Korea Manhwa Contents Agency Publishes 30th Issue of Comics Criticism Magazine 'Jigeum, Manhwa'

[Financial News] The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency has published the 30th issue of 'Jigeum, Manhwa,' a magazine specializing in comics criticism.
According to the agency on the 10th, this issue features a special section on 'fusion genres,' which explores the combination of different genres and the emergence of new storytelling conventions. It analyzes how genre blending became a key factor in the success of comics, how genres have evolved, and the formulas found in popular works. It also examines the overseas expansion of comics and webtoons through cases that have extended into other media, including film adaptations abroad.
The 'Cover Story' traces the formation of genres in Korean comics and the recent trend of combining multiple genres in the webtoon market. It reinterprets 'clichés' in works as genre conventions shared by creators and readers, while examining how the criteria for distinguishing genres have changed with shifts in society and media.
The 'Interview' section features YAKSU, the creator of the popular webtoon 'Lumbini.' YAKSU discusses what led to the combination of occult and thriller elements, a working method that crosses genre boundaries, and the process of developing a distinctive drawing style.
The 'Comics for Every Occasion' section introduces 'Taxi Driver,' which has drawn attention for its potential to enter Hollywood, along with the martial arts fantasy 'Asura,' 'Athena Complex,' which reinterprets Western mythology through an East Asian sensibility, and 'Maru is a Puppy,' which combines everyday life with comedy.
This issue presents a unified look at the formation of genres, variations across individual works, and cases in which they have expanded into other media. Readers can explore how genres evolve through a combination of criticism, interviews, and work introductions.
'Jigeum, Manhwa' has attracted interest from academic researchers, webtoon platform officials, agency and industry professionals, aspiring creators, and comics and webtoon students since its launch in 2018. The 30th issue is available at major bookstores and online bookstores nationwide.
Baek Jong-hoon, president of the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, said, "Comics continue to grow by constantly creating new genres and forms of expression in step with the changing times. I hope the 30th issue of 'Jigeum, Manhwa' will give readers an opportunity to discover the diverse appeal of comics and view works in greater depth."
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter