Ongoing Controversy Over Ggan84's 'Misogyny'... Naver in Deep Deliberation

Gian84

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] As the misogyny controversy surrounding the webtoon "Bokhakwang," serialized by webtoon artist Kian84, shows no signs of subsiding, Naver is also facing deep concerns.

According to Naver on the 22nd, Naver Webtoon has decided to strengthen monitoring and user feedback collection in response to the "Bokhakwang" controversy. A Naver official stated, "There is a department that pre-verifies expressions, but since webtoons are a 'creative domain,' various interpretations exist," adding, "It is difficult for the company to force corrections."

The incident arose in episode 304, "Flatfish Human" part 2, of Kian84's webtoon "Bokhakwang." In the webtoon, a female job seeker, Bong Ji-eun, is shown breaking a clam on her stomach with the line, "It's not about working hard; it's not about academic background or specs." Afterwards, her workplace superior hires her and says, "That's how it happened. I'm 40 years old and still haven't gotten married." The male protagonist then asks, "Did you sleep with him?" Users criticized this scene, implying that Bong Ji-eun was hired after having a sexual relationship with her superior. Although Kian84 apologized and revised the webtoon, criticism continues.

Photo by Naver Webtoon Capture

Naver is reportedly continuing discussions related to the Kian84 "Bokhakwang" issue. Currently, there are ongoing demands from some quarters to suspend the serialization of "Bokhakwang."

"Stop Hate Business" Calls for Naver's Responsibility Rise

Earlier, on the 19th afternoon, the Basic Income Party's Gender Politics Special Committee, the Cartoon Industry Sexual Violence Countermeasure Committee, and UnivFemi held a press conference in front of Naver Webtoon's headquarters at Bundang Krafton Tower, raising their voices, saying, "Despite being the number one portal in usage, Naver Webtoon is not fulfilling its social responsibilities."

They submitted a petition signed by 1,167 Naver users with their IDs to Naver Webtoon headquarters.

Women's organizations are holding a press conference demanding the suspension of the webtoon 'Return to Campus King' by Kian84. Photo by Yonhap News

In the petition, they stated, "Kian84's 'Bokhakwang' has been embroiled in a misogyny controversy due to depictions implying female genitalia and a storyline where the protagonist becomes a full-time employee after a sexual relationship with a company superior," and criticized, "Kian84 has previously caused controversies involving misogyny, discrimination against people with disabilities, and migrant worker discrimination."

These groups demanded, "Naver Webtoon should suspend the serialization of 'Bokhakwang' and impose penalties if official serializations contain misogyny or insults to minorities," and urged, "Naver and Naver Webtoon should establish clear disciplinary provisions in their user regulations."

This critical public opinion continues. A Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) petition demanding the suspension of "Bokhakwang" serialization has garnered over 115,000 supporters within 10 days. The Blue House petition response requirement is 200,000 supporters within 30 days.

"A Reversal of Freedom of Expression, a Disgrace"... Voices of Concern Also Raised

However, some voices express concern that "freedom of expression" may be infringed. Cartoonist Won Su-yeon criticized, "The movement to suspend serialization, aligned with women's groups, is a history of cartoon oppression, reversing the 'freedom of creation and expression' won through over 50 years of struggle, and a disgraceful act that would bring back a dark era in cartoon history."

He added, "Institutions and platforms classify works by rating systems, and readers choose works according to their preferences. It is the author's responsibility to stand on the stage of benefits and criticism and face sharp judgment."

Meanwhile, regarding this controversy, Naver stated, "As interest in webtoons increases, we are trying to act responsibly, and we will listen more carefully to users' opinions and communicate deeply with artists going forward."