Latest news with #YongsooKim
Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
The world's biggest comics platform is betting on video to lure Gen Z
A new combatant is entering the streaming wars. Webtoon Entertainment, the popular creator-driven comics platform, is making a big bet on video. The platform is adapting comics into episodic videos meant for vertical scrolling, the company shared exclusively with Business Insider. It's starting with 14 English-language comics, with more episodes and titles rolling out throughout the year. Web comics have been on the rise and have attracted the attention of entertainment giants as a way to reach young people. Webtoon last week announced a deal with Disney to distribute its comics featuring Marvel, Star Wars, and other characters, and global streamers like Netflix and Amazon's Prime Video have adapted Webtoon comics to their platforms. And Netflix's biggest movie hit this year, "KPop Demon Hunters," was inspired by anime. Started in Korea in 2005, Webtoon is by far the biggest online comics platform. It reported revenue of $1.35 billion last year, up 5.1% year over year. Webtoon earns money through ads and freemium payments, sharing revenue with independent creators who distribute their comics on the platform. It also makes money from adaptations of its IP. It counts about 150 million users across its comics and other platforms, including Wattpad for web novels, and says users average 30 minutes a day on the platform. As video and audio gobble up an increasing share of Gen Z's media diet, Webtoon thinks cartoons can capture more of its existing users' time and appeal to video-centric Gen Zers. Its video shows are meant to resemble the short, vertical videos that, according to Deloitte's 2025 Digital Media Trends survey, that generation prefers over traditional TV and movies. "We believe that launching this kind of video episode can extend our user audience, especially the Gen Z users who prefer to listen or watch later than read," Yongsoo Kim, chief strategy officer for Webtoon, said in an interview. He declined to identify the tech platforms Webtoon is using to help make the adaptations or say how much he projects the video titles will grow Webtoon's audience. Other media companies are also leaning into the appeal of vertical video, whether by adapting their content to TikTok or exploring the mini-drama trend. Webtoon isn't using AI to make its videos For the videos, Webtoon picked stories representing a variety of genres, like romance and action. Webtoon worked with the creator to produce the videos, adding sound effects, voices provided by real actors, and music. The result falls somewhere in between image-based and fully animated. Creators maintain ownership over the show's underlying IP while they share ownership of the videos with Webtoon. Initially, the video stories will be ad-free and free to watch, though the plan is to add advertising over time. While it seems like every media company is rushing headfirst into AI, especially with animation, Kim stressed that Webtoon isn't using AI to convert the comics into video, in keeping with its belief in respecting creators. Jessica Ramsden is the creator of "Star Catcher," an LGBTQ+-themed comic that is one of the first that Webtoon adapted to video. She said the Webtoon team took her input to make sure the characters and voices fit her vision for the comic, whose protagonist deals with mental health issues, his sister's medical issues, and falling in love. She hopes the adaptation will expand its reach. "I know there's a much broader audience that might not know it exists because they don't read comics," Ramsden said. "I love manga, but there's people who only watch the anime version of it, and this can meet them halfway." She said she was happy that human actors were used instead of AI. "As an artist in general, I'm anti-AI," she said. "The whole part of art is human innovation using your own hands."
