Kian84's Emotional Encounter with Horror Manga Legend Junji Ito on 'I Live Alone'

Kian84 was moved to tears by a drawing from his idol, Junji Ito, on 'I Live Alone'.

On the October 20th episode of MBC's variety show 'I Live Alone', Kian84 fulfilled a long-held dream by meeting the legendary Japanese horror manga artist, Junji Ito.

Kian84 expressed his heartfelt admiration in broken Japanese, saying, "Meeting you feels like a dream." Having only encountered the artist through manga in his childhood, he was in awe, stating, "I can't close my mouth. It feels like meeting someone I thought might not exist."

He then offered a homemade kimchi fried rice lunchbox. Despite his nervousness, saying, "I'm more worried about this than my drawings," Junji Ito finished the meal, complimenting Kian84's work by saying, "The drawing is lively and delicious."

As the atmosphere warmed, Junji Ito presented a surprise gift. He began drawing on paper without hesitation, sketching familiar eyes, long hair, and a gradually emerging face—his iconic character 'Tomie'.

"Right now, he's drawing 'Tomie' right in front of me."

It was a moment where a scene from manga became reality. Kian84 watched breathlessly, and as the drawing was completed, he couldn't hold back his emotions. He admitted, "I feel like crying," and shared, "I can feel the lifetime of work. It reminds me of my mother and brings up many emotions."

A Drawing to Pass Down as a 'Family Legacy', and the Struggles of Being an Artist

He expressed his overwhelming feelings, saying, "I want to pass this drawing down to my children's children as a family legacy."

The meeting with his idol also sparked deep reflection. Kian84 confessed, "I wonder if I've been too complacent, not drawing manga and just doing TV," revealing his honest struggles as an artist.

Meanwhile, the episode aired amidst controversy regarding the filming location. The Japanese publisher Shogakukan, where the meeting took place, has been under scrutiny for past allegations of covering up child sex crimes, leading to mixed reactions online about the appropriateness of featuring the location on the show.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr