Park JiHu’s Instagram / SM Entertainment / Woollim Entertainment / Han KyoungChal’s “Spirit Fingers” on Naver Webtoon
We’re only a few months into the year and 2023 is already giving us some dreamy webtoon adaptations! That includes over 48 confirmed and over 28 announced so far. The latest addition to this list is “Spirit Fingers” by Han Kyoung Chal (which you may know from the webtoon “Our Beloved Summer”), which has been confirmed to get a K-Drama adaptation that is set to begin filming in April! As of this writing, Golden Child’s Park JiHu, Cho JoonYoung, and Choi BoMin are in talks to lead the drama, and fans are already praising the cast.
For those who don’t know, “Spirit Fingers” tells the story of a young girl named Song WooYeon, who joins an art club to try to break out of her shell and express herself. Navigating love and friendships, WooYeon explores her own colorful and multidimensional identity as she enters the wonderful age of 18. Rising actress Park JiHu has been offered the role of Song WooYeon, the drama’s central protagonist.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
The predominant genres in this webtoon are slice of life and campus romance, which means it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and is sure to be a delightful experience. Author Han KyoungChal shared in an exclusive interview with Kpopmap that she based many of the webtoon characters on different aspects of her own personality. In particular, Song WooYeon is a character she considers special.
All the characters I created are precious to me, but probably WooYeon from “Spirit Fingers” is the most memorable one for me. I remembered my student days while drawing WooYeon, so I felt like I was growing up with her. It’s also because I’ve been comforted by many readers who look like WooYeon.
Han KyoungChal, author of “Spirit Fingers” for Kpopmap
It’s evident that a lot of heart has been put into this webtoon, which has in turn comforted millions of readers around the world. In fact, on Naver Webtoon alone, 34.3 million readers liked the English translation of “Spirit Fingers”, which speaks volumes to its popularity. So let’s find out more about the webtoon?
Song WooYeon is first introduced to us as a bright, imaginative, and cheerful high school student who, however, lacks self-esteem like many 17-year-olds. One day, she finds a group of young people sketching in public with a live model posing for them.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
WooYeon realizes that they are not afraid to be themselves and enjoy their hobby shamelessly without worrying about what other people might think. It reminds WooYeon of how she loved to draw as a child, and almost inspires her to start over. Lost in her admiration, she accidentally locks eyes with one of the artists – Gu SeonHo, who asks her to be his next model. Choi BoMin was offered the role of Gu SeonHo.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
Unable to refuse, especially when she is starting to fall in love with SeonHo and feels pressured by the group’s determination, WooYeon sheepishly complies, only to be presented with some mediocre-at-best portraits in return. Still, the confidence in her faces, even with the less-than-perfect drawings, was what impressed WooYeon.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
While WooYeon was there, questioning whether they were part of a drama club instead of an art club, SeonHo walked over to hand her his drawing. Much to her surprise, this one was actually decent and came with a “thank you” note and her contact number too! The group, it turns out, called “Spirit Fingers” draws there every Sunday and would love to have her if she’s interested.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
So, after due consultation with her friends, WooYeon calls the number and confesses that she can’t draw well enough to be in the club. However, SeonHo assures her that all she needs is to love drawing. Thus begins her adventure in “Spirit Fingers” and a whole new world opens up in front of her where she can pursue her own true colors.
“Spirit Fingers” by Han KyoungChal on Naver Webtoon
Little did she know, she would also meet the love of her life, Nam GiJeong, in this process after mistaking him for a bully! Actor Cho JunYoung has been offered the role of Nam GiJeong in the K-Drama adaptation of “Spirit Fingers”. WooYeon and GiJeong meet in the worst possible way, finding themselves in terribly awkward situations. However, the captivating romance that soon blossoms between them is easily one of the most celebrated in the webtoon community.
You can read the webtoon in both English and Korean.
Are you excited for “Spirit Fingers”? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section below!
