By Koh Hyunjeong

The U.S. from late this month will host an event to promote Korean comic and webtoons.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 16 that along with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), it will host "K-story＆Comics in America" in Los Angeles from July 28 to Aug. 5. 

Instead of the conventional format of business to business (B2B), the event will connect businesses and consumers (B2C) to offer more opportunities for visitors to experience Korean comics and webtoons. This is expected to raise awareness of and expand the fan base of the sector. 

First, a B2B event from July 24-26 will be held at the AC Hotel in downtown Los Angeles featuring around 50 works by 14 comic, webtoon and story companies. An investment promotion session there will also be held for buyers and industry personnel.

A B2C event will be part of the K-pop festival KCON LA 2024 from July 26-28 at the LA Convention Center. An array of interactive programs will highlight top Korean comics and webtoons including the extended content "Remarried Empress," a popular intellectual property, "Solo Leveling," which was released as a game by Netmarble, and "Lookism," an original Netflix animated work. 

Visitors can also take photos with characters from the displayed works, complete famous lines, play video games and watch animation.

Starting with the event in the City of Angeles, KOCCA will also host the event in Japan and Southeast Asia.

This is an official promotional poster for the event "K-Story & Comics in America." (KOCCA)

hjkoh@korea.kr