Interview with J. Soori, Author of Semantic Error

From iconic bickering to heart-stopping moments that live rent-free in fans’ minds, Semantic Error has cemented itself as a beloved BL classic. This compelling Boys Love tale of rivalry, misunderstanding, and unexpected connection has grown into a multi-format phenomenon with a hit comic, novel, and animation and live-action adaptations, capturing the hearts of fans around the world.

To celebrate the English print release of the Semantic Error novel, we gathered questions from fans to see what they’d like to ask the author, J. Soori. In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspirations behind the characters, reflect on the enduring appeal of Semantic Error, and discuss what it’s like to see the series embraced so passionately by the global community.

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1. What was your inspiration behind creating Sangwoo and Jaeyoung? What made you want to tell their story?
(from @shorthandbl on X)

My previous published works leaned heavily toward fantasy, so I wanted to challenge myself with a romance that was more intense and focused on emotional shifts. Sangwoo and Jaeyoung began with the idea of ‘contrast.’ I wanted to write a story about two very different characters colliding and gradually blending into each other.

2. What got you into writing? Are there any genres you want to explore, whether it be outside or alongside romance? Such as mystery, fantasy, psychological, etc. 
(from @chewytot1 on Instagram)

I’ve loved reading and stories since I was young. Building on that, I naturally began imagining things and eventually started telling stories myself. Fantasy and mystery are genres I already enjoy, and I’d like to explore them further. I’m also interested in action, historical drama, SF, and horror.

3. It’s been a few years since the Korean release of Semantic Error, but it has continued to receive love from fans worldwide. What aspects of the story do you think have contributed to its lasting appeal?
(from @ink_blotter on X)

First of all, I think it’s easy to approach because it’s casual and light to read. And thankfully many readers have found the jokes in the novel to be amusing. However, I believe the novel’s popularity didn’t come from the story alone. The adaptations into audio drama, webtoon, animation, and drama were also important.

4. How do you feel that this is many people's first BL manhwa because of how popular it is?
(from @i_couldnt_come_up_with_a_name_ on Instagram)

I feel proud and honored. It was only possible because Angy turned my novel into such a wonderful comic based on the original work.

5. Do you have a favorite character out of the two? Which one do you resonate with more?
(from @fourgivendays on X)

I like them both. My personality is closer to Jaeyoung’s, so I relate more to his actions. Sangwoo has very little in common with me.

6. Were there any different versions of the characters or their dynamic before the finalized one? I mean, were there points in the story where they were supposed to be completely different people, personality and looks wise?
(from @jjkmyg03 on Instagram)

In the early stages, Sangwoo was originally older than Jaeyoung. Later, I thought it would be more interesting to reverse that. Also, at first I imagined Sangwoo as having an ordinary appearance, but as I kept writing, he turned into a cute and handsome character. :)

7. Can we get more insight to Jaeyoung's upbringing and his family and father? What went down at Sangwoo's and Jaeyoung's wedding?
(from @DevineOyediran on X)

Jaeyoung spent a long time living overseas, following his father, who was a diplomat. However, his family life wasn’t harmonious, and his father wasn’t affectionate, so Jaeyoung has very few good memories. He dislikes his father. At their wedding, the families on both sides got into a fight. Still, it was a joyful, happy, and wonderful wedding overall.

8. Who would propose first in the relationship, Sangwoo or Jaeyoung? How would they do it?
(from @dohpaminee10c on X)

If you read the novel to the end, you’ll find out in detail. XD

9. I'm still curious about Jaeyoung's birthday. Some fans say it might be on Christmas. Is that true? 
(from @chu_sangchu on X)

I’m curious too. He didn’t even tell me.

10. Do you have any message to fans?

Hello to the readers in the United States. It’s such an honor that the novel Semantic Error is being translated into English and published in the US!
Many of you may already know it through the webtoon, but the novel has its own unique charm, so please look forward to it.
Jaeyoung and Sangwoo also send their New Year’s greetings. Happy New Year!

. . .

We want to thank J. Soori and all Semantic Error fans for this opportunity. Ize Press is proud to be the English print publisher of the Semantic Error comic and novel.

If you haven’t added Semantic Error to your BL collection yet, now’s the perfect time! Fans can collect the series in comic, novel, and audiobook formats, all available through your favorite book retailers worldwide—including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Books-A-Million, Kinokuniya, etc. You can also get the comic and novel directly from our webstore (US and Canada only). With options in print, digital, and audio, there are plenty of ways to experience this BL masterpiece. 

The comic adaptation will conclude in six volumes, while the novel will wrap up in three volumes, so make 2026 the year of Semantic Error and enjoy the story in every form!