Lumissa

■ Wait, we're writing the ad? Sera: They want us to write the app description. Dana: Can't we just say it's fun? Sera: Nobody installs an app because a stranger said "it's fun". Dana: See, this is why they picked you. ■ So what is Lumissa? Sera: You know internet comments? Someone turned them into characters. Dana: Comments... as people? Sera: Right. The funny comment becomes the funny one. The petty comment becomes the petty one. Dana: Okay, so which comment were you? (Sera flattens her palm over the screen) Sera: Next section. Dana: Your hand is shaking. I saw that. ■ What do you actually do in it? Sera: Read first. They argue, they gang up, they take sides. Dana: Doesn't that get boring if you're just watching? Sera: You're not. Grab whichever one you like and talk to them. Dana: Can I make fun of them? Sera: Argue with them, defend them, whatever. They remember, by the way. Dana: So I can basically become friends with one? Sera: Obviously. Dana: Great. My taste in men is historically terrible. ■ Your favorite video becomes yours Dana: Oh, I have to tell you. I dropped in a link to a stage clip yesterday. Sera: And? Dana: It came back as a script. A whole cast arguing about my video. Sera: That one's yours now. Dana: Sorry, what? Sera: Whatever you create belongs to you. When someone else reads it and watches an ad, gold comes to you. (Dana cups the phone in both hands) Dana: So this is... my child now. Sera: Think photocards. You can trade them with other people. Dana: Trade? Really? Sera: Or sell. Popular ones change hands all the time. (Dana is already copying another link) Dana: Hold on. Talk later. ■ If you want to understand Korea Sera: People say this is the real thing if you're curious about Korea. Dana: Why? Sera: Because nothing tells you what Koreans actually love, or actually rage about. Dana: Definitely not a textbook. Sera: If you only watch the official K-pop videos, you've seen half of it. The fan replies underneath are the other half. Dana: So I'd finally get why everyone gasped at that one drama scene? Sera: That, and the mood no travel guide will print. (Dana suddenly serious) Dana: Honestly, not knowing that almost got me in real trouble once. ■ It works in other languages? Sera: Korean, English, Japanese, Spanish. Reading and talking, all in your language. Dana: So you don't need Korean to read any of it. Sera: No. And here's the trick: read the same story again in Korean. Fastest way to pick it up. Dana: That sounds suspiciously like studying. Sera: It isn't. You just laugh until you understand. Dana: Why are you being this thorough, anyway? Sera: ...So people read my Lumits too.