Latest news with #Webtoon
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Naver readies new social platform ThingsBook for US market
As founder Lee Hae-jin returns to lead, Naver doubles down on US expansion with AI, user-centric platforms South Korean internet giant Naver is preparing to enter the crowded US social media market with a new platform, marking the company's boldest push yet into the world's most competitive digital market. The company said Monday it is developing the new user-generated content platform, named ThingsBook, through its US-based subsidiary But the date and the specifics are still under wraps. 'We are developing a platform targeting the US market, but the launch date and the specific details are undecided at this time,' a Naver spokesperson said. is spearheading the development of ThingsBook as part of Naver's efforts to create a service for the global market from the ground up instead of simply adapting popular Korean services for international users. Naver's Webtoon and Band were both launched in the US after achieving success in Korea. Dubbed a 'personal museum,' the new service will allow users to collect, organize and share content based on personal preferences. Naver has opened a LinkedIn page for ThingsBook, describing it as 'a new kind of social media made just for people who love organizing, collecting and sharing their favorite things, from books and movies to travel spots, fashion, food and more.' As it gears up for launch, Naver has begun recruiting brand ambassadors to help promote the platform, with content categories ranging from food and travel to books, games, movies and fashion. Naver's renewed global push follows the return of its founder Lee Hae-jin earlier this year. He was elected chair of the board at Naver in March, reclaiming a leadership role after an eight-year hiatus since stepping down in 2017. In June, Lee visited Silicon Valley and announced the establishment of Naver Ventures, a US-based investment arm. The new investment company aims to invest in AI startups and future technologies, highlighting Naver's ambitions in the US tech sector. With ThingsBook, Naver appears to be focusing on securing high-quality, localized data, which is critical in AI development. During a trip to the US last month, Lee cited user-generated content as a key factor that helped Naver compete against global tech giants like Google in the local search market. He also stressed that securing a wide range of data will be key to gaining an edge in the AI era. ThingsBook will add to Naver's growing portfolio in the US, which includes the Webtoon platform, operated by US subsidiary Webtoon Entertainment, Naver Band, a social media platform that has gained popularity among after-school activity groups, and Poshmark, a US fashion resale platform that was acquired by Naver in 2023.
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Fullmetal Alchemist' to launch Webtoon edition in full colour from May 7
Fullmetal Alchemist will officially debut on the English-language Webtoon platform on May 7, bringing Hiromu Arakawa's acclaimed manga to a wider digital audience. The release will feature the series in full colour and restructured for Webtoon's vertical-scroll format. According to Anime News Network, this adaptation is seen as a significant moment for the franchise, which has continued to attract fans more than a decade after its conclusion. The new format is designed to introduce Edward and Alphonse Elric's story to a mobile-first audience, providing a new way to engage with Arakawa's detailed storytelling and artwork. The move to Webtoon includes recolouring the original black-and-white pages and adapting the layout to suit mobile reading habits. While some long-time readers may have concerns about the format change, others may welcome the opportunity to experience the story with new pacing and accessibility. Fullmetal Alchemist originally ran from 2001 to 2010 in Monthly Shōnen Gangan and has been widely praised for its world-building and moral complexity. The series inspired two anime adaptations, including Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, as well as films and spin-offs. The Webtoon release aligns with the rise of digital comic consumption, offering a gateway for new readers while giving existing fans another way to enjoy the series.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Popular webcomic 'Eleceed' to get anime adaptation by Oscar-nominated DandeLion Studio
The fans of 'Eleceed' are in for a treat as one of their favourite webcomics has received a green light from Webtoon Entertainment's Line Digital Frontier for anime adaptation, adding itself to the likes of 'Tower Of God', 'Viral Hit', 'Solo Levelling' and others. Popular webcomic 'Eleceed' will have an anime adaptation by the Oscar-nominated DandeLion Animation Studio, reported Variety. The fans of 'Eleceed' are in for a treat as one of their favourite webcomics has received a green light from Webtoon Entertainment's Line Digital Frontier for anime adaptation, adding itself to the likes of 'Tower Of God', 'Viral Hit', 'Solo Levelling' and others. According to Variety, 'Eleceed' created by Jeho Son and Zhena, has racked up over 1.4 billion global views on the platform and is published in 10 languages, making it one of Webtoon's top-performing action titles worldwide. The series follows Jiwoo Seo, a kind-hearted teenager with hidden powers, and Kayden, a powerful being who takes refuge in the form of a stray cat after being injured. Their unlikely partnership leads them through battles against formidable enemies and deep-rooted conspiracies, as per Variety. Hiroshi Nishikiori, known for 'Idolish7 Movie' and 'Honey Lemon Soda,' will direct the adaptation, with 'My Hero Academia' scribe Yousuke Kuroda handling series composition and script. Character design will be overseen by Minami Sakura of 'Gridman Universe,' reported Variety. The creator Jeho Son expressed excitement about the news. He said, "It feels like a dream to finally share the news that Eleceed is getting an anime adaptation! This is all thanks to our incredible readers who have loved and supported the series. I hope the anime allows even more people to enjoy the world of Eleceed!" DandeLion Animation Studio, founded in Tokyo in 2007, earned Oscar recognition for its short film 'Magic Candies,' which was nominated in the Short Animation category at the 97th Academy Awards. According to the outlet, the studio also produced 'The First Slam Dunk,' which became the 12th highest-grossing film in Japanese box office history. With this announcement, the 'Eleceed' anime joins Webtoon's expanding slate of adaptations, which includes the highly anticipated 'Omniscient Reader' anime with Aniplex and Crunchyroll, and the recently announced 'Teenage Mercenary' adaptation. Recent Webtoon anime releases include 'Viral Hit,' 'Tower of God Season 2,' 'True Beauty' and 'Senpai Is an Otokonoko' on Crunchyroll.
See - Sada Elbalad
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Eleceed" Webcomic Anime Adaptation Is on the Way
Yara Sameh Webtoon Entertainment's Line Digital Frontier has greenlit an anime adaptation of the popular webcomic ' Eleceed ,' tapping Oscar-nominated DandeLion Animation Studio to bring the show to screens. The adaptation marks a new move in Webtoon's aggressive push into animation, with the company developing 20 anime titles slated for 2025. 'Eleceed,' created by Jeho Son and Zhena, has racked up over 1.4 billion global views on the platform and is published in 10 languages, making it one of Webtoon's top-performing action titles worldwide. The series follows Jiwoo Seo, a kind-hearted teenager with hidden powers, and Kayden, a powerful being who takes refuge as a stray cat after being injured. Their unlikely partnership leads them through battles against formidable enemies and deep-rooted conspiracies. Hiroshi Nishikiori, known for 'Idolish7 Movie' and 'Honey Lemon Soda,' will direct the adaptation. Yousuke Kuroda, scribe for 'My Hero Academia,' will handle the series composition and script. Minami Sakura of 'Gridman Universe' will oversee character design. 'Eleceed delivers the perfect blend of high-speed action and a tightly woven storyline,' said Sinbae Kim, chief growth officer at Line Digital Frontier. 'The upcoming anime adaptation is a chance to introduce this dynamic series to a broader global audience, and we believe it marks an exciting new chapter in our global storytelling journey.' Creator Jeho Son expressed excitement about the news: 'It feels like a dream to finally share the news that Eleceed is getting an anime adaptation! This is all thanks to our incredible readers who have loved and supported the series. I hope the anime allows even more people to enjoy the world of Eleceed!' DandeLion Animation Studio, founded in Tokyo in 2007, earned Oscar recognition for its short film 'Magic Candies,' which was nominated in the Short Animation category at the 97th Academy Awards. The studio also produced 'The First Slam Dunk,' which became the 12th highest-grossing film in Japanese box office history. To promote the adaptation, DandeLion president Kazuhiro Nishikawa will appear at Anime Expo in Los Angeles on July 6 to share production insights. The 'Eleceed' anime joins Webtoon's expanding slate of adaptations, which includes the highly anticipated 'Omniscient Reader' anime with Aniplex and Crunchyroll, and the recently announced 'Teenage Mercenary' adaptation. Recent Webtoon anime releases include 'Viral Hit,' 'Tower of God Season 2,' 'True Beauty,' and 'Senpai Is an Otokonoko' on Crunchyroll. Webtoon Entertainment boasts approximately 150 million monthly active users across its ecosystem of platforms, which includes Webtoon, Wattpad, Line Manga, and ebookjapan, among others. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean Arts & Culture "6 Ayam" Sets Streaming Date
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fact check: Is True Beauty Season 2 confirmed? Inside the viral claims about Moon Ga Young and Cha Eun Woo's hit drama
True Beauty Season 2: True Beauty remains one of the most beloved K-dramas even four years after its release. Starring Moon Ga Young, ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo, and Hwang In Youp, the show still holds a special place in the hearts of global fans. Recently, a new report has been going viral on social media, especially TikTok, claiming that True Beauty has officially been confirmed for Season 2. But is there any truth to it? Let's break it down. What True Beauty is all about The story follows Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young), a high school girl who has long struggled with insecurities about her appearance. After relentless bullying, she learns the power of makeup and reinvents herself at a new school, where she crosses paths with Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) and Han Seo Jun (Hwang In Yeop). The drama explores her journey through friendship, romance, and self-acceptance as she learns to embrace who she is, makeup or not. True Beauty wasn't a huge hit in Korea, but a global fan favourite Though the drama didn't pull record-breaking numbers in South Korea, it became a massive international success. Released during the peak of the pandemic, True Beauty gave viewers a lighthearted escape and quickly gained a cult following across the globe. Its webtoon origin, strong character arcs, and heartfelt storytelling struck a chord, especially with younger audiences. TikTok sparked a wave of True Beauty Season 2 hype The current True Beauty Season 2 buzz can be traced back to a viral TikTok posted by @kdrama_flex, which claimed that a second season had been confirmed. The video used scenes from Season 1 and repackaged them as a 'trailer,' even listing a fake release date of December. Despite getting hundreds of thousands of views, the video offered no real source or production updates. Some reports say it's possible—but nothing's official Over the years, scattered reports have suggested that production for a second season was in discussion. Some speculated it could follow the completed Webtoon storyline. But so far, no official announcement has been made by tvN, the production team, or any of the lead actors. No casting, scripts, or filming updates have surfaced either. Credit: tvN Since the end of the drama in 2021, none of the lead actors nor the network have hinted at revisiting the series. Moon Ga Young, Cha Eun Woo, and Hwang In Youp have moved on to other major projects, and there's been no buzz from industry insiders to suggest True Beauty Season 2 is in active development. Fact-check verdict: Is True Beauty Season 2 on the cards? Despite what's trending on TikTok, True Beauty Season 2 has not been confirmed. The rumours are based on fan edits and misleading videos. The only official continuation is an anime adaptation, which has no ties to the original K-drama cast.
