The beloved webtoon “Wind Breaker,” created by Yongseok Jo, has been officially canceled following serious allegations of plagiarism. This significant decision was announced by both Naver Webtoon and the creator, revealing that numerous sections of the webtoon were found to be alarmingly similar, or almost identical, to scenes from other artistic works. As of now, the series has garnered over 600 million views on the WEBTOON platform.
Naver Webtoon released an official statement indicating that an internal review, along with discussions with the author, led to the conclusion that the manuscript of “Wind Breaker” included visual and structural elements that closely mirrored those of other published works. Consequently, the platform decided to suspend serialization and cease all services related to this particular webtoon.
In his personal apology, Yongseok Jo admitted to using reference materials that resulted in images that were unacceptably similar to those found in other creators’ works. He acknowledged his failure to maintain the creative standards expected of him, especially under the pressure of continuous deadlines, and accepted full responsibility for the controversy. Jo expressed his remorse in a heartfelt statement regarding the cancellation of his webtoon.
“Hello, this is Jo Yongseok. First of all, I sincerely apologize for the distress caused to many due to the recent tracing allegations related to my work. Among the reference materials I used while working, some scenes turned out to be very similar to or almost identical in expression to those from other works. This is clearly my fault. For many years, I’ve been living a life constantly racing toward deadlines. In doing so, I let urgency override the standards that I, as a creator, should have upheld. And I failed to keep them. Above all else, I truly wanted to show the final story of this work to the very end. So deciding to end it midway is extremely painful. I feel deeply sorry and again apologetic to the readers. To everyone who supported and believed in me despite my shortcomings, I sincerely thank you, and once again, bow my head in apology.”
In response to the allegations and the decision to end the webtoon, Naver Webtoon issued an additional statement. “Hello, this is Naver Webtoon. Recently, it was confirmed that the manuscript of the Monday webtoon ‘Wind Breaker’ showed similarities in composition and structure to another work. After discussions between the artist and the responsible editor, it was ultimately decided to suspend the serialization and service of the work. We are here to inform you of this decision. We sincerely apologize for the disappointment caused to readers and many others. Naver Webtoon takes the issue of content similarity very seriously and will continue to do our utmost to protect copyright.”
Following this controversy and the abrupt conclusion of the series, Yongseok Jo shared a final message with fans. He expressed a desire to provide some closure, stating, “I felt I had to at least give it a proper ending. The final story of ‘Wind Breaker’ has reluctantly been uploaded in its original form on my personal blog.”
“Wind Breaker” is a South Korean webtoon crafted by writer and artist Yongseok Jo. It began its serialization on Naver Webtoon back in December 2013 and enjoyed a successful run for over a decade, culminating in 26 compiled volumes as of January 2024. An official English translation of the series was made available through LINE Webtoon, allowing a broader audience to engage with the story.
The narrative follows Jay, an exemplary student who excels academically with straight A’s and holds the position of student body president. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is compelled to join the school’s biking team, known as the Hummingbird Crew. This new experience introduces him to a vibrant world beyond his studies, raising questions about the adventures and challenges he will encounter away from the familiarity of textbooks.
It’s important to note that, despite sharing a similar title, this webtoon is distinctly different from the “WIND BREAKER” Japanese manga by Satoru Nii, which recently concluded its second TV anime season and is set to release a live-action movie.
The cancellation of “Wind Breaker” marks a significant moment in the webtoon community, especially given its immense popularity and the loyalty of its fan base. The series had become a staple for many readers, who appreciated its engaging storytelling and character development. With the revelation of plagiarism allegations, the impact on both the creator and the platform is profound, highlighting the crucial importance of originality and integrity in creative works.
In the wake of this incident, discussions surrounding copyright and the ethics of inspiration in artistic creation have gained renewed attention. The boundaries between homage, inspiration, and plagiarism can often be blurred, leading to complex discussions in the creative fields. As artists navigate the pressures of originality and audience expectations, the situation surrounding “Wind Breaker” serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with creative expression.
As the webtoon industry continues to grow and evolve, the need for clear guidelines and standards regarding content creation becomes increasingly vital. Platforms like Naver Webtoon play an essential role in maintaining these standards, ensuring that creators are held accountable for their work while also supporting them in their artistic journeys.
While the cancellation of “Wind Breaker” is undoubtedly a setback for Yongseok Jo and its dedicated fans, it also opens up conversations about the ethics of creativity, the importance of copyright protection, and the challenges faced by artists in a fast-paced digital landscape. As the webtoon community reflects on this incident, it can serve as a learning opportunity for both creators and consumers, fostering a culture of respect for original content and creativity.
