WEBTOON Entertainment has embarked on a significant transformation, unveiling a corporate rebranding and restructuring of its North American entertainment and intellectual property (IP) operations. As part of this strategic shift, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios has been rebranded to WEBTOON Productions. This move is accompanied by several key executive appointments aimed at bolstering the company’s influence in the entertainment industry.
In this new structure, David Madden has been appointed as President of WEBTOON Productions. He will continue to oversee the development, production, and sales of both U.S. and international film, television, and animation projects that are based on IP from WEBTOON and Wattpad. Madden joined the company in 2022, taking on the role of Head of Global Entertainment. His extensive background includes senior roles at notable companies such as AMC Networks, Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Television Studios, and Berlanti Productions.
Maximilian Jo, who currently serves as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will expand his responsibilities to include the role of Vice President and Head of Strategy for the Global IP Business. In this capacity, he will lead strategic planning efforts for WEBTOON Productions and the broader IP initiatives of the company. Jo joined WEBTOON in 2021, previously holding the position of General Counsel for Yeezy and CJ Entertainment America.
Both Madden and Jo will report directly to Yongsoo Kim, who holds the title of Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON at WEBTOON Entertainment. Yongsoo Kim expressed enthusiasm about the changes, stating, “At WEBTOON Entertainment, we’re transforming storytelling and entertainment for fans and creators all over the world. Our platforms are a staple of Gen Z culture, and our entertainment teams are collaborating with some of the most exciting voices in Hollywood. We have successful projects across all major global streaming platforms, and audiences worldwide recognize that WEBTOON stands for incredible content and passionate fandoms. Our rebranding to WEBTOON Productions emphasizes our global brand, showcasing an array of formats, creator voices, and world-class IP that make up our ecosystem. With the leadership of talented executives in the industry, we aim to usher in a new era of entertainment and bring more WEBTOON adaptations to the North American market.”
In an additional strategic move, Tina McIntyre has been appointed to lead the newly established WEBTOON Consumer Goods division. This division consolidates the company’s publishing, merchandising, and licensing operations. Like Madden and Jo, McIntyre will also report to Yongsoo Kim. She previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Global Publishing at WEBTOON and has worked in various marketing and publishing roles at well-known companies such as Scholastic, Hachette, and Little, Brown.
WEBTOON Productions has already made significant strides in the entertainment landscape, with recent releases that have captured audience attention. Among these is “Sidelined: The QB and Me” on Tubi, which premiered at number one and marked the platform’s highest new viewer acquisition. Another notable release is “Mala Influencia” on Netflix, which debuted at number one in 40 countries in May 2025. Additionally, “Through My Window” (A través de mi ventana) has emerged as a top-performing non-English film on Netflix, adapted from a popular Wattpad novel.
Looking forward, several exciting projects are currently in development under the WEBTOON Productions banner. These include sequels and new adaptations such as “Sidelined 2: Intercepted” and “Kissing is the Easy Part” for Tubi Originals. Another anticipated project is “Sigue Mi Voz,” which is scheduled for a theatrical release in September 2025. The company is also working on an animated adaptation of “Lore Olympus,” in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company, and “Death of a Pop Star,” developed with the talents of Diablo Cody and producer Mason Novick. Furthermore, “Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell” is also in development with Imagine Entertainment.
This rebranding and restructuring initiative by WEBTOON Entertainment reflects a strategic alignment with the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. By focusing on creating compelling adaptations and expanding their reach into various media formats, WEBTOON is positioning itself as a formidable player in the entertainment arena. The company’s commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences is evident in its track record of successful projects and its collaboration with prominent figures in Hollywood.
The decision to rename Wattpad WEBTOON Studios to WEBTOON Productions not only signals a fresh start but also highlights the company’s intent to strengthen its brand identity within the competitive entertainment market. With the integration of various divisions under one umbrella, WEBTOON aims to streamline its operations, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality content that appeals to a diverse audience.
In addition to its focus on adaptations of existing IP, WEBTOON is also keen on exploring new narratives and innovative storytelling techniques. The company’s leadership is dedicated to ensuring that the unique voices of creators are amplified, paving the way for fresh content that reflects contemporary themes and resonates with viewers. This commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration is central to WEBTOON’s mission to redefine entertainment for a new generation.
As the company embarks on this transformative journey, it remains committed to its roots in webcomics and digital storytelling, continuing to engage with fans and creators alike. The restructured leadership team, with its wealth of experience and industry knowledge, is poised to drive WEBTOON Productions to new heights, ensuring that it remains a relevant and influential player in the global entertainment landscape.
With an array of exciting projects on the horizon and a renewed focus on strategic initiatives, WEBTOON Productions is set to make a significant impact in the North American market and beyond. The company’s dedication to delivering exceptional content, coupled with its innovative approach to storytelling, positions it for success in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.