Kim Seyoung, Author of "Tazza," Wrote 200 Stories
Nam Jeonghun, Planner of the Busan Webtoon Festival
Two artists who pioneered areas previously overshadowed by the mainstream in the history of Korean comics are now being recognized.
The Comic Day Preparatory Committee announced on the 29th that writers Se-young Kim and Nam Jeonghun have been selected as recipients of the Achievement Award at the 25th Comic Day.
Se-young Kim, who debuted in 1973, has written approximately 200 stories, expanding the narrative of Korean comics. His representative works include the "Oh! Han River," "Mr. Q," and "Tazza" series, created in collaboration with artist Heo Youngman. He is credited for establishing a foundation as an independent creator at a time when there was no clear status for professional story writers. Kim stated, "This award is for all story writers."
Nam Jeonghun began his career in the 1990s with print comics and later released webtoons such as "Small" and "Masco Masco." He also planned and oversaw the Busan Global Webtoon Festival, helping to build the local comics ecosystem. Moving beyond the Seoul metropolitan-centered market, he dedicated himself to nurturing younger artists and forming regional networks. Nam commented, "The local artists who worked with me are the true recipients of this award."
Shin Ilsook, chairperson of the preparatory committee, stated, "One expanded the horizon for story writers, and the other protected the regional comics scene. This award finally shines a light on areas that had been overshadowed by the mainstream." The commemorative ceremony will be held on November 3 at the Youth Space JU Dari Small Theater in Seoul.
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