K-webtoon exhibition draws crowds in Tokyo, featuring "Hellbound" and other hits

▲ Visitors browse the exhibition "Stories Read Vertically: 2026 K-Webtoon Exhibition," hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, in this photo provided by the state-run organization. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

TOKYO, Feb. 3 (Yonhap) -- A Korean webtoon exhibition is drawing strong interest from local readers in Tokyo, organizers said Tuesday.

The Korea Creative Content Agency said about 600 people visited the exhibition "Stories Read Vertically: 2026 K-Webtoon Exhibition" during its first three days through Sunday, excluding a closure day, at the Korean Cultural Center in Japan.

The exhibition, which runs through Feb. 28, showcases a total of 20 webtoons, including eight globally recognized titles such as "Hellbound" and "Yumi’s Cells," as well as 11 award-winning works from the "World Webtoon Awards 2025," including "If You Don’t Debut, You Die" and "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint."

On the opening day, webtoon artist Choi Kyu-seok, known for socially themed works such as "Hellbound" and "Songgot," held a talk session to discuss his creative process and artistic philosophy.

▲ South Korean webtoon artist Choi Kyu-seok speaks during the exhibition "Stories Read Vertically: 2026 K-Webtoon Exhibition," hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, in this photo provided by the state-run organization. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

"Hellbound is a work that imagines how modern people come to perceive transcendent beings," Choi said, adding that he hopes readers in both South Korea and Japan will continue to take a sense of responsibility and sustained interest in comics and webtoons as a genre.

On Feb. 21, Lee Dong-gun, the creator of "Yumi’s Cells," is scheduled to host a talk session with Japanese readers, where he will discuss his creative process and character development.

Lee Hye-eun, head of the agency’s Tokyo Business Center, said the exhibition has confirmed strong local interest in Korean webtoons and pledged continued support to raise awareness of K-webtoons in Japan and strengthen the foundation for ongoing exchanges.

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved