Ito, while a separate segment followed actor Bae Nara showcasing his four years of camping experience.
Greeting Ito in Japanese he had studied for six months, Kian84 said, "It feels like a dream to meet you like this." Ito replied that he had seen Kian84’s drawings and comics and had also been looking forward to their meeting.
As the conversation deepened, Kian84 asked a series of fan-driven questions. Ito candidly spoke about the physical demands of his profession, including struggles with a herniated disc, offering a rare glimpse into a manga artist’s daily life. Kian84 expressed excitement upon hearing about Ito’s upcoming work and admired his enduring passion for manga.
Kian84 then presented a portrait he had drawn of Ito, along with a homemade kimchi fried rice lunchbox. Ito praised the artwork as "impressive" and finished the meal completely, drawing attention. He also gifted Kian84 a signed illustration and created a drawing on the spot. It was later revealed that Ito had prepared an additional piece in advance specifically for Kian84, deepening the emotional impact of the moment.
Unable to take his eyes off Ito as he drew, Kian84 ultimately became overwhelmed and teared up. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed gratitude to Kangnam for making the meeting possible, saying, "I feel indebted to you. I’ll grant you any wish you have."
Inspired by the encounter, Kian84 shared that studying Japanese had become enjoyable and expressed hope to meet Ito again, while also reflecting on his path as a cartoonist.
Meanwhile, Bae Nara impressed viewers with a fully equipped camping setup, including a structured tent with sleeping and storage areas, a circulator, and even a carbon monoxide detector. With neatly organized recycling bins and seasoning containers, he demonstrated a meticulous "planner" personality. Enjoying a hearty camping meal with longtime friends, he said, "Preparing and organizing camping in my own way builds independence and boosts my confidence. Camping is another world of my own."
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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