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Webtoon to bring Disney titles to mobile platform
Platform to host 100 Marvel, 'Star Wars' titles as shares jump 28 percent on news Webtoon Entertainment, the US-based parent company of Naver Webtoon, struck a multiyear partnership with Walt Disney Co. to bring around 100 titles from Marvel, "Star Wars" and other Disney properties to its vertical-scrolling platform, the companies announced Wednesday. The partnership will release adaptations of existing comics for smartphone viewing as well as original content developed for the mobile format. The content will appear in a dedicated section of Webtoon's English-language app, Webtoon said. "Amazing Spider-Man" debuts this month, followed by "Avengers," "Star Wars" and other titles. Users can read initial episodes for free before purchasing additional chapters with in-app coins. The deal helps fill a major content gap for the Naver Corp.-backed company as it expands beyond Asian markets. The platform boasts 155 million monthly active users globally, but has lacked superhero titles — which Disney's Marvel catalog will now deliver in earnest. The platform's demographics skew younger and more female than traditional comics readers, and its popular titles lean toward fantasy, romance and slice-of-life genres. For Disney, the partnership marks a shift from Marvel Comics' traditional distribution through comic shops and download services that cater to older fans. The entertainment giant could tap into Webtoon's younger, mobile-first user base while opening new revenue streams for its extensive back catalog. "The Disney, Marvel, 20th Century and Star Wars brands are among the most legendary, creative and successful in the industry," said Yongsoo Kim, Webtoon's chief strategy officer. "We're bringing this legendary storytelling to a new generation of mobile-native comic fans." The announcement sent Webtoon shares up 28 percent in after-hours trading Tuesday, coinciding with second-quarter earnings announced the same day. Webtoon reported revenue rose 8.5 percent to $348.3 million, while net losses narrowed to $3.9 million from $76.6 million a year earlier. The company projects third-quarter revenue between $380 million and $390 million. Webtoon Entertainment went public on Nasdaq in June 2024. The US-listed company serves as the parent of Korea's Naver Webtoon following a May 2020 restructuring, with Naver Corp. maintaining majority control. The company reported 2024 revenue of $1.35 billion with a net loss of $152.9 million. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed, but Disney's Daniel Fink, head of digital innovation, called it "one of the biggest" publishing partnerships his company has undertaken.
National Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
WEBTOON Entertainment and Dark Horse Comics to Bring "Cyberpunk 2077," "Critical Role," "The Witcher," Nickelodeon's "The Legend of Korra," and other titles to WEBTOON's English-Language Platform
Article content The titles expand the companies' existing partnership, which brought Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender to WEBTOON Article content WEBTOON Entertainment continues to redefine digital storytelling, working with Dark Horse to bring some of the biggest franchises in fandom to webcomics Article content Article content LOS ANGELES — WEBTOON Entertainment Inc., a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms, is expanding its collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, bringing five major franchises to WEBTOON's English-language platform. WEBTOON will become the digital home of Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins, The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, Plants vs. Zombies ™, and new tales of Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra. Newly reformatted for WEBTOON's vertical-scroll format, the new slate of titles will roll out on the platform throughout the second half of 2025. Article content The new slate joins WEBTOON and Dark Horse's existing partnership to bring Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender comics to the platform, where these have accumulated over 13 million views. Article content 'WEBTOON has made it easy for a new generation of fans to fall in love with comics,' said Yongsoo Kim, CSO and Head of Global WEBTOON at WEBTOON Entertainment. 'We're thrilled to work with Dark Horse to bring this new slate of world-class titles to WEBTOON. Whether we're helping new creators build their fandoms or working with marquee publishers like Dark Horse to bring beloved franchises to fans around the world, we're committed to delivering the highest quality storytelling to our passionate community of readers.' Article content 'I couldn't be more excited about partnering with WEBTOON on this slate of new titles. They've done such an incredible job shepherding our Avatar: The Last Airbender comics to their audience that I know all of these new stories are in good hands,' said Tim Wiesch, Vice President of Business Development at Dark Horse. The full slate of WEBTOON's reformatted Dark Horse titles includes: Article content The Witcher – A dark fantasy epic featuring the witcher Geralt of Rivia, a mercenary monster slayer. Embark on the Path and explore the world of the best-selling video game franchise. The Legend of Korra (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – A continuation of the Nickelodeon animated television series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra series follows Avatar Korra and her friends in their continuing adventures. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – Based on the hit tabletop RPG series, Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins follows a band of unlikely heroes as they embark on high-stakes adventures, blending immersive storytelling with the creativity of roleplaying. Cyberpunk 2077 – A collection of action-packed stories set in the same world as the best-selling video game, featuring a new cast of characters in the neon-lit streets of Night City. Plants vs. Zombies™ (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – The hilarious, action-packed battle between brain-hungry zombies and their unlikely plant defenders continues in this fan-favorite comic series based on the worldwide gaming phenomenon. Launch dates for each series will be announced at a later date. Article content WEBTOON Entertainment is a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms. As the global leader and pioneer of the mobile webcomic format, WEBTOON Entertainment has transformed comics and visual storytelling for fans and creators. Article content With its CANVAS UGC platform empowering anyone to become a creator, and a growing roster of superstar WEBTOON Originals creators and series, WEBTOON Entertainment's passionate fandoms are the new face of pop culture. WEBTOON Entertainment adaptations are available on Netflix, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other screens around the world, and the company's content partners include Discord, HYBE, and DC Comics, among many others. Article content With approximately 150 million monthly active users, WEBTOON Entertainment's IP & Creator Ecosystem of aligned brands and platforms include WEBTOON, Wattpad–the world's leading webnovel platform–Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, Studio N, Studio LICO, WEBTOON Unscrolled, LINE MANGA, and eBookJapan, among others. Article content About Dark Horse Comics Article content Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson with the goal of creating a welcoming environment for comics professionals. The company strives to be an example of how integrity and innovation can broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Dark Horse has published modern masters such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Brian Michael Bendis, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Colleen Doran, Janet Evanovich, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Eric Powell, Stan Sakai, and Gerard Way, as well as Hall of Fame legends Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Richard Corben. The company also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, based on properties such as Star Wars, Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Age, James Cameron's Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Halo. Dark Horse established an entertainment division in 1989, finding success with company-owned projects The Mask and TimeCop. Current hits from Dark Horse Entertainment include The Umbrella Academy on Netflix and Resident Alien on SyFy. Additionally, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
WEBTOON Entertainment and Dark Horse Comics to Bring 'Cyberpunk 2077,' 'Critical Role,' 'The Witcher,' Nickelodeon's 'The Legend of Korra,' and other titles to WEBTOON's English-Language Platform
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WEBTOON Entertainment Inc., a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms, is expanding its collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, bringing five major franchises to WEBTOON's English-language platform. WEBTOON will become the digital home of Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins, The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, Plants vs. Zombies ™, and new tales of Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra. Newly reformatted for WEBTOON's vertical-scroll format, the new slate of titles will roll out on the platform throughout the second half of 2025. WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. is expanding its collaboration with Dark Horse Comics. Share The new slate joins WEBTOON and Dark Horse's existing partnership to bring Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender comics to the platform, where these have accumulated over 13 million views. 'WEBTOON has made it easy for a new generation of fans to fall in love with comics,' said Yongsoo Kim, CSO and Head of Global WEBTOON at WEBTOON Entertainment. 'We're thrilled to work with Dark Horse to bring this new slate of world-class titles to WEBTOON. Whether we're helping new creators build their fandoms or working with marquee publishers like Dark Horse to bring beloved franchises to fans around the world, we're committed to delivering the highest quality storytelling to our passionate community of readers.' 'I couldn't be more excited about partnering with WEBTOON on this slate of new titles. They've done such an incredible job shepherding our Avatar: The Last Airbender comics to their audience that I know all of these new stories are in good hands,' said Tim Wiesch, Vice President of Business Development at Dark Horse. The full slate of WEBTOON's reformatted Dark Horse titles includes: The Witcher – A dark fantasy epic featuring the witcher Geralt of Rivia, a mercenary monster slayer. Embark on the Path and explore the world of the best-selling video game franchise. The Legend of Korra (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – A continuation of the Nickelodeon animated television series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra series follows Avatar Korra and her friends in their continuing adventures. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – Based on the hit tabletop RPG series, Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins follows a band of unlikely heroes as they embark on high-stakes adventures, blending immersive storytelling with the creativity of roleplaying. Cyberpunk 2077 – A collection of action-packed stories set in the same world as the best-selling video game, featuring a new cast of characters in the neon-lit streets of Night City. Plants vs. Zombies™ (Vertical Scrolling Format Exclusive to WEBTOON) – The hilarious, action-packed battle between brain-hungry zombies and their unlikely plant defenders continues in this fan-favorite comic series based on the worldwide gaming phenomenon. Launch dates for each series will be announced at a later date. About WEBTOON Entertainment WEBTOON Entertainment is a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms. As the global leader and pioneer of the mobile webcomic format, WEBTOON Entertainment has transformed comics and visual storytelling for fans and creators. With its CANVAS UGC platform empowering anyone to become a creator, and a growing roster of superstar WEBTOON Originals creators and series, WEBTOON Entertainment's passionate fandoms are the new face of pop culture. WEBTOON Entertainment adaptations are available on Netflix, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other screens around the world, and the company's content partners include Discord, HYBE, and DC Comics, among many others. With approximately 150 million monthly active users, WEBTOON Entertainment's IP & Creator Ecosystem of aligned brands and platforms include WEBTOON, Wattpad--the world's leading webnovel platform--Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, Studio N, Studio LICO, WEBTOON Unscrolled, LINE MANGA, and eBookJapan, among others. About Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson with the goal of creating a welcoming environment for comics professionals. The company strives to be an example of how integrity and innovation can broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Dark Horse has published modern masters such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Brian Michael Bendis, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Colleen Doran, Janet Evanovich, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Eric Powell, Stan Sakai, and Gerard Way, as well as Hall of Fame legends Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Richard Corben. The company also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, based on properties such as Star Wars, Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Age, James Cameron's Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, The Witcher, and Halo. Dark Horse established an entertainment division in 1989, finding success with company-owned projects The Mask and TimeCop. Current hits from Dark Horse Entertainment include The Umbrella Academy on Netflix and Resident Alien on SyFy. Additionally, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. In 2022, Dark Horse Media, LLC was established as the parent company of all three divisions, and became part of Embracer Group AB, strengthening the company's transmedia capabilities.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WEBTOON Entertainment Revolutionizes Webcomic Discovery with Innovative New Personalization Features and Product Updates
The suite of updates delivers improved discovery features and a personalized experience to make finding your next favorite webcomic as simple as browsing a streaming service Product enhancements include an advanced AI recommendation model, revamped onboarding experience, a new search system, and a 'New & Hot' tab — all designed to improve content discovery on WEBTOON LOS ANGELES, May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: WBTN), a leading global entertainment company and home to some of the world's largest storytelling platforms, today announced major updates to enhance webcomic discovery and personalize recommendations on its global platforms, including the English-language service. The suite of product updates makes webcomic discovery more like browsing a streaming service, with AI-powered personalized recommendations, dynamic video content previews, and a new onboarding process to better understand user preferences. The new features will make it easier than ever to find and fall in love with some of the world's best stories. Along with its new content discovery features, the platform is also rolling out the ability to unlock an entire series, giving readers a new way to binge their favorite stories. "As the category creator who built the massively popular webcomic format, innovation is core to what we do," said Yongsoo Kim, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON. "WEBTOON has already transformed how the world reads comics, and today we're revolutionizing how fans find their next favorite story. When faced with a vast catalogue of content from around the globe, it can be hard to know what to read next. We want our audience to spend their time enjoying a story, not looking for one. We're making the WEBTOON experience more like browsing the world's most immersive streaming and entertainment platforms, delivering personalized recommendations that take your tastes and reading history into account." WEBTOON's new discovery features and updates include: AI-powered personalized recommendations: In a major overhaul to content discovery, WEBTOON's new AI-powered recommendation engine combines insights from user onboarding, reading history, and preferred drawing styles to display personalized recommendations. Users will now select their favorite genres and themes during onboarding, enabling stronger personalization on the WEBTOON Home tab and throughout the WEBTOON platform experience. A 'New and Hot' tab, including trailer-style content previews: As the company continues to explore dynamic new content and preview formats, users will now see short, trailer-style preview videos promoting new releases and trending titles within the 'New & Hot' tab. These animated content previews make the WEBTOON experience more like scrolling a streaming service, delivering an immersive glimpse into some of WEBTOON's most compelling series.
