Lee Woohyuk of 'Toemarok': "IP Expansion Impossible Without Understanding the Original"

Korea Creative Content Agency Stresses Respect for Original Works at 'Licensing Con'
"Essential for Any New Creative Project"
Game and Live-Action Variety Show Adaptations Also Announced

The fantasy novel 'Toemarok' took the publishing world by storm in the mid-1990s. Released as a standalone book in 1994, it became a bestseller within a few months. Selling over 10 million copies, it expanded the boundaries of Korean literature, which had been confined to a hierarchical, literary-centric culture. It also opened up the possibility of expanding its intellectual property (IP). In 1998, it was adapted into a film, as well as comics and PC games. Although it faded from the public spotlight for a time, an animated film was released in February this year, attracting more than 500,000 viewers.

'The Demon Hunter' by Lee Woohyuk Photo by Korea Creative Content Agency

Lee Woohyuk, the author who is now receiving renewed attention, rejects the notion that a "dead IP" has been revived. At the "Licensing Con 2025" event held by the Korea Creative Content Agency at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on July 17, he emphasized, "Over the years, I have received several offers?three or four times?to adapt 'Toemarok' into animation. I believe this IP has never died, not even once."

"I have long thought that animation would be an appropriate medium to express 'Toemarok.' I even wrote a script myself. However, the production companies that approached me in the past seemed to lack a proper understanding of the original work."

'Toemarok' intricately weaves together shamanism and religion, philosophy and science, history and fantasy. Its universe is so complex and delicate that expanding the IP is impossible without thorough consideration. In this respect, Locus Studio, which produced the recent animated film, passed the test.

Animation 'Toemarok' Still Cut

Lee recalled, "I was a bit 'aloof' when first approached about the animation, but as we talked more, I realized they had both vision and a deep understanding of the original, so I changed my mind." He added, "This is not about protecting my pride. If someone mishandles the original without truly understanding it, the work will be ruined. Respect for the original is not for me or the original itself, but is absolutely necessary for any new creative work being made."

This has been his consistent stance since 'Toemarok' first appeared. The work is structured like a real incident report, with meticulous settings and extensive knowledge that blur the line between fiction and reality for readers. Its philosophical depth maintains a tension between shamanism and rationality, while delicately exploring the duality of human beliefs.

Animation 'Toemalok' Still Cut

Kim Dongcheol, director of the animated 'Toemarok,' who was present at the event, said, "We treated the novel as our 'bible' and set a principle not to deviate from its content. We even excluded comments from Mr. Lee if they were not in the novel." As a result, despite being produced on a relatively modest budget, the animated 'Toemarok' was praised by fans for its faithful depiction of the original characters and story structure. Having regained its former popularity, it is set to be adapted into other works as well.

Lee stated, "A game adaptation has been contracted, and it will also be made into a live-action variety show. We are still in the planning stage regarding the format, but production is confirmed." He added, "My ultimate goal is to create something truly worth watching. I sincerely want to repay everyone for their support."