Author Lee Nak-joon left medicine for writing after a work earned only 20,000 won daily

Lee Nak-joon, the author behind the popular web novel 'Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour,' shared the personal journey that led him to leave his medical career for writing. Appearing on KBS 2TV's 'Malja Show,' Lee detailed his struggles with career indecision as an intern, earning the nickname 'Rose of Betrayal' for his frequent job changes.

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I also wandered because I didn't know what I wanted to do.

He emphasized that exploring different fields is crucial for self-discovery, stating, "You can't know if something suits you until you try it." Lee also cautioned against holding onto unrealistic expectations about any profession, admitting that even his passion for writing doesn't make him eager to write immediately upon waking.

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You can't know if something suits you until you try it.

The pivotal moment for Lee's career change wasn't the success of 'Severe Trauma Center,' but rather the failure of a previous work. "That work really flopped. Daily revenue was 20,000 won, so I made 10,000 won," he recalled. Despite this meager income, he persisted, writing over 500 episodes in two years.

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It's difficult to feel 'This job really suits me, it's fun, and I like it.'

This dedication solidified his belief in his passion. "If I can do this for so long and writing isn't difficult, I must really like it," he thought. He set a personal goal: to transition to full-time writing when his author income became two to three times his doctor's salary. The success of 'Severe Trauma Center,' which was later adapted into a Netflix series, ultimately allowed him to meet this financial benchmark and fully embrace his career as a writer.

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I decided to become a full-time writer when the daily revenue was 20,000 won.