What is a Webtoon?
A webtoon is a form of comic published on the internet, characterized by a vertical scroll format optimized for smartphones and tablets. Starting in South Korea in the early 2000s, webtoons have now become a global cultural phenomenon.
Global Market Status
The webtoon market has grown to approximately $5 billion as of 2024, with an annual growth rate of over 20%. Korean platforms like Naver Webtoon and Kakao Webtoon are leading the global market.
Success Factors
- Accessibility: Enjoy anytime, anywhere for free with just a smartphone.
- Diverse Genres: Romance, action, fantasy, thriller, and more.
- Interactive: Authors and readers communicate through comments and likes.
- IP Expansion: Expands into dramas, movies, and games for new revenue.
Notable Success Stories
Solo Leveling, True Beauty, Sweet Home, Itaewon Class, and many other webtoons have been produced as Netflix dramas.
Future Outlook
With advances in AI technology making translation and localization easier, the global spread of webtoons is expected to accelerate.