Web novels in South Korea
Web novels in South Korea (Korean: 웹소설; Hanja: 웹小說; RR: Websoseol) have been growing in popularity in the 21st century. Among e-publishing fields, web novels are the core contents that are leading the e-book market. Just as webtoons (online comics) grew in the early 2000s in South Korea, web novels have been growing rapidly since 2010.[1]
The usual definition of a web novel is 'the first novel to be released on the web'. This definition is based on the nature of distinguishing web novels from other content, first of all, the basis for mediating novels with readers, second of which the web releases them for the first time, and lastly has a narrative form. In particular, the Web novel market has begun to receive great attention because the possibility of web novel contents expansion like drama has been confirmed.[2]
History
The term 'Web novel' was used in South Korea after Naver, a portal site, launched Naver Web novel in 2013. Before that, it was called various words such as Internet novels and online novels. Currently, the term 'web novel' is used in both industrial and academic fields.[1]
South Korean web novels began to spread in late 1990 with literature of PC communication such as Nownuri, Chollian and Hitel (The current service has been terminated). These novels were called the so-called 'first generation fantasy of Korea.' Some of the representative works include 「The Soul Guardians」(퇴마록; 退魔錄; Toemarok) (1993), 「The Legend of Maian」(마이언 전기; Maieon jeongi) (1995), 「The Raising Falcon」(비상하는 매; Bisanghaneun mae) (1996), 「Dragon Raja」(1997), 「Karsearin: Adventures of a Red Dragon」(카르세아린; Kareusearin)[3][4] (1998), 「Dragon's Temple」(용의 신전; Yongui sinjeon) (1998), 「Mukhyang」(묵향; 墨香) (1998),[3] and 「The Stone of Days」 (세월의 돌; Seworui dol) (1998).[5][6] After the introduction of the Internet in the late 1990s, PC communication disappeared and Internet novels became active in earnest.[7] Since 2000, unstable social conditions such as the IMF economic crisis and the end of the century syndrome have caused people to fall into virtual reality. As a result, amateur writers appeared in large numbers, and genre literature, not pure literature, became popular based on the Internet. Web novels were popular in other countries around the same time, with a slight difference in terms. Web novels are called Web fiction in the United States and Internet literature (网络文学) in China.[1] At that time, numerous Internet novels appeared. The most representative writer is Gwiyeoni. Her works were also successful, being made into cartoons and movies. Some of the representative works include 「My Sassy Girl」(2001) and 「He Was Cool」(2004).[8]
After the IMF, there were many book rental stores in Korea. This was because the book rental store was a start-up item. The genre novels that were serialized on the Internet were often published and bought at book rental stores. However, the market for book rental shops did not last long. Internet novels have various distribution channels. Web novels have begun to be paid for. In April 2007, an e-book company, Booktopia (The current service has been terminated), opened a genre novel website called Waki. In 2008, BookCube opened a bookstore specializing in e-books. Both bookstores used a per-part payment format. Joara, a popular serial site until now, also started charging at this time, but it didn't work well. It opened its 'Premium' section in 2011. The 'Premium' section wasn't profitable until 2014.[7]
Meanwhile, the e-book market has continued to expand in recent years. In January 2013, Naver Web Novel began. The portal's influence was enormous. The novel, which used to be called "Internet novels" and "playwright novels", instantly changes its name to "web novels". In February of the same year, Kakao Page appeared. Kakao Page has now become the center of the genre novel market.[7]
Since October 2022, a service such as YONDER have begun to officially translate Korean web novels into English.[9] Before that, to address the demand from non-Korean speakers, many piracy sites illegally distributing English translated versions of webnovles arose. However, the cultural ministry of Korea has taken a hard stance on illegal distributors of Korean webnovels to uphold copyright protection.[10]
Features
Web based system
Web novels are all produced, distributed, and consumed on the Web. This has brought a big change to the existing publishing industry. Web-based channels other than those that previously had great influence in the publishing industry have become very influential in the web novel industry. In addition, the process of producing, distributing, and consuming web novels takes place almost simultaneously.[2] Also, as payment methods are now easier in digital, readers can enjoy web novels, which are priced at around 100 won per episode.[11]
Serialization
The reason why serialization is important in web novels is that it not only enables gradual commercialization but also allows potential readers to flow through interaction. Therefore, the know-how of ending the story is important in each episode where the reader's curiosity reaches its peak. Also, inter-episode connectivity is an important determinant for readers to read the next episode.[2]
Interaction
Interaction with readers through comments is an important component of a web novel. In the process of producing web novels, the author can check the comments and views to distinguish between what readers enjoy and what readers show low interest. However, this can put a lot of pressure on the writer. This could also lead to undermining the author's creativity. Nevertheless, interaction through comments has brought about a new change in the relationship between writing and readers, which has been fixed in the past, and has brought new possibilities for literature.[2]
ExtenSalesity
Web novels have the potential to expand into other content. Due to short breathing and rapid development, it is highly immersive and easy to visualize because it has a drama format. In China, web novels are attracting attention as IP (Intellectual Property) that are easy to develop with various contents such as webtoons, movies and games. In fact, works from the original web novel are becoming popular.[2]
Platforms
Joara
