‘Maron Marine’ Webtoon Takes Kakao Page by Storm, Fueling K-Webtoon Global Expansion
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – September 1, 2025 – The South Korean webtoon industry is experiencing a surge in momentum, and it’s starting with a splash. ‘Maron Marine,’ the first webtoon to emerge from the ‘2025 Global Webtoon Intellectual Property (IP) Production Support Project,’ has rocketed to the No. 1 spot on Kakao Page for three consecutive days, signaling a potential new era for Korean digital comics. This is big news for anyone following the global entertainment landscape, and a testament to the strategic investment in K-content.
Government-Backed Initiative Drives Webtoon Innovation
The success of ‘Maron Marine,’ produced by Daon Creative, isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of a concerted effort by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) to elevate the quality and global reach of Korean webtoons. The ‘Global Webtoon IP Production Support Project’ isn’t just about funding; it’s about fostering a creative ecosystem. This year’s initiative supports 12 leading producers, including Red Ice Studio (‘All-time Readers’) and Jaedam Media (‘Skeleton First’).
But it’s not just about established players. The project is also nurturing emerging talent. Works like Munpia’s ‘Dangmunjeon,’ Studio One Pick’s ‘Old Prisoner Lives in Loneliness,’ and Studio JHS’s ‘In-house Contract Love’ have already begun serialization, with more titles – DC’s ‘Half Blood,’ Manga family’s ‘1 million won per second,’ Rico’s ‘dare to wish you,’ and Tuyu Dream’s ‘Steel Festival’ – slated for release in the coming weeks. KOCCA plans to launch around 20 new webtoons by the end of the year, with a goal of offering 40 diverse titles to international audiences by the first half of 2026.
Beyond ‘I Alone Level Up’: The Evolution of K-Webtoons
The K-webtoon industry has been steadily gaining traction globally, with hits like ‘I Alone Level Up’ demonstrating the immense potential of the format. But the industry is evolving beyond just action-fantasy. This new wave of supported projects showcases a broader range of genres and storytelling approaches, aiming to capture a wider international readership. The focus on high-quality production and compelling narratives is key to sustaining this growth.
Interestingly, the project isn’t limited to original Korean stories. Global Webtoon producer Kenaz is adapting the best-selling novel by French author Bernard Berber, demonstrating a commitment to cross-cultural collaboration. A special promotional event for this adaptation will be held in Seoul on September 3rd, with Berber himself attending to share his thoughts on the Korean webtoon adaptation process. This is a fascinating example of how webtoons are becoming a bridge between cultures.
The Future of K-Content: A Webtoon-Led Revolution?
According to Lee Hyun-joo, head of KOCCA’s IP Promotion Division, webtoons are no longer just a niche entertainment form; they’ve become a “core industry representing K-contents.” This isn’t hyperbole. The webtoon format’s unique blend of visual storytelling and mobile-first accessibility makes it perfectly suited for a global audience. The success of ‘Maron Marine’ is a clear indicator that this trend is set to continue, and that South Korea is poised to become a dominant force in the global digital comics market. Keep an eye on archyde.com for continued coverage of the K-webtoon explosion and its impact on the entertainment industry – we’ll be tracking the latest developments and bringing you the stories that matter.
By Kwon Hye-mi, reporter [email protected]
