Is the Webtoon Market Shrinking?
Despite record-breaking revenue figures for major Korean webtoon companies, the industry is facing a wave of platform closures and operating losses. Many businesses are currently undergoing a market correction as they withdraw from underperforming international regions.
While conglomerates like Naver and Kidari Studio report high earnings, they are simultaneously struggling with significant operating losses. Numerous platforms, including Kakao Piccoma and NHN, have shuttered operations in various international markets like France, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Smaller studios and niche platforms are also closing, signaling a shift toward focusing on more stable regions like Japan and North America. This trend suggests the industry is consolidating after years of rapid, unsustainable expansion.