"Serialist" (시리얼리스트; Silieolliseuteu), which was opened in November, 2000, and "Ujoa" (유조아; Yujoa), which was opened in March, 2001.[12]「Invisible Dragon」(투명드래곤; Tumyeongdeuraegon) (2002) caused a great sensation.[13] In June 2003, "Joara" (조아라) was officially established.[12] Joara is the nation's largest web novel platform with 140,000 writers, with an average of 2,400 serials per day and 420,000 works. Joara went into the red for eight years after starting business. the company posted 12.5 billion won in sales in 2015 as profits were generated from 2009. Its membership is 1.1 million, and it uses 8.6 million cases a day on average (2016).[14] Since Joara's users have almost the same gender ratio, both fantasy and romance genres are in high demand. The top 10 in the 'Noblesse' and 'Premium' categories were dominated by fantasy and romance genres. However, parody and BL genre are outstanding in the free series category.[1]
Munpia
"Go! Murim," which was opened in 2002 by writers of martial arts novels such as 'Geumgang (currently CEO Kim Hwan-cheol).' The site focused on the genre of martial arts novels, and was characterized by the high age range of readers. The site has accepted a large number of fantasy writers and readers and changed its name to "Gomofan." There was another change after that. It changed to Munpia (문피아) in 2006 and started paid service in 2013. Munpia currently has 450,000 members and 500,000 daily visitors, and 31,000 writers are active. Munpia has 60,000 copies and 700,000 serials, 20,000 exclusive works, and more than 2,700 new works each month (2016).[14] In May 2021, Naver partnered with CJ Group's CJ ENM to acquire Munpia Inc, the third largest web-novel platform in Korea.[15]
Naver Web Novel (and SERIES)
Naver Web Novel (네이버웹소설; Neibeowebsoseol) first started its service on January 15, 2013. It is a web novel platform under Naver, the nation's top search engine. According to a January 2016 Naver press release, more than 5 million readers have accessed Naver's web novels more than once a month, which is loved by many readers. Among the official serial writers of Naver's web novels, 26 made more than 100 million won a year, while the highest-earning authors earned 470 million won in 2018 alone. The works of Naver Web Novel have some differences in format with other platforms. It is to attach a small character illustration to the front of the conversation. It is unique that the characters of the work can be identified only by illustrations without knowing the context of who said the words.[1] Naver reorganized its web novel platform Naver SERIES (Korean: 네이버 시리즈; RR: Neibeo Silijeu) in 2018 and is focusing on marketing SERIES.[16] It has also reorganized its paid content activation model. "Free for You" allows only users to see web novels free of charge if they wait a certain amount of time.[17]
KakaoPage
KakaoPage first started its service on April 9, 2013, but it did not mainly serve web novels and webtoons from the beginning. At first, it was designed as an open market where developers of various contents can freely upload mobile content. However, it was not widely used due to lack of publicity for its users.[14]
From April 21, 2014, the webtoon and web novel service began free of charge. Based on popular works such as 「Legendary Moonlight Sculptor」(2007), the company has secured a large number of users through active marketing to potential users such as providing items to Kakao Talk users, and is currently one of the pillars of the web publishing market.[14]
KakaoPage's webtoons and web novels include serial novels managed by the headquarters and "Waiting for free" and books provided by various publishers.[14] "Waiting for free" is a service model that allows users to watch the next episode for free after a certain period of time from the moment they watch the first episode.[18] They are not allowed to post content by individual writers, such as Naver N Store (It's now merged with SERIES.), and they can only upload content through partner companies.[14]
Ridi
Since 2017, Ridi Corporation has been expanding its content spectrum, serving web novels in different products.[19]
Genres
The genres of web novels are complex and fast, but the representative genres can be divided into romance, fantasy, martial arts, and modernity.[20] In web novels, romance genres are produced and consumed the most. In the case of Naver, a total of 25,542 web novels were posted on the N store as of August 2015, of which romance topped the list with 13,164 (64.08 percent). SF and Fantasy came in second with 3,540 pieces (17.23%), martial arts ranked third with 2,420 pieces (11.78%), mystery fifth with 865 pieces (4.36%), and Light Novel (ライトノベル) with 238 pieces (1.16%). Recently, Romance Fantasy has been in the spotlight. Romance Fantasy is a new genre novel that has been available on Naver since April 2017, meaning romance-based fantasy. While fantasy mainly uses hero adventure stories as its main story line, Romance Fantasy mainly uses romance as its main story line.[21] Game web novels are also gaining popularity. Game web novels typically use game elements such as quests, items, and NPCs as narrative materials. Game web novels are intermingling with fantasy novels, expanding their reach with young readers who are familiar with the game.[2]
Market
Platform, CP (Contents Provider) and writer are the main players in the web novel industry. The platform receives and distributes web novels from authors and CP to provide web novels to readers. Contracts and excavations with writers are usually made through direct submissions to the platform or holding contests on the platform itself. CP receives web novels from writers and processes them in various forms. CP generates revenue by publishing a series of fictitious web novels on the platform. It also generates profits by publishing serial or completed works in paper books or by producing and selling goods.[2]
Sixty-four percent of web novels are romance, and 95 percent of romance readers are women. Also, people in their 30s and 40s account for 64 percent of web novel readers (2015).[21]
Sales
The market for web novels, which was worth 10 billion won in 2013, is estimated to have grown to 400 billion won in 2018.[22] The market has grown 40 times in five years. In 2019, the market for web novels exceeded 500 billion won.[23]
Media franchise
Web novels have the greatest potential as source stories that can be extended to various forms of content. Web novels have important value in that they can test the marketability of animations, movies, and dramas that are relatively risky because web novels cost less in the beginning. Thus, web novels can gain greater market value through thinking about how to use them rather than their value as a web novel itself.[2] The above Works based on South Korean novels category is not accurate because it does not only organize web novels, therefore, it is listed separately here.
Title | Format | Premiere | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
The Soul Guardians (퇴마록) | Film | August 15, 1998 | [24] |
Online game | December 21, 2002 | [25] | |
Mobile game | 2004 | [26] | |
Webtoon | November 11, 2021 | [27] | |
The Legend of Maian (마이언 전기) | Manhwa | September, 1998 | [28] |
Defcon (데프콘) | Manhwa | December 31, 1999 | [29] |
Children of the Rune (룬의 아이들) | Website, Online game | March 2, 2000 | [30] |
Online game | June 2003 | [5][31] | |
Audio Drama | April 3, 2020 | [32] | |
Webtoon | June 30, 2024 | [33] | |
Mookhyang (묵향) | Online game | 2000 | [34] |
Webtoon | July 4, 2019 | [35] | |
Online game | March 10, 2020 | [36] | |
Webtoon | January 31, 2021 | [37] | |
Dragon Raja (드래곤 라자) | Online game | October 1, 2000 | [38] |
Radio drama | June 30, 2001 | [39] | |
Mobile game | 2004 | [40] | |
Mobile game | February 11, 2016 | [41] | |
Mobile game | May 23, 2019 | [42] | |
My Sassy Girl (엽기적인 그녀) | Film | July 27, 2001 | [8] |
He Was Cool (그 놈은 멋있었다) | Film | July 23, 2004 | [8] |
SKT - Swallow Knights Tales | Manhwa | 2011 | [citation needed] |
Audio Drama | 2012 | [citation needed] | |
Webtoon | September 23, 2023 | [43][44] | |
So I Married the Anti-fan (그래서 나는 안티팬과 결혼했다) | Manhwa | 2011 | [45] |
Film | June 30, 2016 | [46] | |
Webtoon | December 5, 2018 | [45] | |
TV series | April 30, 2021 | [47] | |
Vampire's Flower (뱀파이어의 꽃) | Web series | July 2, 2014 | [48] |
Webtoon | November 26, 2018 | [49] | |
Dragon Lady (드래곤 레이디) | Audio Drama | 2012 | [citation needed] |
Webtoon | June 28, 2023 | [50] | |
Mr. Back (미스터 백) Old Man (올드맨) |
TV series | November 5, 2014 | [51] |
Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (달빛조각사) | Webtoon | February 16, 2015 | [52] |
Mobile game | October 10, 2019 | [53] | |
Memorize (메모라이즈) | Visual novel | January 19, 2016 | [54] |
Mobile game | April 10, 2017 | [55] | |
Webtoon | September 25, 2020 | [56] | |
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (김비서가 왜 그럴까) | Webtoon | June 28, 2016 | [57] |
TV series | June 6, 2018 | [57] | |
Gangnam Huata (강남화타) | Webtoon | June 30, 2016 | [58][59] |
Cinderella with Four Knights (신데렐라와 네 명의 기사) | TV series | August 12, 2016 | [60] |
Love in the Moonlight (구르미 그린 달빛) | TV series | August 22, 2016 | [61] |
Elqueeness, the King of Spirit (정령왕 엘퀴네스) | Webtoon | January 20, 2017 | [62] |
Web animation | March 23, 2018 | [63][62] | |
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion (그녀가 공작저로 가야 했던 사정) | Webtoon | September 3, 2017 | [64] |
Mobile game | May 28, 2021 | [65] | |
Animation | April 10, 2023 | [66] | |
Who Made Me a Princess (어느 날 공주가 되어버렸다) | Webtoon | December 20, 2017 | [67] |
Animation | 2024 | [68] | |
Miss Not-So Sidekick (구경하는 들러리양) | Webtoon | December 24, 2017 | [69] |
Solo Leveling (나 혼자만 레벨업) | Webtoon | March 4, 2018 | [70] |
Animation | January 6, 2024 | [71] | |
A Returner's Magic Should Be Special (귀환자의 마법은 특별해야 합니다) | Webtoon | May 19, 2018 | [72] |
Animation | October 7, 2023 | [73] | |
Touch Your Heart (진심이 닿다) | Webtoon | January 22, 2019 | [74] |
TV series | February 6, 2019 | [74] | |
The Knight and Her Emperor (황제와 여기사) | Webtoon | January 25, 2019 | [75] |
Noona Fan (누나팬닷컴) Her Private Life (그녀의 사생활) |
Webtoon | March 4, 2019 | [74] |
TV series | April 10, 2019 | [74] | |
Semantic Error (시맨틱 에러) | Audio drama | March 28, 2019 | [citation needed] |
Webtoon | July 27, 2020 | [76] | |
Web animation | March 12, 2021 | [77] | |
Web drama | February 16, 2022 | [78] | |
Film | August 31, 2022 | [79] | |
The Forbidden Marriage (금혼령-조선혼인금지령) | Webtoon | June 20, 2019 | [80] |
Mobile game | May, 2021 | [81] | |
Audio drama | December 6, 2022 | [82] | |
TV series | December 9, 2022 | [83] | |
The Monstrous Duke's Adopted Daughter (괴물 공작가의 계약 공녀) | Webtoon | April 30, 2019 | [84] |
Tomb Raider King (도굴왕) | Webtoon | June 30, 2019 | [85] |
Animation | 2026 | [86] | |
