What in the world are webtoons?

Sales volume of the local webtoon market in 2019 was US$577mil, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). — AFP Relaxnews

You might have already noticed your neighbours on public transport scrolling through these digital comics on their mobiles, as webtoons are gaining ground in the mainstream, drawing millions of readers. So what’s behind this enthusiasm for these online comics, which originated in South Korea, and are read by scrolling on a smartphone?

While Japan has enthralled millions of readers with its mangas, South Korea is expanding its cultural influence with webtoons. These online comics – which have a vertical strip, read by scrolling up or down – are a real hit in their country of origin. Sales volume of the local webtoon market in 2019 was US$577mil (RM2.38bil), according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). And the phenomenon now goes way beyond the borders of Korea.