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Moonlight Drawn By Clouds from the original author’s point of view

Yoon Yi-soo is the writer of the web novel which became the original source material for currently airing hit youth sageuk Moonlight Drawn By Clouds. Last Thursday, she gave an interview with Joy News where she revealed her inner thoughts about her work, the drama adaptation, and its actors. Moonlight Drawn By Clouds is a romance story about Crown Prince Hyomyeong (aka Lee Yeong, played by Park Bo-gum) and Hong Ra-on (played by Kim Yoo-Jung), a courageous girl disguised as a palace eunuch.

Moonlight Drawn By Clouds is a special project to me. I have a particular fondness for it. I started working on it in secret eight months after the birth of my son, because I had promised my husband to focus on child-rearing for two to three years. However, after eight months, I felt isolated from the world. It was like I was vanishing. So I started writing Moonlight Drawn By Clouds.”

Moonlight is Yoon’s first web-based novel. The first chapter of the web novel was published on Naver in October 2013. Since then, it has accrued more than 5.4 million views, and the five-book paperback version has sold more than 250,000 copies.

“As of now, I have published twelve romance novels, but Moonlight Drawn By Clouds was the one I poured my heart and soul into. Even though I was tired physically and mentally while writing it, my heart warmed each week when the novel rose in the rankings. Thankfully, it was loved by readers until the end.”

Regarding how childbirth affected her, Yoon states, “My life can be divided into two parts: before giving birth, and after it. My lifestyle patterns changed and the tone of my writing changed as well. Before having my child, my work was seen as being dry, cynical, and depressing. After giving birth, my work took on a more vibrant mood, much more lovey-dovey. With adorable, cutesy characters too.”

Author Yoon loves romance novels. She has never thought that her occupation is one to be ashamed of. However, she has been hurt by those who criticize her chosen line of work.

“At a preschool parent-teacher conference, I heard another parent sarcastically condescending my profession. It was a big shock to me. So I have resolved to work harder to write beautiful romance novels that my child will not be embarrassed by in the future.”

With Moonlight Drawn By Clouds being such a huge success that it was adapted into a television show, it’s surprising that she did receive that type of negative treatment. So far the drama has held onto the number one rank in its time slot, breaking the coveted 20% ratings bar for the past couple weeks. KBS even wanted to extend it, due to its massive popularity.

When asked about the drama, she said, “I laugh and weep while watching it because I watch it from the perspective of a regular viewer. I view the drama and my web novel as entirely separate. Although my novel provided the basic groundwork for it, the drama is completely a production of the PD and the screenwriters. I’m just a fellow fan. While watching the tenth episode that aired this Tuesday, tears fell from my eyes when Ra-on was crying onscreen. The actors are really superb.”

As for her favorite characters, Yoon is partial to Kim Yoon-sung. “For me, Jinyoung’s character, Kim Yoon-sung, is the most pitiful.” He is the grandson of Prime Minister Kim (played by Chun Ho-jin), a crafty political mastermind who dreams of usurping the current king. In the drama, Yoon-sung becomes involved in a love triangle with the crown prince and Ra-on.

“In the original novel, Kim Yoon-sung has been groomed by his grandfather to become a rival to Crown Prince Hyomyeong. Even his smiles have been coached to reveal nothing. He doesn’t know how to show his heart. Although he finds someone to truly love, even that love is one-sided and futile. So his character is particularly heart-wrenching for me. I was amazed when I saw Jinyoung because he looked exactly like the illustrated version of Kim Yoon-sung from my novel. I thought, how could a real person be so handsome?”

About the other actors, author Yoon says she is completely satisfied with the casting, and admitted to being a Park Bo-gum fan herself. “In Answer Me 1988, there was a scene when Park Bo-gum’s motherless character was asked, ‘When do you want to see your mom?’ When he said, ‘Every day,’ I fell for him, right then and there. I thought he was a very good actor. Then I heard he was cast for my drama. After seeing his character’s poster, I thought he was the embodiment of Crown Prince Hyomyeong.” About actress Kim Yoo-jung, Yoon said, “She’s a born actress. I can’t fathom how such a young actress can be so disciplined and mature in her acting, but she does it so well.”

Author Yoon likes to write love stories set in the past. Thus, her next project will also be a romance that takes place during the Joseon dynasty. As for how she initially became interested, she reveals, “I like history. When I traveled abroad, my curiosity about the past increased. I feel really good on days when the drama airs because ‘Crown Prince Hyomyeong’ and ‘1811 Peasant Rebellion’ become trending searches on Naver. I am gratified that I can get people interested in our history.”

