Today’s theme: Webtoon

Korea’s webtoon industry is a fast-growing business. But in recent years, people have been speaking up about the working conditions of webtoon artists. Lezhiin Comics, one of the most popular/Korea’s first paid-service platform, has been the center of the controversy. Webtoon artists have staged protests in front of the company’s building denouncing Lezhin’s alleged ‘blacklist’ and other mistreatment of the artists. We look into the potential and problems Korea’s webtoon industry holds.

The Conversationalist

with

이종범(LEE Jong-beom)

best known for his webtoon Dr. Frost which was also adapted into a TV series

He is also a board member of the Korea Webtoon Artist Association.

“Our stance is quite simple. Lezhin must issue an earnest public apology regarding the problems that have gone on for several years. Only then can we discuss specific solutions”

&

장혜원 (a.k.a 돌배작가)

Chang Hye-won (penname: Dolbae)

known for her webtoons 샌프란시스코 화랑관 (San Francisco Hwa Rang Kwan) and more recently 계룡선녀전

&

Elaine Ramirez

Seoul-based journalist specializing in technology, startups, business and contributor for Forbes Asia.

“Can you give us a glimpse of how platforms can build a business model around webtoon service overseas, by giving us some prominent examples?”

Webtoon is a part of this K-wave, Korean pop culture contents gaining popularity abroad. We’re seeing trends like Korean developed PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds being played worldwide, or megahit webtoon Love Alarm winning Netflix original remake. How can tech companies ride this wave?”

Media Monster

"Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" by Scott McCloud

Next week: Plagirism