Suspect in Illegal Manhwa Sharing Extradited
An individual, identified as Mr. A (37), the operator of a website known for illegally distributing pirated comics, has been extradited from Japan to South Korea. The apprehension and subsequent transfer mark a significant step in combating online copyright infringement.
Allegations of Widespread Piracy
Authorities revealed that Mr. A is also suspected of operating ‘Newtokki,’ once the largest domestic platform for distributing pirated webtoons and web novels before its shutdown in April. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Mr. A was handed over at Gimpo International Airport on the 11th, following an extradition request to Japanese authorities for his alleged involvement in managing the illegal comic-sharing site.
Mr. A reportedly resided in Japan from 2017 and returned to the country in 2022. According to official statements, between 2015 and 2022, he allegedly uploaded approximately 1,400 popular comic titles, including ‘Slam Dunk,’ ‘One Piece,’ and ‘Detective Conan,’ to the illegal distribution site. The platform also reportedly featured advertisements from illegal gambling websites.
International Cooperation Leads to Arrest
The investigation into Mr. A’s activities gained momentum in January 2024 when law enforcement formally requested his extradition. The Ministry of Justice collaborated closely with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to compile a comprehensive case file, facilitating a smooth extradition process with Japanese officials.
During an on-site visit to Japan in March, investigators from South Korea received additional evidence, including items seized from Mr. A’s residence by Japanese authorities. The extradition process began in March and concluded with the final approval leading to Mr. A’s return to South Korea.
Landmark Extradition Under Bilateral Treaty
South Korea and Japan signed an extradition treaty in 2002. A representative from the Ministry of Justice described this case as the first instance where a South Korean national accused of committing crimes abroad was extradited from Japan.
The government has emphasized its firm commitment to holding individuals accountable for overseas copyright infringement that harms the South Korean cultural content industry, including webtoons. This case is presented as a demonstration of that resolve.
Further Investigations Planned
Law enforcement, the prosecution, and the Ministry of Culture are planning to conduct thorough investigations into Mr. A’s alleged illegal operations. The goal is to understand the full extent of the piracy network, including operating methods and organizational structures. Plans are also in place to trace and recover illicit profits generated from these activities.
Industry Groups Welcome Action
The Korea Digital Content Creators Association (KODICA) identified Mr. A as the operator of the ‘ManaMoa’ website. An association representative noted that Mr. A is also believed to be the same individual who operated ‘Newtokki,’ a large-scale illegal webtoon and web novel distribution site that was recently shut down. However, this connection requires confirmation through the ongoing police investigation.
In a related development, 134 creators affected by ‘Newtokki’ and KODICA filed a criminal complaint against the site’s operator with the police. They also held a press conference outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, urging a swift and comprehensive investigation. Their demands include a thorough examination of the ‘Newtokki’ operator’s activities, the relationship between ‘Newtokki’ and ‘ManaMoa,’ revenue streams from advertising, accomplices and collaborators, the structure of illegal profit repatriation, and the possibility of recovering illicit gains.
