Cartoonist Heo Yeong-man (79), known for "Sikgaek," said on the 17th that he will suspend public activities due to a health issue.
Heo's side said in a statement the same day that "a health problem occurred for Heo, and he is hospitalized, focusing on treatment and recovery."
Heo's side also said that "Sikgaek Heo Yeong-man's Baekban Journey," which is airing on TV CHOSUN, will wrap up season 1 through consultation.
Heo's side said, "We are deeply grateful to the production staff and cast who have created the program together over the past seven years, and to all the viewers."
TV CHOSUN said, "The journey has come to a close due to health reasons for Heo," adding, "We plan to air a special episode to console viewers' disappointment."
The special episode will air at 7:50 p.m. on the 21st. It will look back on 365 guest invitees who have appeared on Baekban Journey, Heo's talks, and 2,131 dining tables across the nation's eight provinces.
Heo was born in 1947 in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, and debuted in the cartoon world after winning the Korea Times' rookie cartoon contest in 1974 with "In Search of Home."
In the same year, he began to make a name for himself with the comic "Bridal Mask," serialized in the Boy's Korea Times, and later gained fame as "Fly, Superboard," "Beat," and "Tazza" were adapted for the screen.