Chinese Character Learning Comic 'Mabeop Cheonjamun' Surpasses 22 Million Copies Sold Over 20 Years

The popular educational comic series 'Mabeop Cheonjamun' has surpassed 22 million copies sold 20 years after its publication, publisher Book21 Owlbook announced on the 20th.

'Mabeop Cheonjamun' began with Volume 1, "Blow! Wind Pung," on November 11, 2003, and currently consists of a total of 60 volumes, with the latest edition "Unite Mind and Strength!" released on the 19th of this month. It gained attention for its method of naturally learning the sounds, meanings, and shapes of Hanja characters by following the book's content, breaking away from the conventional notion that Hanja must be memorized unconditionally. The protagonist Son Ogong chants the magical Hanja spell "Burn! Fire Hwa," causing flames to surge.

[Photo by Book21]

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the first edition of Volume 60 of 'Mabeop Cheonjamun' will be sold in an extra-large format. From the 21st of this month until the 12th of next month, commemorative events will be held every weekend on the Hangang E-Land Cruise.

An Owlbook representative stated, "We will strive to become a brand that lasts 100 years, like Disney or Marvel in the United States," adding, "We are developing with the goal of publishing 100 volumes. We also plan to accelerate OSMU (One Source Multi Use) efforts such as animation and games."