The illegal webtoon and web novel distribution site “Newtoki,” which is estimated to cause around KRW 40 billion in monthly damage, has been officially shut down.
On April 27, Newtoki (webtoons), Manatoki (Japanese manga), and Booktoki (web novel) announced the termination of their services via their homepage. They said: “All data generated while using the service will be deleted,” adding: “We have no plans to resume the service. All sites using similar names in the future are imitators and are not related to us.”
In response, the Korea Digital Content Creators Association welcomed the news on social media, calling it “good news.” However, the organization stressed that ongoing civil and criminal cases, both domestic and international, will continue regardless of the closure. The association added that it remains committed to protecting the rights of creators. Notably, in November last year, KDCCA initiated a class action lawsuit involving 200 plaintiffs against the operators of Newtoki.
The operator of Newtoki is suspected of making huge profits through other illegal platforms such as Booktoki (novels) and Manatoki (Japanese manga). However, the investigation has stalled as the individual reportedly obtained Japanese citizenship. Although the Korean police requested the cooperation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was little progress regarding extradition or further legal action.
According to the “2023 Webtoon Industry Survey” released by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the estimated monthly damage caused by Newtoki reached approximately KRW 39.8 billion, with approximately 12.2 million users. The platform reportedly distributed 1,150 illegal Japanese manga titles via Manatoki and 700 web novels via Booktoki, with total annual damages estimated at KRW 721.5 billion.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that Minister Choi Hwi-young will meet with representatives of the content and Internet industry at the Copyright Protection Agency to gather opinions on emergency blocking and access restriction systems for illegal websites. Major industry players such as CJ ENM, Naver Webtoon, and Kakao Entertainment are expected to participate.
Under the revised Copyright Act, the emergency blocking system for illegal sites will officially come into effect on May 11. The amendment allows authorities to immediately block illegal websites as soon as they are detected, followed by a rapid review process while maintaining the restriction.
Sources: Nate