Her writing process is thorough because she wants to convey the best story possible for her readers. “Before I write a novel, I research carefully and extensively. I always listen to lectures on the traditions and ceremonies of the royal palace. I ask questions to cultural experts. I meet with historians, and look at ancient records at the library. I feel like I should know the historical context correctly in order to present it to my readers.”

On a final note, she says, “I want the drama to continue enjoyably until the end. I am rooting for the production to finish safely without any injuries or further obstacles.”

Via JoyNews24 1, JoyNews24 2

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KYJ exactly resembles the illustration of Ra On.

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"I was amazed when I saw Jinyoung because he looked exactly like the illustrated version of Kim Yoon-sung from my novel. I thought, how could a real person be so handsome?”

me too.. I always amazed whenever I saw him..

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so this gave a whole different reaction to the 'other writer' interview we had here recently. all i have to say is 'fighting!' writer-nim. You're lovely and sincere, dont be discouraged by snobby people.

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The drama is adapted beautifully from the novel( thanks PDnim), so Author Yoon, please be proud of your work. I bet that same mean Mom is probably one of the squeeing fans now and wishes that if she wasn't such a witch she could have claimed " Ah, I know the author" and brags about it.
And it's so sweet that she's like the rest of us, swooning over the same characters and having the same emotional reactions with each episode/ chapter.
Thank you, Author Yoon for your " other" beautiful "baby" ??

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This was a really good interview! I liked hearing about how she started it in secret.

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She sounds so precious and earnest. I can totally see how Moonlight is written by her. ^____^

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Thanks for the translations! Does anyone know how old this writer is? I'd like to find out more about her and her works, but unfortunately I can't read Korean ^^;;

Has anyone read the other 11(?) novels she'd written before?

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Is the trend nowadays to have the writer/original webtoon writer come out and talk about their works?
I'm very grateful to DB to translate these kind of interviews, other than actor's interviews, because the thought process of every writer and how the end product consumed by masses (and our reactions) are very interesting!

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Ahh, this is my kind of writer. I love how she strives for authenticity even while creating fiction. I wish her all the best with her future work.

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When you cast cute and talented puppies and put them in care of talented writers/ directors, you get abundance of cuteness.

From the pictures of the web novel...they directors had to turn into PG 13 appropriate ;)

PBG's mother scene is Reply 1988 really hit a chord with many people and gathered him fans.

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how can anyone put someone down bc she writes???? I am flabbergasted. those ajummas who talked like that are no better than jealous teens

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Wow, she really caught a lucky break. Started the work in secret and in less than three years it became a national (and probably international) hit.

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Oooh, DB!!!! How I love thee!

Thank you for more Moonlight's articles!
It's so satisfying that the drama's success didn't only reach the actors and crews and fans, but also the original source writer.

Yoon Yi-soo nim!!!
For giving birth to such a beautiful story,
For standing tall even during hard times,
I'd like to say the sincerest "Thank you!!!"

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I like how she sounds so happy that the adaptation turn out good, the character's depiction in physical and acting wise can be portrayed like what she thought it would be.

imo, her son wouldn't be embarrassed about her work.

so she didn't involve in the script writing??
it must be a fun experience to already knew all of the story and watching how it adapts in the drama, how something change or added.

and thank you DB team for the article ^^

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Nope I did not delurk because of Bogummy (although I'm a fan of his, noona status though haha). I delurk because of this article!!! Thank you SO MUCH DB for sharing the web novel writer's interview with us fans.

So precious. I can feel her sincerity.

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Nice article!! Thanks DB!!
The webtoon even has beautiful color palette and so much l

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Yoon Yi-soo sounds like a sweetheart :) What a nice interview.

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This novel is a gift for humanity.
This drama is life.
I tried findin a english translation of the novel. Sigh......... can't find it. Tried google translate it. Its hard to understand. ??
The drama is the best example of a perfect marriage of actors and production staff. ??
Beautiful... everything so beautiful!!! ??

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PDnim

Please end the story with happily ever after - do not kill off the anyone except the evil queen and her dad and croonies
The characters have suffered enough .like it says - it's loosely based on history . Let crown prince change his fate . Thank you !

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I'm interested in reading her web novel, but sadly can't read enough Korean to save my life. And the fact that she made research and extensive study before writing makes me believe that she writes one hell of a novel. I hope the Moonlight crew can finish their filming safely, and receive much more love for their efforts, I'm truly amazed by the sheer beauty the presented every week. Next up is probably separation part for our puppy couple, I really feel for Yeong, all he ever wanted was to keep Ra-on by his side, after losing his mother, the one woman he loved the most, now he's in danger of losing another, I can already feel the heartache.

