The Resumed 'Moon Government Criticism' by Gian84... "In This Country, Where You Live Now Is a Mark of Nobility"

A scene from episode 327 of "Bokhakwang," released on Naver Webtoon on the 19th. Photo by Naver Webtoon

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Popular webtoon artist Kian84 addressed the issue of the "lottery subscription," a problem often cited in Moon Jae-in administration's real estate policies, in his ongoing webtoon. Netizens have shown mixed reactions to the author's satire of the government that follows.

On the 19th, episode 327 (Changju's Dad Episode 1) of the webtoon "Return to School King," serialized by Kian84, depicted a scene where people flock to apply for apartments in Haetbyeot Village.

In the work, scenes showed people climbing apartments using ladders labeled as the "subscription site," alongside article headlines such as "The agonizing death subscription site," "Kian Group CEO's deadly race against ordinary citizens," and "Kian Group stock plummets," as well as the Kian Group CEO attending a hearing.

In the hearing scene, the Kian Group CEO said, "I believe forcing a life-or-death competition on citizens without homes is an inhumane act."

Meanwhile, the work also satirized by stating, "There was a time when luxury goods and nice cars indicated social status. But now, they are too common. You and I both have luxury bags and foreign cars! But apartments are different," and added, "'Land' is a limited resource. You can't just produce Gangnam because everyone wants to live there."

It continued, "In this country, where you live now proves your social status. That is the mark of nobility!" and "The problem is whether you conquer it by shedding blood or fail to conquer it."

Netizens' reactions to the webtoon were divided. Some responded to Kian84's political commentary, which seemed to satirize the reality of housing subscriptions being called "lottery subscriptions" in the sales market, with comments like "This totally targeted politician XXX," and "It seems to satirize a tragic reality."

However, there were also many critical voices, saying, "Kim Hee-min (Kian84's real name) is crossing the line more and more. Is he going wild?" and "I wish politics wouldn't be mixed into the comics."

A scene from episode 326 of the controversial 'Bokhakwang'. Photo by Naver Webtoon capture

Earlier, on the 12th, Kian84 also depicted in episode 326 (End of Subscription Contest) of "Return to School King" a scene where someone shouted about the government's promoted Happy Housing and rental housing, "It's only wrapped in goodwill, but I hate it! You guys can live in those houses all you want!"

He also satirized the soaring housing prices with lines like, "No one gives you a house just because you're good," "Even if you work your whole life, can you buy a house that rises faster than your salary?" and "Are you planning to live in monthly rent and die?" which sparked controversy.

In a webtoon scene released last October, there was also an interpretation that criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's real estate policies causing housing price surges, as a character reached out toward a full moon and said, "Sometimes it's frustrating. Even if I work this hard, I can't see a way to buy a house."