The landscape of pop culture is ever-evolving, and a significant part of this transformation is the rise of Korean webtoons and novels in the Western market. Anime NYC, traditionally a celebration of Japanese pop culture, has witnessed this change firsthand. Over the past few years, Korean content has steadily made its presence known at this convention, signaling a shift in the interests and consumption patterns of Western audiences.
Seven Seas Entertainment, a publisher known for bringing diverse manga and light novels to the English-speaking market, has played a pivotal role in this cultural exchange. At Anime NYC 2024, they continued their commitment to introducing Korean media to the West by announcing a slate of new licenses and releases for the upcoming year.
Among the highlights was the physical release of What it Means to Be You by eebora, Lanyong, and Ocean. This title, a poignant exploration of identity and societal roles, has garnered attention for its intricate storytelling and emotional depth. The decision to publish a physical version underscores the growing demand for tangible copies of webtoons, which have traditionally been consumed digitally.
In a groundbreaking move, Seven Seas also announced the English audiobook adaptation of The Lout of Count’s Family novels by Yu Ryeo-Han, ahead of the September release of the first physical volume of the novel in English. This marks a significant milestone as it represents one of the first Korean novel series to be adapted into an audiobook format for English-speaking audiences, even before the official book release. The series, which combines humor, drama, and fantasy, has already established a strong fanbase through its webtoon adaptation, and the audiobook is poised to expand its reach even further. Both titles are featured below.
What it Means to Be You (Webtoon)
By Leebora, Lanyong, and Ocean
Princess Violet always did what was expected of her: including marrying the hot-tempered Winter, the illegitimate son of a noble to clear her family’s debt. Violet fell in love with Winter at first sight and believed they could be happy together. But when her family loses its royal status on their wedding day, she is branded as a swindler. Now, three years later, she suffers shame and ridicule in silence, believing that even her husband wouldn’t bother shoving up to her funeral in favor of working. Violet tries to end her life, but somehow wakes up in Winter’s body, with him in hers! Is this their chance to finaliy understand each other?
Lout of Count’s Family (Audiobook)
by Yu Ryeo-Han
Ever dreamt of waking up inside a novel? For Kim Roksu, this dream becomes reality when he finds himself in the shoes of of Cale Henituse, the lazy, wine-loving son of a count—and punching bag for the novel’s destined hero. Determined to dodge his grim fate, this new Cale Henituse vows to rewrite his story, aiming for a life of leisure far from heroic deeds and inevitable beatdowns.
But the path to a peaceful life is twisted by irony. As Cale plots his escape from destiny, he inadvertently gathers a motley crew of magical allies—including a haughty baby dragon and two mischievous kitten shapeshifters. Every attempt to avoid heroism entangles him further in a whirlwind of unforeseen adventures, proving that sometimes the best heroes are the ones who resist the call.
These developments reflect a broader trend of Korean content crossing over into mainstream Western media. The global success of K-pop and Korean dramas has paved the way for other forms of Korean entertainment, including webtoons and novels, to capture the hearts of international fans. Publishers like Seven Seas Entertainment are not only recognizing this trend but are actively facilitating the growth of this cultural phenomenon.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the influence of Korean webtoons and novels will continue to grow in the Western pop culture landscape. With the support of publishers and the enthusiasm of fans, we can expect to see more innovative and engaging content making its way from East to West, enriching the global pop culture tapestry with diverse narratives and perspectives.
