Naver Webtoon Intensifies Efforts to Support Creative Activities, Including Contests and Local Writers

Naver Webtoon, which pledged 700 billion won to revitalize the global creative ecosystem this year, is actively supporting creators through diverse initiatives such as contests, talent discovery, education, and global expansion. The company aims to boost overall webtoon ecosystem development by encouraging creative activities across multiple domains. The 2026 'Groundbreaking Web Novel Contest' announced 37 winning works, highlighting the industry's growing interest with over 10,000 submissions—a 35% increase from last year. Young creators aged 10-30 accounted for over 80% of participants, showcasing heightened engagement. The grand prize went to 'Possessed by the Ending of a Dramatic Drama,' a modern fantasy/alternate history work about a protagonist navigating power struggles after a terrorist attack. Total prize money reached 360 million won, with winners receiving support for promotion and potential adaptations into webtoons.