Justice (저스티스) | TV series | July 17, 2019 | [87] |
My Ex-boyfriend Fell in Love With Me (구남친이 내게 반했다) | Mobile game | 2019 | [88] |
Webtoon | June 26, 2020 | [89] | |
The Remarried Empress (재혼 황후) | Mobile game | July 22, 2019 | [citation needed] |
Webtoon | October 25, 2019 | [90] | |
Audio drama | March 2, 2021 | [91] | |
microHUNTER (3cm 헌터) | Webtoon | September 9, 2019 | [92] |
The First Night with the Duke (남주의 첫날밤을 가져버렸다) | Mobile game | October 10, 2019 | [citation needed] |
Webtoon | July 7, 2020 | [90] | |
Trauma Center: Golden Hour (중증외상센터 : 골든 아워) | Webtoon | December 16, 2019 | [93] |
TV series | 2024 | [94] | |
Villainess in Love (악녀의 남주님) | Webtoon | December 31, 2019 | [95] |
Beware of the Brothers! (그 오빠들을 조심해!) | Webtoon | February 1, 2020 | [96] |
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (전지적 독자 시점) | Webtoon | May 27, 2020 | [97] |
Animation | TBA | [98] | |
Daughter of the Spirit (정령왕의 딸) | Webtoon | June 12, 2020 | [99] |
I Become the Dragon King's Chef (용왕님의 셰프가 되었습니다) | Webtoon | February 24, 2020 | [100] |
The Bird That Drinks Tears (눈물을 마시는 새) | Audiobook | June 8, 2020 | [101] |
Video game | 2025 | [102] | |
Nano Machine (나노 마신) | Webtoon | June 10, 2020 | [103] |
Karsearin: Adventures of a Red Dragon (카르세아린) | Webtoon | August 9, 2020 | [104] |
Like Wind on a Dry Branch (마른 가지에 바람처럼) | Webtoon | September 16, 2020 | [105] |
Men of the Harem (하렘의 남자들) | Webtoon | November 24, 2020 | [106] |
The Meaning of You (너의 의미) | Webtoon | December 18, 2020 | [107] |
The Heavenly Idol (성스러운 아이돌) | Webtoon | December 30, 2020 | [108] |
TV series | February 15, 2023 | [109] | |
Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘) | Audio drama | March 8, 2021 | [110] |
Webtoon | November 2, 2021 | [111] | |
TV series | January 1, 2024 | [112] | |
Return of the Blossoming Blade (화산귀환) | Webtoon | March 8, 2021 | [113] |
Animation | TBA | [114] | |
Sixth Sense Kiss (키스 식스 센스) | Webtoon | April 23, 2021 | [115] |
TV series | May 25, 2022 | [116] | |
Perfect Marriage Revenge (완벽한 결혼의 정석) | Webtoon | July 14, 2021 | [117] |
TV series | October 28, 2023 | [118] | |
The Greatest Estate Developer (역대급 영지 설계사) | Webtoon | August 5, 2021 | [119] |
The World After the Fall (멸망 이후의 세계) | Webtoon | February 7, 2022 | [120] |
Animation | TBA | [121] | |
Reborn Rich (재벌집 막내아들) | Webtoon | September 28, 2022 | [122] |
TV series | November 18, 2022 | [123] | |
Baby Tyrant (베이비 폭군) | Audiobook | December 7, 2022 | [124] |
Webtoon | February 28, 2023 | [125] | |
Let's Get Grabbed By the Collar (멱살 한번 잡힙시다) | Audiobook | January 3, 2023 | [126] |
TV series | March 18, 2024 | [127] |
References
- ^ a b c d e 고, 민정. "한국 웹소설의 플랫폼 성장과 가능성(Platform Growth and Possibility of Korean Web Novels)". scholar.dkyobobook.co.kr. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h 장, 민지 (2018). IP 비지니스 기반의 웹 소설 활성화 방안(IP Business-Based Web Novel Activation Plan). Korea: 한국콘텐츠진흥원. ISBN 978-89-359-1407-4.
- ^ a b "언더그라운드 문화, 가상공간서 "꽃망울"" [Underground culture, "bloom" in virtual space]. Et News (in Korean). November 14, 1998. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ 구, 본혁 (February 2015). "한국장르판타지의 개념과 장르관습((A) study on the concept and genre convention of Korean genre fantasy)". 고려대학교 대학원: 124 – via Naver.
- ^ a b "Author Jeon Min-hee: Publishing Abroad Requires Faithful Translation and Cultural Understanding". K-Book Trends. KPipa. June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "[세계기행] 포립과 테일즈위버, 그리고 룬의 아이들" [[World Travel] 4LEAF, TalesWeaver, and the Children of the Rune]. Game Meca (in Korean). May 12, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ a b c 김, 휘빈 (2017). 웹소설 작가 서바이벌 가이드(Web Novel Writer Survival Guide). Korea: 이마. pp. 9–22. ISBN 9791186940266.
- ^ a b c 류, 수연 (November 2019). "웹 2.0 시대와 웹소설—웹 로맨스 서사를 중심으로(Web 2.0 and Web novels—Focusing on Web-based Romance Novels)". 대중서사연구. 25 (4): 9–43. doi:10.18856/JPN.2019.25.4.001.