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Thank you for this article!

Now I know why Moonlight Drawn By Clouds is such a delightful watch. Although the drama is still airing, I say this of what I've seen so far. It is a piece of work that has been meticulously crafted by the writer. I can also imagine how she poured her heart and soul into writing the characters.

Often, I read of MDBC being dismissed as simple fluff. I don't think simple necessarily equates to inferior. There are movies and dramas which looked simple at the first glance but they are a piece of art because the story is beautifully written and told. This is like savoring a simple bowl of noodles. The ingredients may not be many or expensive. Yet, it's the best you have tasted because it's masterfully cooked, beautifully presented and served with lots of heart. There is no point having wagu, foie gras and caviar if the cook butchers everything to make a dish.

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I would love to read the web novel. Anyone knows if there's an English version?

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She said about yoo jung - 'She is actress made in heaven'

So lovely words

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Wow! Thank you.

She said that her webtoon and the TV drama are separate. I wonder if the TV drama will have a happy ending or not.

Does anyone know if the webtoon does (have a happy ending)?

Cheers fellow beanies! It's MONDAY!

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There's probably no chance the novel will ever get translated to English, is there...?

Whenever a drama is adapted from a novel or manhwa, I'm so sad I can't read the original... I'm still soooo thankful to that person who translated the Coffee Prince novel <3

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I feel really good on days when the drama airs because ‘Crown Prince Hyomyeong’ and ‘1811 Peasant Rebellion’ become trending searches on Naver. I am gratified that I can get people interested in our history.

Is it bad that everything I know of Korean history I learned from Splish Splash Love and Moonlight?

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Thank you tineybeanie!!

"I started working on it in secret eight months after the birth of my son, because I had promised my husband to focus on child-rearing for two to three years. However, after eight months, I felt isolated from the world. It was like I was vanishing. So I started writing Moonlight Drawn By Clouds.”

“My life can be divided into two parts: before giving birth, and after it. Before having my child, my work was seen as being dry, cynical, and depressing. After giving birth, my work took on a more vibrant mood, much more lovey-dovey."

This writer speaks to my heart.

I'm so glad she brought up the fact that she needed to work after giving birth for her own sanity- because a woman's worth isn't just in giving birth and raising kids. But also, she acknowledged how giving birth made her a happier better writer. Beautiful balance in my opinion.

Motherhood can go hand in hand with working and be complementary. ❤️ There is a lot of stigma that motherhood will tank your career, or that once you have kids, your focus should be on them 100%. Glad to have a different view highlighted.

Writer Yoon- Fighting! 화이팅!

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Unfortunately, there's a lot of prejudice against romance writers, as if it doesn't take much talent, time, or research to create a world and characters within a romantic setting. (Hint: it absolutely does.) I'll out myself and say, yes, I write romances. Yes, I have been, and will be, put down because of my particular genre. This sweet, talented, amazing writer has created a wonderful, fun, romantic world full of intrigue, suspense, sacrifice, and love (of all sorts, not just man/woman). And that parent...well, I'm sure they are feeling quite sheepish right now considering how well her story, as well as the drama adaptation of the story, are both doing.

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Thanks so much for sharing this interview with us! I'm always curious about the thoughts that go into a written piece, and this author sounds like a sweetheart. I love the fact that she did this after being a mother, and in turn, her style of writing changed because she was much happier and wanted to convey that. I can definitely see how much heart and soul she poured into this project. I also appreciate that she did such meticulous research to frame the context of her writing. That is very important to me when it comes to historical dramas.

Looks like the casting is spot on for the three main leads and I like them all. I've been a fan of Bogummy before he broke out with Reply 1988 and I've seen a lot of Yoojungie as well. I haven't seen Jinyoung before though I knew he was in Persevere, Go Hae Ra (which I was planning to watch sometime). But I like him here, and actually, the other actors are great as well; e.g., KDY. I think all these factors along with the hard work of the author and the efforts of the cast and crew combined is what make this series such a huge hit. It speaks to people's hearts.

I quite enjoy romances and I hope others will think twice before looking down on authors. I'd bet that parent is eating his/her words now with this series being such a huge success. Yoon writer-nim, hwaiting! Keep bringing us more beautiful works!!

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"I started working on it in secret eight months after the birth of my son, because I had promised my husband to focus on child-rearing for two to three years."

Well, that first sentence made me see red. Hopefully her husband supports her work now that it's super successful, and hopefully she will be a role model for women who do want to work after having a kid.

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Hwaiting writer-nim, for giving us such a intriguing romance story!

