South Korea's Ambitious Plan to Elevate Webtoons to Global Stardom (January 2024)

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Government Unveils Vision to Boost Webtoons Comparable to Netflix

In a significant move, the Korean government has announced plans to cultivate domestic webtoon platforms with global influence rivalling streaming giant Netflix, as revealed by the culture ministry on Tuesday.

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International Webtoon Festival: The Cannes of the Comic Industry

Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Yu In-chon, disclosed the government's vision, including the establishment of an international webtoon festival this fall. The festival, featuring competition categories, aims to become the Cannes of the film industry, further elevating the stature of Korean webtoons on the global stage.

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Strategic Goals: Boosting Industry Size and Exports

As part of an overarching strategy to enhance the global competitiveness of the domestic comic and webtoon industry, the ministry outlined ambitious targets. By 2027, the goal is to increase the industry's size to 4 trillion won ($2.9 billion) and raise exports to $250 million, building upon the impressive growth seen in 2022.

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Critical Role of Webtoons: Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Boost

Minister Yu emphasized the importance of supporting webtoons to bolster the intellectual property (IP) rights of the South Korean content industry. The aim is to provide effective support for the industry to produce webtoons with blockbuster potential, considering the recent surge in TV dramas, films, and games inspired by hit webtoons.

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Global Dominance: South Korea's Leading Webtoon Platforms

South Korea currently boasts four of the world's top five webtoon platforms in terms of sales, including Kakao Piccoma and Naver Webtoon. The government intends to aid promising local platforms in expanding to overseas markets by providing market information, consulting services, and translation assistance.

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International Recognition: The Launch of an Award-Winning Festival

To solidify South Korea's position in the global webtoon industry, the government will establish an international comic and webtoon festival, primarily targeting the Japanese and U.S. markets. The festival will present awards to global industry players, aspiring to become one of the most prestigious accolades in the field, akin to Cannes in the film industry.

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Fostering Talent: Programs for Creators, Industry Personnel, and Translators

In response to industry demand for skilled professionals, the ministry plans to implement three separate programs to foster creators, industry personnel, and translators specializing in webtoons. By 2027, the vision includes establishing a dedicated school, inspired by successful models like the Korean Academy of Film Arts and the Game Institute, to create a comprehensive webtoon industry training ground.

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South Korea's strategic initiatives underline a commitment to position webtoons as a global cultural phenomenon, blending creativity, innovation, and international recognition to propel the industry into a new era of prominence.

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Let’s take the opportunity to make a nice list of arguably the 10 best webtoons (this list is subjective of course!) of this century.

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Unveiling the Top 10 Korean Webtoons Since 2000: A Journey Through Masterpieces

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Korean webtoons have carved a niche in the global entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling and artistic brilliance. As we traverse the digital realm of webcomics, here are the top 10 Korean webtoons since 2000 that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of readers worldwide.

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1. "Tower of God" (2010 - Present)

**Synopsis:** Created by SIU (Slave in Utero), "Tower of God" is a fantasy epic that follows Bam as he climbs the mysterious Tower to reunite with his friend Rachel. The intricate world-building and unpredictable plot twists make this webtoon a must-read for fans of complex narratives.

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2. "Solo Leveling" (2018 - Present)

**Synopsis:** Sung Jin-Woo, the weakest of the rank E hunters, finds himself on a path of evolution in a world where gates to dungeons unleash monsters upon Earth. The awe-inspiring artwork and compelling progression of the protagonist's abilities make "Solo Leveling" a standout in the action-fantasy genre.

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3. "Cheese in the Trap" (2010 - 2016)

**Synopsis:** Written by Soonkki, this slice-of-life romance revolves around the life of university student Hong Seol and her mysterious senior, Yoo Jung. The realistic portrayal of relationships and well-developed characters make "Cheese in the Trap" a classic in the romance genre.

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4. "The God of High School" (2011 - 2016)

**Synopsis:** Author Yongje Park takes readers on a thrilling journey with "The God of High School," blending martial arts, supernatural elements, and a grand tournament. The fast-paced action and intricate fight sequences have earned this webtoon a dedicated fanbase.

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5. "I Love Yoo" (2016 - Present)

**Synopsis:** Quimchee's "I Love Yoo" explores the complexities of relationships, trauma, and self-discovery. Following the life of high school student Shin-Ae Yoo, this webtoon seamlessly blends humor and heartfelt moments, resonating with readers of diverse age groups.

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6. "Noblesse" (2007 - 2019)

**Synopsis:** Written by Son Jeho and illustrated by Lee Kwangsu, "Noblesse" is a supernatural tale centered around Rai, a powerful vampire who awakens after centuries. The juxtaposition of supernatural elements with modern-day scenarios and engaging character dynamics make this webtoon a captivating read.

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7. "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" (2016 - 2018)

**Synopsis:** Based on the webcomic by Gi Maeng-Gi, "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" tackles societal beauty standards and self-acceptance through the story of a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of humor, romance, and societal commentary.

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8. "Lookism" (2014 - Present)

**Synopsis:** Taejoon Park's "Lookism" delves into the life of an underdog who undergoes a mysterious transformation, leading to a dual existence. Addressing themes of bullying, self-esteem, and personal growth, this webtoon offers a compelling narrative with a touch of the supernatural.

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9. "Yumi's Cells" (2015 - Present)

**Synopsis:** Lee Dong-gun's "Yumi's Cells" provides a charming glimpse into the life of an ordinary office worker, Yumi, through the lens of her brain cells. This unique and humorous take on daily life, love, and decision-making adds a refreshing perspective to the world of webtoons.

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10. "Soul Cartel" (2012 - 2016)

**Synopsis:** Written by Kim Eun-hyo and illustrated by Kim Yeong-ji, "Soul Cartel" combines elements of fantasy, action, and comedy. The story follows the adventures of a young man who finds himself entangled in a conflict between demons and gods, making for an engaging and visually stunning narrative.

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As the Korean webtoon industry continues to flourish, these top 10 webtoons stand as testaments to the creativity, diversity, and storytelling prowess that define this vibrant medium. Whether you're a seasoned webtoon enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these masterpieces offer a captivating journey through the rich world of Korean webcomics.

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