Branded webtoon, the rise of the digital comic industry in South Korea

ABSTRACT

An interesting book that detailly explains the development of webtoons in South Korea in four time periods. From the first appearance of amateur webcomics distributed via the internet (1998-–2002);, transmedia adaptation of webtoons in line with the establishment of online media (2003-–2009);, the growth of mobile phone-based ecosystems accompanied by monetization strategies (2010-–2013);, and efforts to present webtoons in the international arena (2014-present). The author seems to make great efforts to attract readers, especially those who are not familiar with webtoons, by exploiting the cutting-edge capabilities of the digital era in presenting webtoons, as well as and creating a new media ecosystem in all aspects of production, distribution, and consumption.

KEYWORDS:

• Webtoons
• digital comic
• South Korea
• webtooniverse

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diah Ayu Candraningrum

Diah Ayu Candraningrum (Sandra) is a lecturer at the Faculty of Communication Science Universitas Tarumanagara, Jakarta, Indonesia. Currently, she is pursuing her study at the Doctoral Program of Communication Science at the Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia. Her research interests include digital brand communication, tourism communication and marketing communication. Her research articles have been published in the National Garuda Journal Index titled ‘Cyberculture in the Cyberspace’ and some of Web of Science’s journals.

Hanipa Yansari

Hanipa Yansari (Hanip) is pursuing a master’s degree in social anthropology at Medan State University. He is also an activist among the Millennials which are responsible for preserving culture (milea) in the city of Medan. His research interests include the study of inter-ethnic relations and local wisdom. His research article has been published in the National Garuda Journal Environmental Ethics, The Role of Islam in Achieving Sustainability with Quality Education and the Economy.