Has the web novel ended already? So the ending is already out? OMG! I hope it's a happy ending, since i did search history and saw what happened to the Crown Prince....

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“In Answer Me 1988, there was a scene when Park Bo-gum’s motherless character was asked, ‘When do you want to see your mom?’ When he said, ‘Every day,’ I fell for him, right then and there.

---you make me cry, Writer-nim! Park BoGum is really special. There's something in him that's so unique. He really seems kind.

And Jinyoung is forever <3

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Thanks for sharing. I read snippets of this on twitter. Her story behind making Moonlight is interesting. She seems to be very dedicated to her craft. I am glad her work was picked up fora drama adaptation. Moonlight is such a wonderful piece. Cannot wait for tonight's episode.

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I am not sure if this is the right thread to pose a question but seeing as it is an MDBC thread, I thought it would still be worth asking...

It is about the clothes worn by Crown Prince Yeong's deceased mother (the former Queen). I have to admit that in the first few episodes, I was confused if she was the Queen or not because the outfits/ clothes seemed incredibly ordinary for a Queen.

For one, her top (jeogori?) did not even have the golden embroidered emblems which you normally see queens wear on the shoulders and on the front and back of the blouse.

Also, the skirt (china?) was very plain and did not have the golden prints that normally can be found close to the hems of the skirts.

The current pregnant queen certainly wore all of these... I wonder if anybody else noticed this discrepancy.

I guess you could say that Yeong's mother was a bit unconventional in her personality and habits but surely royal attire is still royal attire?

Anybody else noticed this or has this already been discussed?

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I have nothing much to say except this historical drama is really wonderful, fantastic and bombastic. Their (all cast members, actors and actresses) effort and hard work have been paid off. Superb team work. Congrats!!

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I like the new features, focusing on drama writers / source material writers! It's nice to know what they think sometimes. (Aware that most of these articles are in Korean and aren't as widely available for international drama fans).

Keep 'em coming, dramabeans!

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Thank you so much for sharing this interview!! I'm such an avid fan of the show right now and knowing a little more about the original writer and her work is an interesting plus to my addiction. As someone who's watched the good, the bad and the ugly in kdramaland, I don't mind sharing my devotion to a story that might be "fluff" to others, but we can see how it has been written (and now adapted) with a lot of heart. It totally shows in the drama and that's one of the things that keeps me watching, despite it having lots of creative licenses.

I love that she's "a fan" of the show, she must be liking what she's seeing so far, she respects the work of those who are making it and speaks generously about it, lucky her for savoring this kind of success.

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Thanks, tineybeanie, for translating this interview from Joy (Ra-on?!?!) News.

Author Yoon Yi-soo sounds like such a thoughtful, down-to-earth person. I'm glad that she is pleased with the TV adaptation of her work and the bang-up job the cast and crew are doing in bringing it to life on screen.

I appreciate the author's grounding the romance in historical reality even if it diverges from the historical record. The depiction of material culture and customs in everyday life long ago fascinates me. It convincingly transports me to a time and place very different from my own. Add the backdrop of the peasant rebellion and the usual politicking at court, and it makes for immersive viewing.

In the best tradition of historical romances, she also shows that people are people, with hopes, fears, dreams, and emotions that resonate with my own. That's what gives MDBC so much heart.

As for Ms. Yoon's being denigrated for her profession, it sounds like something straight out of A WIFE'S CREDENTIALS, which I just finished watching. Fie on such snobbery. I hope the author takes heart from the fact that so many readers and viewers are enjoying her brainchild. I'm glad to count myself among them. ;-)

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is there site where I could read this if not how does it end compared to drama.

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does anyone have or know where I can read the MDBC webnovel in english translation? I'm dying here... please save me! >____<

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I just finished watching 구르미 그린 달빛. and enjoyed it very much. Korean historical dramas fascinated me especially during the Joseon times. Now, I started reading the webtoon version in hanguel.
I commend Ms. Yoon for writing this novel.

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When and where can I find the English adaptation of this novel

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this so so so ........butiful love story

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I like how she said she watched the drama with the eyes of a regular fan.

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i only watched one Korean drama and repeated it close to a hundred times. Its about youth n romance. It touched me in an awesome and astonishing way. and I will be 77 years this june 28 2019. I speak to my Truine God every day and learn precious lessons which affected my thoughts and behaviour and feel great transformation in my life. I thank my God and pray for the lives of the actors and actresses involved and script writers and Directors and coaches, the whole team, no doubt we want to see ParkBG and KimYooJung in true holy matrimony. no fake news please, Because God is REAL n GOOD ALL THE TIME.! God Will answer OUR prayers.

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