- ^ "Webtoon launches Yonder, a new serialized fiction app". Fast Company. October 13, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ "Culture Ministry arrests operator of illegal web novel distribution site". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. December 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
- ^ "한계 없는 상상력과 기발한 캐릭터들...대세가 된 '웹소설'" [Unlimited imagination and ingenious characters...The mainstream "Web Novel"]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). January 13, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ a b "이수희 조아라 대표" [Lee Soo-hee, CEO of Jo A-ra]. Consumer Times (in Korean). May 26, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ "웹소설 쓰면서 5억을 벌 수 있다고?" [You can earn 500 million by writing a web novel?]. Daehaknaeil (in Korean). April 5, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f 이, 승환. "웹출판의 발전과 과제(The Development and Tasks of Web Publication)". scholar.dkyobobook.co.kr. doi:10.21732/skps.2017.78.97. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ Kim, Chae-yeon; Koo, Min-Ki (May 28, 2021). "Naver, CJ ENM join forces to acquire Korea's No.3 web novel platform". Korea Economic Daily. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ "'북스'에서 '시리즈'로... 웹소설 승부수 던진 네이버(From Books to Series...Naver made the bid for victory)" (in Korean). MoneyS . October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "닮아가는 네이버와 카카오 콘텐츠 전략(The content strategy of Naver and Kakao is becoming similar)" (in Korean). The Financial News. September 11, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "대세로 떠오른 웹소설 시장...네이버, 카카오에 도전장(The web novel market that has emerged as a trend...Naver sends 'challenge' to Kakao)" (in Korean). Sisa Journal. June 30, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "리디, 웹소설 전용 앱 '리디스토리' 출시" [Ridi, web novel app 'Ridi Story' released]. Sedaily (in Korean). January 17, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ Rho, Hee-jun (September 30, 2018). "A study on the genre aspects of Korean web novels". The Comparative Study of World Literature. 64: 409–428. doi:10.33078/COWOL64.17. S2CID 165994074.
- ^ a b Kim, Kyŏng-ae (Professor of Korean language education); 김 경애 (Professor of Korean language education) (2017). Nomaensŭ wepsosŏl (Ch'op'an ed.). Sŏul-si: Communication Books. ISBN 979-11-288-0037-5. OCLC 1037948261.
- ^ "[단독]KT, 제2의 '카카페' 노린다···웹소설 플랫폼 '블라이스' 분사 추진 - 머니투데이(KT is aiming for a second 'Kakao Page'... ...promoting the spread of the web novel platform 'Blice')" (in Korean). Money Today . October 4, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "KT, 웹소설·웹툰 공략... "'스토리위즈' 1조 유니콘 기업 목표"(KT is targeting web novels and webtoons... "Storywiz" aims to become a unicorn company worth 1 trillion won.")". 뉴데일리. October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "퇴마록... 그들의 못다한 이야기" [The Soul Guardians... their unfinished story]. Sedaily (in Korean). April 5, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "[기업]젠아이 '퇴마록온라인' 21일 오픈베타테스트" [[Company]Open beta test of Zen-i 'Exorcism Online' on the 21st]. Money Today (in Korean). December 13, 2002. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "KTH, 온라인 게임사업 탄력" [KTH, online game business momentum]. Digital Times (in Korean). November 18, 2003. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "1000만부 대작 판타지 소설 '퇴마록' 웹툰으로 만난다" [Meet the 10 million-copy blockbuster fantasy novel 'The Soul Guardians' through webtoon]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). November 12, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "<만화> '피트에리아II' 만화로 출간" [<Comic> Published as 'Pit-eria II']. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). June 17, 1999. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ 데프콘 1 - YES24 [Defcon 1 - YES24] (in Korean). YES24. December 31, 1999. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "[이번주 공모예정기업] 소프트맥스, 게임 SW개발" [[Companies scheduled for public offering this week] Softmax, game SW development]. Maeil Economics (in Korean). May 28, 2001. Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ "금주의 키워드" [Keyword of the week]. Et News (in Korean). January 4, 2003. Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ "텀블벅, 디지몬 어드벤처 OST 발매 프로젝트 개설". Game Shot (in Korean). March 11, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "[Ent+] 룬의 아이들, 게임에 이어 웹툰으로" [[Ent+] Children of the Rune, from games to webtoon]. Inven (in Korean). June 24, 2024.
- ^ "애니를 게임으로 게임이 만화로...영역 '파괴바람'" [Anime as a game, a game as a cartoon... Area 'Wind of Destruction']. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). May 30, 2001. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "묵향 다크레이디 - 웹툰 |카카오페이지" [Mookhyang: Dark Lady - Webtoon |KakaoPage] (in Korean). KakaoPage. July 4, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "묵향 기반 PC MMORPG 묵혼 온라인, 정식 서비스 시작" [Mukhyang-based PC MMORPG Mukhon Online, official service start]. Game Meca (in Korean). March 11, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "묵향 디 오리진 - 웹툰 |카카오페이지" [Mookhyang: The Origin - Webtoon |KakaoPage] (in Korean). KakaoPage. January 31, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "삼성전자, 온라인게임시장 본격 진출" [Samsung Electronics, enters the online game market in earnest]. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). September 26, 2000. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "Fantasy Express - Fantasy Horror Mystery Drama". KBS Radio 2. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ "온라인게임 '모바일로 부활'" [Online Games "Reborn Mobile"]. ETNews (in Korean). July 13, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2011 – via Naver.
- ^ "[앱셔틀] 드래곤라자M, 원작 '드래곤라자'의 알맹이까지 담았다" [[App Shuttle] Dragon Raja M contains even the essence of the original 'Dragon Raja']. Game Meca (in Korean). February 12, 2016. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "게임 '드래곤라자2:퓨처워커'의 '드래곤'과 '라자', 그리고 '주인공'의 설정" [The setting of 'Dragon', 'Raja', and 'Heroine' of the game 'Dragon Raja 2: Future Walker']. Game Chosun (in Korean). May 24, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "S.K.T(Swallow Knights Tales) - 네이버 웹툰" [S.K.T(Swallow Knights Tales) - Naver Webtoon]. Naver Webtoon (in Korean). September 23, 2023.
- ^ "왕좌의 귀환... 웹툰으로 돌아온 S.K.T "소설의 근간 변하지 않았죠"" [Return of the throne... S.K.T returns to webtoon "The basis of the novel has not changed"]. Seoul Economics (in Korean). December 2, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ a b "'그래서 나는 안티팬과 결혼했다' 수영X최태준 싱크로율 200%...웹툰 선공개" ['So I Married an Anti-Fan' Sooyoung X Taejun Choi Synchro rate 200%... Webtoon pre-release] (in Korean). Sedaily. December 12, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "K-pop's Seohyun stars in Chinese film". The Korea Times. November 5, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
- ^ Baek, Ji-eun. "[공식] 최태준X최수영, '안티팬과 결혼했다' 주인공...'新 로코커플'". Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved September 1, 2018.
- ^ "'Webnovels' to follow 'webtoons'". Korea.net. January 19, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ "웹소설 '뱀파이어의 꽃', SNS 드라마로 방송된다" [Web novel 'Vampire's Flower' to be broadcast as SNS drama]. Aju Business Daily (in Korean). April 10, 2014. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ "드래곤 레이디 - 웹툰 |카카오페이지" [Dragon Lady - Webtoon |KakaoPage]. KakaoPage (in Korean). June 28, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ Baek, Byung-yeul (November 5, 2014). "Jang Na-ra headlines new MBC drama". The Korea Times. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ Manick, JYT. "Baka-Updates Manga - Grimza Story". www.mangaupdates.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "카카오게임즈 '달빛조각사' 정식 출시...원작 흥행 돌풍 잇는다" [Kakao Games 'Moonlight Sculptor' officially released... The original box office hit continues]. Enews Today (in Korean). October 10, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "조아라, 레전드 판타지 '메모라이즈' 비주얼노벨 앱 출시". Game Focus (in Korean). January 19, 2016. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "[뉴스] 레전드 판타지 '메모라이즈' 게임으로 만난다!" [[News] Meet the legendary fantasy 'Memorise' game!]. Inven (in Korean). April 11, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "조아라‧위즈덤하우스 공동제작 웹툰 '메모라이즈', 카카오페이지 연재" [Joara and Wisdom House co-produced webtoon 'Memorise', serialized on Kakao Page]. Kuki News (in Korean). September 26, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ a b "Park Seo-joon may become the boss in webtoon adaptation Why Secretary Kim". DramaBeans. December 18, 2017.
- ^ "강남화타 - 웹툰|카카오페이지" [Gangnam Huata - Webtoon|KakaoPage] (in Korean). KakaoPage. June 30, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ "Politician under fire for fanfic he wrote about singer IU". Korea JoongAng Daily. February 27, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Park So-dam to play heroine". The Korea Times. January 12, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
- ^ Yoon, Yi-soo; Kim, Hee-kyung. "구르미 그린 달빛" [Love in the Moonlight]. Naver Web Novel (in Korean). Naver Corporation. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
- ^ a b "'툰봐'의 웹 애니 '정령왕 엘퀴네스' 일민미술관 전시...5.18~8.12일" ['Toonbwa' web animation 'Elqueeness, the King of Spirit' exhibited at Ilmin Museum of Art... 5.18 – 8.12]. Money Today language=ko. May 10, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ [툰봐] 카카오페이지 300만의 선택 정령왕 엘퀴네스 웹툰 애니화 -정령왕 엘퀴네스 PV [[Toonbwa]Kakao Page 3 Million Choices Elqueeness, the King of Spirit Webtoon Animation - Elqueeness, the King of Spirit PV] (in Korean). YouTube. March 23, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "디앤씨미디어, 중국 웹툰시장 진출 '속도'...텐센트동만·콰이칸과 공급계약 체결" ['Speed' to advance into the Chinese webtoon market, DNC Media...Concluded a supply contract with Tencent Dongman and Kwaikan] (in Korean). Energy Business Newspaper. April 5, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "시프트업, '그녀가 공작저로 가야했던 사정' 출시" [Shift Up, 'The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion' released] (in Korean). Financial Today. April 5, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (February 14, 2023). "Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Anime Premieres on April 10". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "[베스트셀러]'흔한남매3' 1위, '나 혼자만 레벨업2' 2위" [[Bestseller] 'Common Siblings 3' 1st place, 'Solo Leveling 2' 2nd place] (in Korean). Newsis. January 14, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ Tamara, Lazic (April 27, 2024). "Who Made Me a Princess Donghua Shows Off Second Trailer". Anime Corner. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "웹툰 '구경하는 들러리양' 콰이칸 주간유료차트 2주 연속 1위" [Webtoon 'Miss Not-So Sidekick' Kwaikan Weekly Paid Chart #1 for 2 weeks in a row] (in Korean). Newsis. December 5, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ Lacerna, Michael (July 26, 2022). "Solo Leveling Artist Dubu Passes Away Due to Cerebral Hemorrhage". CBR.com. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
- ^ Luster, Joseph (January 6, 2024). "Solo Leveling Anime: Everything You Need to Know". Crunchyroll News. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "[기업분석]디앤씨미디어, 흥행 IP의 확장은 해외로 이어질까" [[Company Analysis]DNC Media, will the expansion of box office IP lead overseas?]. Energy Business Newspaper. July 15, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "秋アニメ『帰還者の魔法は特別です』追加声優に瀬戸麻沙美 | アニメイトタイムズ". Animate Times (in Japanese). September 10, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Shin, Young-eun (February 2, 2019). [설기획] '진심이 닿다'→'좋아하면 울리는'...원작 웹툰·웹소설 정주행 어때요? (in Korean). Star MK. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
- ^ "디앤씨미디어, 2018 잠정 실적 발표...'역대 최대' 매출 달성" [DNC Media announces 2018 tentative results... Achieving the 'highest sales ever']. Sen TV. February 25, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ ""소설은 웹툰으로, 웹툰은 드라마로" 리디, 콘텐츠 다각화 시동걸어" ["Novel into webtoon, webtoon into drama" Ridi, starts diversification of contents]. The Dong-A Ilbo. January 22, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ "리디, 웹툰 '시맨틱 에러' 스페셜 애니 제작" [Ridi, Webtoon 'Semantic Error' special animation production] (in Korean). IT Chosun. February 17, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ "박재찬X박서함 '시멘틱 에러' 메인 포스터·예고편 공개" [Park Jae-chan X Park Seo-ham's 'Semantic Error' main poster and trailer released] (in Korean). Star News Korea. January 28, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ Jo, Yeon-kyung (July 1, 2022). "BL 신드롬 '시맨틱에러' 극장판 BIFAN 1분 매진...8월 개봉" [BL Syndrome 'Semantic Error' Theatrical version BIFAN sold out in 1 minute... open in august]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved October 13, 2022.
