The domestic webtoon and web novel industry expressed optimism regarding the return of the operator of the illegal comic-sharing site 'Manamoa,' viewing it as a pivotal moment in the fight against copyright infringement.
On June 12, the Webtoon Copyright Response Council (Webdaehyup) issued a statement welcoming the recent extradition of the operator of the illegal comic distribution site, stating, "This is a significant advancement in holding accountable those responsible for copyright infringement, which has caused immense harm to creators, rights holders, and the entire content industry."
Webdaehyup assessed that this extradition exemplifies the successful collaboration between the government and relevant agencies in addressing copyright infringement, a challenge that individual companies have struggled to tackle alone. The council hopes this will serve as a wake-up call to the illegal distribution structure that undermines creators' rights and the sustainability of the content industry.
The council pointed out that the damages from illegal distribution extend beyond mere viewing losses, impacting creators' revenues, discouraging legitimate content consumption, facilitating secondary illegal distribution, and resulting in lost opportunities for overseas business. It emphasized that the webtoon and web novel industries, which rely heavily on readership and fandom, are particularly affected by illegal consumption's impact on the legitimate distribution market.
Furthermore, the council stressed that simply blocking illegal sites is insufficient, as these sites frequently change addresses and operate through workarounds. It called for strict penalties for operators and the establishment of preventive measures. The council expressed hope that this extradition will raise awareness that illegal distribution is a serious crime that not only infringes on creators' rights but also undermines the growth foundation of the content industry.
Webdaehyup pledged to continue its collaborative efforts with the government and relevant agencies to eradicate illegal distribution and protect creators' rights, striving to foster a healthy creative ecosystem.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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