한국영상문화학회

This study aims to understand the "webtoon" phenomenon in Indonesia and analyze the implications of it in relation to the internationalization of the Korean webtoon. For this purpose, this paper first examines the relationship between the Korean Wave and the internationalization of the Korean webtoon, and then explores the historical contexts of production, distribution and reception of Indonesian comics. Using qualitative research methods including literature review, in-depth interviews and FGI (Focus Group Interviews), this paper inquires into the Indonesian fans' attitude towards and reception of Korean webtoon attitude, and discusses the cultural meaning of this new phenomenon from the perspective of international communication. According to this paper, Indonesians tend to recognize the Korean cultural products as highly competitive capitalist texts, different from their domestic ones. Although the Japanese manga have exerted strong influences on Indonesia markets, Korean webtoons have an impact on production and consumption of comics in Indonesia. For example, Korean webtoon platforms make efforts to localize their business, and help Indonesian artists, who had been neglected by local publishing companies, debut as professional comic artists. After all, this paper argues that Korean content companies need to be more culturally sensitive to foreign markets.