Welcome to "K-Comics World Tour!"

This exhibition showcases the successful expansion of webtoons into various media in the OSMU (one source multi-use) content market in Korea, the Korean comics, which began with the founding of the Daehan Minbo (Korean Civilian News) in 1909. Since then, it has evolved into diverse forms and genres over the past century. Recently, webtoons have reached the pinnacle of their development and have gained significant global popularity.

This exhibition takes a closer look at how Korean webtoons like “The Red Sleeve” and “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” have expanded into diverse media. Through this, it explores the growth of the Korean content industry and its potential for international expansion. These successful cases demonstrate the crucial role of Korean OSMU content in paving the way for a global audience.

□︎ Introducing “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”

The 2018 hit K-drama actually came from a webtoon! The work was introduced to various audiences through several platforms, establishing itself as a successful OSMU example of Korean webtoons. 

In the Philippines, the local adaptation of the drama with the same title,  starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, also gained significant popularity. 

□︎ Introducing “The Red Sleeve”

Also adapted into a K-drama in 2021, “The Red Sleeve” received praise for its portrayal of traditional Korean beauty. Based on a historical background about Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon dynasty, and his concubine, Uibin Seong Deok-min. The story focuses on a sad love story between a king of a country and a palace maid who wanted to live the life of her choice.

Explore these dramas through “K-Comics World Tour” and try different experiences - ALL FOR FREE when you visit the Groundspace Gallery of The M from June 21-August 10, 2024.