The Shocking Truth Behind The Operation True Love Hiatus: 5 Critical Updates Fans Must Know (December 2025)

The long wait for the return of *Operation True Love* (also known by its Korean title, *Jakjeonmyeong Sunjeong*) continues, and as of December 15, 2025, the beloved webtoon remains on a long-term hiatus. This extended break has left a massive hole in the weekly reading schedule of romance drama fans globally, especially after the dramatic conclusion of the last season. The hiatus, which began after the final episodes of Season 2 (or the beginning of Season 3, depending on the platform), is now approaching its second year, prompting continuous speculation and concern among the dedicated fanbase.

The most current and official update, confirmed in a statement released in April 2025 by the creators, points to a serious health issue affecting the production team. While many webtoons take scheduled breaks between seasons, the unexpected length of this pause is directly tied to the physical well-being of the artist, a common yet heartbreaking reason in the demanding webtoon industry. We’ve compiled the five most critical updates and details you need to know about the status of Shim Su-ae's high school romance journey.

The Creative Team Behind Operation True Love: Writer and Artist Profiles

The intricate plot and beautiful artwork that define *Operation True Love* are the result of a talented duo, whose dedication to the series is now the primary reason for the pause. Understanding who they are helps contextualize the severity of the current situation.

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• Original Korean Title: 작전명 순정 (*Jakjeonmyeong Sunjeong*)
• English Title: *Operation: True Love* / *Pure Love Operation*
• Genre: Romance, Drama, Supernatural, High School
• Original Platform: Naver Webtoon (Korea)

kkokkalee (Writer)

The writer, known by the pseudonym kkokkalee, is the mastermind behind the complex narrative involving the mysterious "Love Points" system and the emotional entanglement of the main characters. kkokkalee is responsible for crafting the character arcs, the high-stakes drama, and the supernatural plot elements that turn a simple high school romance into a compelling mystery. Their work is praised for its deep character development, particularly the transformation of the protagonist, Shim Su-ae.

Dledumb (Artist)

The artist, known as Dledumb, is the creator of the webtoon's signature stunning visuals, celebrated for its clean lines, expressive character designs, and vibrant color palette. Dledumb's distinctive art style is crucial to the series' popularity. The current long-term hiatus is directly linked to Dledumb’s health, specifically an issue with their wrist, which is a severe occupational hazard for webtoon artists who must maintain grueling weekly schedules.

Update 1: The Official Reason for the Extended Hiatus (April 2025 Confirmation)

The initial hiatus began shortly after the final paid episode (Episode 108 on Naver) was uploaded on August 30, 2024. While fans initially expected a standard seasonal break, the creators released an official statement in April 2025 confirming the prolonged pause was due to the artist’s health.

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The most specific reason cited was a severe issue with Dledumb's wrist, making it impossible to continue the intense drawing schedule required for weekly webtoon production. This is an unfortunate but necessary step to ensure the artist can recover fully and avoid permanent injury. Fans have overwhelmingly supported this decision, prioritizing the artist's well-being over the immediate return of the series.

Update 2: The Confusing English Release Schedule on WEBTOON

For international fans reading on the official WEBTOON platform, the hiatus status can be confusing. The English release is often significantly delayed compared to the original Korean version on Naver. While the Korean version concluded Season 2 in August 2024, the English version continued to catch up.

As of late 2025, the English WEBTOON app may show a high episode count (e.g., Episode 122 dated December 11, 2025), but this is likely the point where the translated chapters caught up to the Korean break, or it represents a placeholder for fast-pass episodes. The official English series is now also on hiatus, with fan speculation suggesting a return may not occur until late 2026, long after the Korean return, due to the translation and scheduling lag.

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Key takeaway: Do not rely on placeholder dates on the English platform. The series will not return in English until the artist recovers and the original Korean serialization resumes.

Update 3: Fan Controversy and Plot Direction Concerns

Beyond the official health reason, the hiatus also occurs during a period of intense fan debate regarding the direction of the plot. The narrative, which started as a high school drama centered on protagonist Shim Su-ae's quest to increase her "Love Points" and navigate a complex love triangle, introduced a controversial new element.

The introduction of the Mystery Cellphone and the subsequent focus on the shadowy Evil Megacorp behind the Love Points system divided the fanbase. Some readers felt the shift from a pure romance/drama to a semi-supernatural corporate mystery detracted from the core relationship development between Su-ae and male lead Go Eun-hyuk. Although not the official reason for the break, the fan backlash and the pressure to deliver a satisfying resolution to both the romance and the corporate plotline may have added to the stress on the creative team.

Update 4: What to Expect When Operation True Love Returns (Season 3 Plot Points)

When the webtoon finally returns, it is expected to jump directly into Season 3 (or the continuation of Season 2, depending on how the creators structure the return). The main focus will be on resolving the central conflicts left hanging:

• The Su-ae and Eun-hyuk Relationship: Fans are desperate for a definitive resolution to the main romance arc, which has been complicated by misunderstandings and the interference of other characters like Kang Ah-jin and Kim Min-ji.
• The Love Points System: The mystery surrounding the source and purpose of the Love Points and the fate of the shadowy organization controlling them must be addressed.
• Character Development: Further exploration of the supporting cast, including the complex character of Dohwa and the resolution of Su-ae's past relationship with Minu, are highly anticipated.

The return will be critical, as kkokkalee must deliver a powerful story that satisfies both the romance readers and those invested in the supernatural/mystery elements.

Update 5: How Fans Can Support the Operation True Love Creators

The best way to ensure a high-quality return is to support the creators during their necessary break. The financial stability of webtoon artists is often tied to their production schedule, so every form of support helps reduce stress and allows for a proper recovery.

• Read Legally: Continue to read the series exclusively on the official WEBTOON platform. Even when on hiatus, the creators receive royalties and support based on past views and fast-pass purchases.
• Positive Engagement: Avoid sending demanding or negative messages about the plot or the hiatus to the artist's social media. Focus on sending messages of encouragement and well-wishes for Dledumb’s health.
• Re-read the Series: Re-reading the first two seasons is a great way to keep the series' popularity up and refresh your memory of the intricate plot before the inevitable Season 3 premiere.

While the wait is frustrating, the eventual return of *Operation True Love* will be a major event in the webtoon community. The health-related hiatus is a clear reminder of the human effort behind our favorite series, and patience is the ultimate act of true love for the creators.