International Standard Book Number Exclusion Established
"To Be Promoted in Connection with Collection, Preservation, and Illegal Tracking"
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 2nd that it will introduce a Universal Content Identifier (UCI) standard identification system for webtoons and web novels this year. It is a unique identification code that efficiently manages content and enhances the transparency of distribution information. The Korea Copyright Commission manages it.
Webtoons and web novels have recently gained more popularity as they are adapted into games, animations, dramas, and more. However, their substance has not been sufficiently solidified. In particular, they were excluded from the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system for single publications because of their serialized nature.
To ensure transparent copyright fee settlements and prevent illegal distribution, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism decided to introduce a standard identification system (UCI) suitable for web content in 2022. Last month, it revised the "Notification on Criteria for VAT Exemption on Electronic Publications" to exempt VAT on content UCI issued by the National Library of Korea. Additionally, the existing ISBN, International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and deposit systems were expanded and reorganized to facilitate content UCI issuance.
Starting this month, the Ministry will secure system stability through pilot operation and enhance system functions. Before official operation, sufficient user training will be conducted and guides will be provided to prevent potential issues during content UCI application. The Ministry promotes the content UCI system and encourages participation through the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, the web novel win-win council, and websites.
A Ministry official explained, "Since this is the first year of issuance, we plan to build a close cooperative system with creators and industry stakeholders to improve the system," adding, "We intend to link it with collection, preservation, and illegal content tracking."
Meanwhile, to prevent inconvenience and confusion in the industry, the Ministry decided to postpone the issuance of ISBNs for webtoons and web novels, which was scheduled to end last year, for one more year. The official added, "Until December 31 of this year, both webtoons and web novels can receive both content UCI and ISBN," and explained, "From next year, when the system is established, only UCI will be issued."
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