Kim shares award with attorney Sung-joo Kim of law firm Deoksu, who was recognized for his work protecting cartoonists' rights, providing legal support
Image via KOMACON's website © KOMACON
WEBTOON Entertainment CEO Junkoo Kim received an outstanding contribution award for his contributions to the development of the webtoon industry at the 26th Cartoon Day ceremony, held on November 3 at the Korea Manhwa Museum in Bucheon, South Korea.
The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency announced the award recipients on November 5. Kim shared the award with attorney Sung-joo Kim of law firm Deoksu, who was recognized for his work protecting cartoonists' rights and providing legal support.
Twelve major industry organizations jointly organized the ceremony, including the Korea Cartoonists Association and the Cartoon and Webtoon Associations Federation. It recognized the cultural significance of Korean comics and acknowledged creators' work.
The event also included a talk concert on the present and future of print comics, with discussions covering independent publishing, production and distribution models, creator-led publishing, and support policies for diverse comics. Awards were also presented in three categories: the Korea Comics Critics Contest, the Korea Creative Comics Contest, and Today's Korean Comics.
Cartoon Day commemorates the November 3, 1996, rally at Seoul's Yeouido Plaza, where cartoonists gathered to oppose comics censorship and defend freedom of expression.
Korea Manhwa Contents Agency Chairman Kwan-je Cho said the global standing of Korean comics and webtoons reflects the dedication of earlier generations of cartoonists and the passion of current creators. He added that the agency would continue supporting the industry and its efforts to expand internationally.
Source: YNA (Ga-hye Ko)