The Philippines has an opportunity to mirror South Korea's thriving webtoon industry by building a robust publishing platform — one potentially backed by government support — where local creators can showcase their work and reach wider audiences, according to acclaimed Korean webtoon artist Lee Yunchang.

South Korea's webtoon sector has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, generating total revenue of US$1.397 billion in 2024, based on the country's official government data. That growth has been underpinned by sustained state involvement, including support from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), which funds and promotes creative content industries.

Mr. Lee, creator of the popular webtoon My Daughter is a Zombie, which was later adapted into a feature film, pointed to the existence of strong digital platforms as a critical factor behind South Korea's success. He specifically cited Naver Webtoon, one of the largest digital comics platforms both in South Korea and worldwide.

"Because of this very strong platform… These very talented cartoonists were able to enter this industry," Mr. Lee told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Korean Film Festival on Wednesday, speaking through an interpreter.

"(Even those) who are not really that extraordinary in drawing but have a very powerful story could still upload their masterpieces," he added.

Beyond visibility, Mr. Lee emphasized that such platforms offer practical convenience for artists, enabling them to concentrate on the creative process rather than logistical concerns.

He suggested that the Philippines could replicate this model by establishing a comparable platform, with the government providing financial backing or subsidies.

"The Philippines could also have a platform such as this, and the government could actually subsidize and support this kind of platform," Mr. Lee said. "It will be a very great opportunity for these webtoon artists to grow more here in the Philippines."

Filipino creators are already part of the global webtoon ecosystem, with a number publishing titles on platforms such as Naver Webtoon and Tapas. The Philippines also has a long tradition in comics, rooted in its本土 komiks industry, which dominated popular print media for decades before digital disruption reshaped the landscape. A dedicated local platform could build on that creative base.

The global webtoon market is projected to reach $10.85 billion in 2025, according to market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence. The Asia-Pacific region, which includes the Philippines, accounts for the largest market share at 60.45%.

Webtoon-to-screen adaptations have become an increasingly common pipeline in the broader entertainment industry, particularly in South Korea, where a growing number of films and television series originate from digital comics.

During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Korean Film Festival, BusinessWorld and other media outlets viewed the live-action adaptation of Mr. Lee's My Daughter is a Zombie. The film, which premiered in the Philippines in August of last year, earned several accolades, including the Top Audience Award at the 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards in South Korea last November. — Edg Adrian A. Eva