Pocket Comics, the global webtoon platform operated by NHN, is reportedly considering shutting down its French service, according to Korean business media outlet Maeil Economy. This potential closure signals a concerning trend for Korean digital comics platforms in the European market, where lasting success has proven elusive.
France: A Promising Start That Faded
France, known as Europe’s largest comic book market, was initially viewed as a promising destination for webtoons. Pocket Comics launched in France in January 2022 and quickly gained traction, even topping local App Store charts by targeting women in their 20s and 30s. However, this early momentum has since waned.
According to the Maeil Economy report, Pocket Comics has already halted new content uploads in France since early 2025. The company confirmed that it is “conducting a comprehensive review of the service’s operations and efficiency,” with discontinuation being one of the options under consideration.
NHN’s Retreat from Europe
If Pocket Comics exits France, it would mark NHN’s complete withdrawal from the European webtoon market. The company had previously terminated its Pocket Comics service in Germany in September 2024 and has also withdrawn from Southeast Asia, selling its Thai Comico subsidiary to Kidari Studio in July 2024 and exiting the Vietnamese market in 2022. France had been viewed as NHN’s final stronghold in Europe after these withdrawals. NHN currently operates its webtoon business under the Comico brand in South Korea and Japan, and under the Pocket Comics brand in North America.
Broader Struggles for Korean Webtoon Platforms in Europe
Pocket Comics’ potential exit is not an isolated incident. Other major Korean webtoon platforms have also faced challenges in the European market. Kakao Piccoma, for example, shut down its European webtoon platform in France in September 2024. Naver Webtoon also temporarily halted its plans to establish a European subsidiary, initially announced in 2022.
These retreats highlight the difficulties that Korean webtoon platforms face in gaining a sustainable foothold in Europe, despite the region’s potential.
Challenges in the European Webtoon Market
Several factors contribute to the struggles of webtoon platforms in Europe:
- Preference for Traditional Print Manga: European readers, particularly in France, often favor traditional print manga over webtoons. This preference makes it difficult for webtoon platforms to compete with established print publishers and their distribution networks.
- Slower Market Growth: Overall market growth for webtoons in Europe has been slower than initially anticipated. This slower growth makes it challenging for platforms to achieve profitability and justify continued investment.
- Cultural Differences: Cultural differences can also pose a challenge. As one industry insider noted, Germany, for example, has a strong traditional publishing culture, meaning webtoons and web novels are not as widely recognized as content.
- Lack of Localization: A lack of localization and cooperation with local publishers can hinder a platform’s ability to establish a strong presence in the European market.
- Reader Fatigue: Some sources suggest that a glut of repetitive content, with similar plots, characters, and art styles, may be leading to reader fatigue and declining readership of Korean webtoons.
The Webtoon Market: Global Growth and Regional Nuances
Despite the challenges in Europe, the global webtoon market is experiencing rapid growth. Several reports project significant expansion in the coming years:
- One report projects the global webtoons market to grow from $1.4 billion in 2023 to $6.5 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 17.5%.
- Another report estimates the global webtoons market size at USD 8.28 billion in 2023 and projects it to reach USD 45.30 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 27.3% from 2024 to 2030.
- A third report values the global webtoons market at USD 9.17 billion in 2024 and estimates it will reach USD 97.19 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 28.50% during 2025-2033.
This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of digital comics, advancements in mobile technology, and evolving consumer preferences. The market is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific and North America.
Europe’s Webtoon Market: A Growing but Challenging Landscape
While Europe may not be the easiest market for webtoons, it is still experiencing growth. One report projects the European webtoons market to witness a significant CAGR of over 29.0% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the proliferation of smartphones, increased internet access, and the convenience of accessing content on mobile devices. The report also notes that France is expected to witness the fastest CAGR in Europe, at 31.0% from 2024 to 2030.
Strategies for Success in the Webtoon Market
Given the challenges and opportunities in the webtoon market, platforms need to adopt effective strategies to succeed. Some key strategies include:
- Localization: Tailoring content to local languages and cultural preferences is crucial for attracting and retaining readers.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local publishers and content creators can help platforms gain access to established audiences and create content that resonates with local tastes.
- Diverse Content: Offering a wide variety of genres and stories can attract a broader audience and cater to different reader preferences.
- Monetization Strategies: Implementing diverse monetization strategies, such as subscription models, ad-supported content, and microtransactions, can help platforms generate revenue and sustain their operations.
- Community Building: Fostering a strong community of readers through interactive features and social media engagement can enhance user loyalty and drive growth.
- Focus on Original Content: Investing in original content creation can differentiate platforms from competitors and attract exclusive audiences.
The Rise of AI in Webtoon Creation
Another trend that is shaping the webtoon market is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation. Pocket Entertainment, for example, recently launched Pocket Toons, an AI-supported comics platform that integrates AI to assist in storytelling and content creation.
AI can help to improve the speed, quality, and accessibility of webtoon creation. It can also empower artists to push the boundaries of storytelling without sacrificing their unique artistic expression. However, it’s important to note that AI is not intended to replace human creativity but rather to enhance it.
Future Outlook
The webtoon market is dynamic and evolving. While some platforms may struggle in certain regions, the overall market is poised for continued growth. By adopting effective strategies, embracing new technologies like AI, and focusing on delivering high-quality content that resonates with readers, webtoon platforms can achieve lasting success in the global market. It remains to be seen whether Pocket Comics will ultimately exit France, but their potential departure highlights the challenges and complexities of the European webtoon landscape.
