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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-05-17 10:02:19
SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- "The Ruler of the Land" creators Jeon Geuk-jin (56) and Yang Jae-hyun (54) reflected on their 30-year journey with the beloved manga at a cafe in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 16th. The long-running series, which began with the launch of Young Champ magazine in 1994, has become a cultural phenomenon, merging martial arts with a fresh, humorous twist.
"The Ruler of the Land" follows Han Bi-gwang, a disciple of the demonic master Cheonma Shingun, and Dam Hwa-rin, the granddaughter of the righteous Sword Emperor. Despite their opposing backgrounds, they grow together through numerous adventures, facing a multitude of challenges and eventually uniting against the forces threatening the peace of the martial arts world.
The manga has sold over 8.5 million volumes and holds the record for the longest-running serialized manga in South Korea. Its popularity can be attributed to its departure from the serious tone of traditional martial arts stories, instead introducing a lighthearted and dynamic approach.
Jeon, who crafted the storyline, remarked, "When we started, martial arts comics were seen as something only older men read. We wanted to show that martial arts could be fun and engaging." Yang, the artist, added, "We wanted to create a martial arts story that didn't follow the established rules."
The freewheeling spirit of the early days of manga magazines also contributed to the series' freshness. Jeon recalled, "There was a sense of freedom, like when webtoons first emerged. The first ten volumes of 'The Ruler of the Land' were created instinctively without overthinking."
The characters themselves reflect this freedom. Han Bi-gwang, a womanizer who often runs away from fights, is a blend of Jeon's writing and Yang's interpretation. "He's like a child to us," Jeon noted.
Meeting in their twenties through an animation club, the two creators initially worked on a sci-fi martial arts comic that was rejected by publishers, leading to the birth of "The Ruler of the Land." Their collaborative process involved real-time feedback, with Jeon writing the story and Yang providing the artwork.
Yang admitted that without Jeon, he might have given up during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of their partnership. "When one of us hit a slump, the other would pull us through."
As the series and its creators aged, they also faced personal challenges. Yang mentioned health issues and hospitalizations, while Jeon likened their relationship to that of a long-married couple. They plan to conclude the series by the end of this year or early next year, wrapping up the story they've built over three decades.
Despite multiple previous announcements of its conclusion, Jeon assured fans that this time it was for real. "We're in the process of carefully tying up all the stories we've accumulated."
"The Ruler of the Land" continues to evolve, recently being adapted into a vertical scroll format for Naver Webtoon, appealing to modern readers. This remastered version has been well-received, ranking highly on the platform.
The remastered version caters to modern readers who prefer the vertical scroll format, making the story more accessible and engaging for a contemporary audience. Currently, out of its 670 chapters, the first 250 have been released in this new format.
An OTT drama adaptation is also in the works, directed by Yang Woo-suk of "The Attorney." Yang Jae-hyun expressed his hope that the drama would capture the essence of the original while showcasing the director's unique vision.
Jeon envisions "The Ruler of the Land" as a universe that other creators can explore and expand. "Just like the martial arts worlds created in Taiwan a century ago, I'd love for 'The Ruler of the Land' to become a foundation for others to build upon."
This vision speaks to the enduring impact and legacy of "The Ruler of the Land," a series that has not only captivated readers for 30 years but continues to inspire new generations and formats.
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