#South Korea #Seoul #WEBTOON #IP Strategy #Kenaz

Kenaz Expands Global Webtoon IP Strategy

In a striking move, Kenaz Co., Ltd., an independent studio and webtoon intellectual property (IP) holder, is gearing up to enhance its global growth strategy. With plans set for 2026, the company aims to develop a comprehensive webtoon ecosystem, which will not only focus on content production but also on international distribution and the nurturing of creative talent.

Operating as a full-spectrum webtoon company, Kenaz masterfully blends original IP creation with a robust global distribution model. The studio boasts a large-scale production system that is backed by hundreds of creative talents and an expansive portfolio comprising several hundred exclusive webtoon IPs, allowing for simultaneous releases of various titles spanning multiple genres and platforms.

Kenaz’s diverse content portfolio features genres including romance, fantasy, action, and boys' love (BL), catering to a wide audience demographic. The studio has made a name for itself, successfully producing titles that have resonated in overseas markets, particularly in Asia and Europe. Beyond its original works, Kenaz collaborates with partners in publishing, gaming, and screen adaptations to transform popular novels and dramas into vertical-scroll webtoons, tailored for a global digital audience.

International distribution stands as a crucial pillar of Kenaz's growth strategy. Webtoons from the studio are now available in more than 30 countries and over 100 platforms, facilitated by numerous overseas licensing agreements. Japan remains a significant market; Kenaz’s titles are accessible on leading platforms like Piccoma, LINE Manga, and Mecha Comic. Furthermore, the company has broadened its influence in Europe, partnering with major platforms in France and other key markets to promote genres such as romance and BL.

To bolster its position as a global content supplier, Kenaz is moving forward in 2025 by expanding its distribution partnerships with major tech platforms. Notably, the company has become the exclusive content provider for the “Tateyomi Manga” section of Apple Books, thus creating pathways to extend successful IPs into various digital formats and services. By retaining control over both the creation and distribution process, Kenaz intends to maximize the long-term value of each franchise it develops.

Apart from its commitment to content production and distribution, Kenaz is investing in the next generation of creators through its global Webtoon Academy and creator platform known as KIPhub. Over the previous years, the company has trained more than 2,000 aspiring creators across Asia and Europe through collaborations with educational institutions and cultural organizations. Recent initiatives include establishing webtoon academies in France and creator exchange programs designed to strengthen ties between European and Asian markets.

“Our mission is to cultivate a sustainable global webtoon ecosystem, rather than solely focusing on single hits,” stated Woojae Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Kenaz. “By harmonizing IP creation, worldwide distribution, and talent development, we aim to interconnect stories and talents across markets in a scalable and lasting manner.”

Supporting its global expansion endeavors, Kenaz benefits from a government-backed export promotion program run by South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT in collaboration with the National IT Industry Promotion Agency. This backing plays an essential role in the company’s international growth initiatives, showcasing the potential of the webtoon industry on a global scale.

Kenaz’s ambitious plans reflect not just a commitment to content innovation, but also a robust strategy for nurturing a rich ecosystem that empowers both creators and audiences alike, effectively paving the way for a vibrant future in webtoons.