- ^ "'퓨전 사극'이 대세... 드라마 이어 웹툰도 인기몰이" ['Fusion historical dramas' are trending... Following the drama, the webtoon is also popular]. The Dong-A Ilbo. March 18, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "스플: 금혼령:조선혼인금지령" [Story Play: Forbidden Marriage: Joseon Marriage Prohibition]. Story Play (in Korean). Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "'금혼령, 조선 혼인 금지령'...밀리의 서재서 오디오 드라마로'" (in Korean). Asia Economics. December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ Son Jin-ah (June 14, 2022). "박주현·김영대·김우석, '금혼령, 조선 혼인 금지령' 출연 확정(공식)" [Park Ju-hyun, Kim Young-dae, Kim Woo-seok confirmed to appear in 'Geumhollyeong, Joseon Marriage Ban' (Official)] (in Korean). MK Sports. Retrieved June 18, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "잘나가는 '웹툰 1%'가 글로벌 뚫는다" [Popular '1% Webtoon' penetrates the global market] (in Korean). Edaily . June 20, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ 도굴왕. KakaoPage (in Korean). Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ Tan, Melvyn (July 9, 2024). "Tomb Raider King Manhwa Gets Animated Series". Anime Trending. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "'네이버시리즈 웹소설 원작' 드라마 저스티스, 17일부터 방영" (in Korean). Edaily . July 12, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "시나몬게임즈, '메이비' 여성 유저 취향 저격" [Cinnamon Games, sniping the taste of female users of 'Maybe']. Newsis (in Korean). June 20, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "구남친이 내게 반했다 :: 네이버 웹툰" [My Ex-boyfriend Fell in Love With Me :: Naver Webtoon] (in Korean). Naver Webtoon. June 25, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ a b "웹툰 된 웹소설, 해외서 광클릭". Sedaily (in Korean). December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "재혼 황후 : 오디오 클립" [Remarried Empress: Audio Clip] (in Korean). Audio Clip. March 2, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "네이버웹툰, 30일까지 매일 신작품 웹툰 공개" [Naver Webtoon, releases new webtoons every day until the 30th] (in Korean). Zdnet Korea. September 1, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "부천국제만화축제, '중증외상센터: 골든아워'의 홍비치라/한산이가 작가 랜선 팬미팅 진행돼" [Bucheon International Comics Festival, 'Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour' artist Hongbichira/Hansanleega held online fan meeting] (in Korean). Social Value. September 23, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ "Netflix announces first Korean medical drama series". Korea JoongAng Daily. June 16, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ "카카오페이지, 북미웹툰 플랫폼 '타파스'에 IP 공급 본격화" [Kakao Page, full-scale IP supply to North American webtoon platform 'Tapas'] (in Korean). Asia Today. November 13, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "카카오재팬 픽코마, 1분기 '글로벌 비게임 앱 매출 성장' 3위" [Kakao Japan Piccoma, ranked 3rd in 'Global Non-Game App Sales Growth' in 1Q] (in Korean). Zdnet Korea. April 6, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "Omniscient Reader: [SPOILER]'s Death Finally Grants Her Peace in the Most Bittersweet Way". Cbr. July 21, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 6, 2024). "Omniscient Reader Manhwa Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ "웹툰 매력에 풍덩 '슬기로운 홈캉스'...카카오·네이버 추천작은?" [Indulge in the charm of the webtoon 'Sage Staycation'... Kakao · Naver recommendation?] (in Korean). The Hankyoreh. August 4, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "[한국 웹툰열전] ㉘심청전 소재 판타지 '용왕님의 셰프가 되었습니다'" [[Korean Webtoon Biographies] ㉘ The Tale of Sim Chong material fantasy 'I Become the Dragon King's Chef'] (in Korean). IT Chosun. June 7, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ "이영도 대표 판타지 '눈물을 마시는 새' 오디오북 미리듣기 : 오디오클립" [Lee Young-do's fantasy 'The Bird that Drinks Tears' audiobook preview: Audio Clip] (in Korean). Audio Clip. June 8, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ "PUBG devs are making a game based on Korean fantasy epic The Bird That Drinks Tears". Rockpaper Shotgun. September 24, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ "Nano Machine & 9 Other Must-Read Sci-Fi Manhwa". Cbr. September 9, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ "카르세아린 - 웹툰 |카카오페이지" [Karsearin: Adventures of a Red Dragon - Webtoon |KakaoPage] (in Korean). KakaoPage. August 9, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "[지디의 네웹소설] 추위 잊게할 중세 로맨스 '마른 가지에 바람처럼'" [[ZD's Naver Web Novels] A medieval romance that will make you forget the cold 'Like the Wind on a Dry Branch'] (in Korean). Zdnet Korea. December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "네이버웹툰, '하렘의 남자들' 수요웹툰으로 정식 연재...