Kakao Entertainment has recently announced its decision to take action against prominent light novel piracy platforms, specifically Light Novel Pub (LNP) and Light Novel World (LNW). This move comes after months of persistent efforts from Kakao Entertainment’s dedicated anti-piracy division, known as P.CoK, which stands for Protecting the Content of Kakao Entertainment. As part of their commitment to safeguarding intellectual property, P.CoK has been working diligently to shut down these websites, which have been linked to significant copyright violations.
In an official communication shared on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), P.CoK highlighted the magnitude of the piracy issue, noting that Lightnovelpub was among the top three global web novel piracy sites, attracting approximately 68 million visits each month. This figure underscores the scale of the challenge faced by content creators in the digital age, where unauthorized access to literary works can have detrimental effects on both the market and the authors.
Following the shutdown efforts, the operator of Light Novel Pub posted a message on the site’s homepage, expressing regret for any copyright infringements that had occurred. The statement emphasized a newfound respect for the rights of content creators, leading to the decision to terminate their services entirely. This closure marks a significant victory for Kakao Entertainment and those advocating for copyright protection in the creative industry.
In addition to this announcement, the operators of LNP and LNW expressed sadness over the platform’s termination, acknowledging the importance of adhering to copyright laws. They conveyed gratitude to their community for the support received throughout their journey while also hinting at future plans to maintain community interactions. The operators mentioned that they are developing a new community platform aimed at fostering engagement without hosting any novel data or chapters. This initiative will allow users to retain access to comments, reviews, and library data, ensuring that the community remains connected despite the closure of their primary services.
Moreover, the operators confirmed that all Korean novels were removed from the platform as early as April, in compliance with the requests from copyright holders. Kakao Entertainment extended its deadline for the complete shutdown of the site until the end of May, underscoring their determination to enforce copyright regulations.
A message circulated on Discord, attributed to the operator of LNP/LNW, indicated that Kakao had taken serious measures, including tracking down personal information and issuing legal threats against individuals involved with the piracy sites. This level of enforcement highlights the increasing urgency among content creators and distributors to combat piracy effectively, as such activities pose significant risks to their livelihoods.
While P.CoK’s estimate of 68 million monthly visits raised some eyebrows and may have been exaggerated, the shutdown of Light Novel Pub and Light Novel World continues a trend seen in the industry. For instance, Reaper Scans, a well-known piracy site with a substantial collection of web novels, was shut down earlier in May following similar pressures from Kakao Entertainment. Reaper Scans reportedly had a monthly visitor count of approximately 12.8 million, demonstrating the scale of engagement piracy sites can achieve.
Additionally, other piracy platforms have also faced consequences recently. EnryuManga, another webtoon piracy site, announced its shutdown in May in response to a cease-and-desist order from WEBTOON’s parent company, Naver. This site had garnered around 687,000 visits per month, illustrating the widespread issue of webtoon piracy and its impact on the industry.
In the realm of legal repercussions, the operator of OKToon, a web novel and webtoon piracy site, received a prison sentence of three years after a push from Kakao Entertainment and other members of the Webtoon Illegal Distribution Response Group. This sentencing reflects the increasing legal actions being taken against individuals engaged in piracy. Furthermore, the operator of Ajitun, another notorious site for web novel and webtoon piracy, had their two-year prison sentence upheld by the Daejeon District Court, adding to the growing body of legal precedents against such activities.
Overall, the actions taken by Kakao Entertainment and the responses from various piracy sites reflect an ongoing battle in the digital landscape. As the demand for web novels and webtoons continues to rise, so does the prevalence of piracy, prompting content creators and companies to take more aggressive stances in defense of their intellectual property. The shutdown of Light Novel Pub and Light Novel World serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the creative industry, as well as the importance of respecting copyright laws.
As the industry evolves, the need for effective strategies to combat piracy will remain critical. Content creators must continue to advocate for their rights while exploring innovative ways to engage with their audiences. The development of community platforms, as suggested by the operators of LNP and LNW, may provide a pathway for maintaining connections with readers while adhering to legal guidelines.
In summary, the recent developments surrounding the closure of Light Novel Pub and Light Novel World illustrate the complexities of copyright enforcement in the digital age. As Kakao Entertainment leads the charge against piracy, the industry is witnessing a shift toward greater accountability and respect for content creators. The fight against piracy is far from over, and ongoing efforts will be essential in shaping the future landscape of web novels and webtoons.
