South Korea Leads the Way in Comic and Webtoon Industry Development

South Korean Government Takes Lead in Fostering Comic and Webtoon Industry

The South Korean government, through the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is playing a prominent role in supporting and nurturing the comic and webtoon industry. As part of these efforts, a webtoon industry team will be established within the Korea Creative Content Agency, and there are plans to revise existing laws related to the promotion of comics.

Announcement of Development Direction

On the 23rd, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Yu In-chon, announced the “Comic and Webtoon Industry Development Direction” at the Art Korea Lab in Seoul’s Jongno-gu. Minister Yu emphasized the importance of swiftly executing the strategies and tasks presented to bring visible changes to the industry.

Goals for Industry Expansion

The development plan aims to expand the scale of the comic and webtoon industry, increase exports, and establish internationally renowned festivals. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has set a target of 4 trillion won (approximately 3.6 billion dollars) for the industry’s size and 250 million dollars for exports by 2027.

Establishment of Support Organizations and Platforms

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will strengthen support organizations and budgets for the promotion and development of the comic and webtoon industry. This includes the establishment of a webtoon industry team within the Korea Creative Content Agency and the formation of a “Comic Promotion Committee” to facilitate communication between industry experts and creators.

Furthermore, the ministry plans to comprehensively revise laws related to the promotion of comics to strengthen the legal and institutional foundations of the industry. The proposed revisions aim to create a cluster for the comic and webtoon industry, establish a self-regulatory system for webtoons, and solidify the industry’s legal and regulatory framework.

Enhanced Support for Overseas Expansion

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will enhance support for the overseas expansion of webtoons through domestic platforms. This includes allocating a budget of 1 billion won (approximately 900,000 dollars) for translation support and a total of 3 billion won (approximately 2.7 million dollars) for targeting major markets such as Japan and the United States. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote Korean comics and webtoons through world-class events.

Creation of Representative Festivals and Talent Academy

To elevate the status of the comic and webtoon industry, a representative festival will be held in the fall. This festival aims to provide a platform for readers, creators, and industry professionals to gather and will include the recognition of outstanding works and industry experts on an international level.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism plans to establish a “Comic and Webtoon Talent Academy” to cultivate talent within the industry. Drawing inspiration from successful models such as the Korean Academy of Film Arts and the Game Talent Academy, this academy will provide specialized education programs for creators and professionals.

Conclusion

The South Korean government’s proactive approach in fostering the comic and webtoon industry aims to stimulate its growth, expand its international recognition, and establish Korea as a global hub in this field. The establishment of support organizations, revisions of laws, and increased support for overseas expansion outlined in the development plan are expected to contribute to the industry’s success and long-term sustainability.