팬들 '기대UP'" [Naver Webtoon, 'Men of the Harem' officially serialized as a Wednesday webtoon... Fans 'expectations UP'] (in Korean). Consumer Times. December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ "너의 의미 - 웹툰 |카카오페이지" [The Meaning of You - Webtoon |KakaoPage] (in Korean). KakaoPage. December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "나윤권, 웹툰 '성스러운 아이돌' OST '언젠가 우리' 25일 발매" [Na Yoon-kwon, webtoon 'Holy Idol' OST 'Someday Us' released on the 25th] (in Korean). Sports W. January 20, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ Bhavna Agarwal (February 8, 2023). "Our Blooming Youth to Call It Love, much-watch K-dramas to stream on OTT platforms in February". India Today. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ "내 남편과 결혼해줘 : 오디오 클립" [Marry My Husband: Audio Clip] (in Korean). Audio Clip. March 8, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ "[김정유의 웹툰파헤치기]내 운명을 넘긴다...네이버웹툰 '내 남편과 결혼해줘'" [[Exploring Kim Jeong-yu's webtoon] I hand over my destiny... Naver Webtoon 'Marry My Husband'] (in Korean). Edaily . July 16, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ Kim, Chae-yeon (October 25, 2023). "박민영·나인우·이이경·송하윤, tvN '내 남편과 결혼해줘'로 뭉친다 [공식]" [Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, and Song Ha-yoon to unite for tvN's 'Marry My Husband' [Official]] (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved October 25, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee Si-jin (February 8, 2023). "Web novels follow webtoons' successful footsteps". Retrieved August 10, 2024 – via The Korea Herald.
- ^ "'만화책' 살린 네이버웹툰, 국산 애니메이션 시장도 살릴까" [Naver Webtoon, which saved ‘comic books’, will it also save the domestic animation market]. FNTIMES (in Korean). July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "[김정유의 웹툰파헤치기]미래를 보는 키스?... 네이버웹툰 '키스 식스 센스'" [[Exploring Kim Jeong-yu's webtoon] A kiss that can see the future?... Naver webtoon 'Kiss Six Sense'] (in Korean). Edaily . May 28, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Naver.
- ^ "Yuju to feature on original soundtrack for Disney+ series 'Kiss Sixth Sense'". Korea JoongAng Daily. May 23, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "[지디의 네웹소설] 로맨스 복수극 '완벽한 결혼의 정석'" [[ZD's Naver Web Novels] Romance revenge drama 'Perfect Marriage Revenge'] (in Korean). ZDnet Korea. October 23, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ "네이버웹툰 '완벽한 결혼의 정석', 10월 28일 드라마 첫방송" [Naver Webtoon 'Perfect Marriage Revenge' premieres as a drama on October 28th] (in Korean). Segye Biz. October 24, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "역대급 영지 설계사 :: 네이버 웹툰" [The Greatest Estate Developer :: Naver Webtoon] (in Korean). Naver Webtoon. August 5, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- ^ 멸망 이후의 세계. Naver Webtoon (in Korean). Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ @AniTsumi (July 9, 2024). ""The World after the Fall" Manhwa is getting a TV Anime Adaptation by Korean Animation Studio EEK" (Tweet). Retrieved August 19, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "재벌집 막내아들 :: 네이버 웹툰" [Reborn Rich :: Naver Webtoon] (in Korean). Naver Webtoon. December 28, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "Song Joong-ki to star in new JTBC series set to air next year". Korea JoongAng Daily. July 20, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- ^ "'베이비 폭군', 윌라 오디오북 웹소설로 출시...100% 싱크로율 예고" ['Baby Tyrant' released as a Welaaa audiobook web novel... 100% synchronization rate notice] (in Korean). Single List. November 7, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ "네이버 웹툰" [Naver Webtoon] (in Korean). Naver Webtoon. February 28, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Lee, Sun-gon (January 3, 2023). 윌라 오디오북, 새해 첫 오디오북 라인업 공개 [Willa Audiobooks Unveils First Audiobook Lineup of the New Year]. Beyond Post (in Korean). Retrieved January 16, 2024.
- ^ Park, Jae-hwan (January 12, 2024). '멱살 한번 잡힙시다' 김하늘-연우진-장승조의 멜로추적 스릴러... 3월 KBS 2TV 새 월화드라마 ['Let's Get Caught by the Neck' Kim Haneul-Yeon Woojin-Jang Seungjo's melo-chase thriller... March KBS 2TV's new Monday-Tuesday drama] (in Korean). KBS Media. Retrieved January 16, 2024 – via Naver.
External links
- Joara (in Korean)
- Munpia (in Korean)
- Naver Web Novel (in Korean)
- Naver Series (in Korean)
- KakaoPage (in Korean)
- Ridi (in Korean)