-The webcomic and web novel achieved an early milestone, reaching record views after launching simultaneously in 10 languages, an industry first

- 7FATES: CHAKHO hit a DAU record in 6 languages on WEBTOON, with global popularity continuing to grow

LOS ANGELES & SEOUL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WEBTOON, the world�s largest digital comics platform, and HYBE have announced today that 7FATES: CHAKHO, created in collaboration with 21st century pop icons BTS, has hit a new record for views on WEBTOON within two days of its global launch.

As webcomics and webnovels continue to grow in popularity around the world, WEBTOON has also revealed that the number of webcomics and web novel views of HYBE�s original story 7FATES: CHAKHO has surpassed 15 million in just two days of launch. The title is now the highest viewed title ever launched by WEBTOON.

Along with the viewer milestone, Daily Active Users (DAU) of WEBTOON�s English, Japanese, Spanish (LATAM), French, German, and Thai services also reached a new record.

7FATES: CHAKHO has taken first place on WEBTOON's New & Trending chart and all genre charts. ENHYPEN�s DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR, which was released on January 15th, took second place in the New & Trending chart after 7FATES: CHAKHO, and fourth in the fantasy genre chart.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER�s THE STAR SEEKERS, which was released on January 16th, has also ranked third in the New & Trending chart on WEBTOON�s English, German, and Spanish (LATAM) services within a day of its release. As a result, 7FATES: CHAKHO, DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR, and THE STAR SEEKERS made a new record, taking the first, second, WEBTOON�s English, German, and Spanish (LATAM) services.

The work has also been well-received by readers, with strong review scores from fans on WEBTOON. The slate of HYBE content has earned 9.9 out of 10, and gathered 740,000 subscribers within two days of its release. Strong reviews were reflected around the world, scoring 9.96 on WEBTOON in Latin America, 9.81 in French, and 9.94 in Thai. DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR scored 9.89 and 9.91 in English and Spanish respectively, and THE STAR SEEKERS scored 9.9 or higher in English, Spanish, Thai, and Indonesian.

"This project, in collaboration with HYBE, is an industry-first, simultaneously launching a webcomic and a web novel in 10 languages, with strong fan fractions for all three works,� said Ken Kim, CEO, WEBTOON Entertainment. �These are pop idols that fans truly love, so we�re thrilled to see fans celebrate the dynamic storytelling and unique illustrations for these webcomics and webnovels. These stories are helping people around the world discover webcomics, and giving existing WEBTOON users an exciting new way to imagine their favorite idols.�

WEBTOON�s HYBE collaboration is part of the company�s Super Casting initiative, a group of global partnerships that bring some of the world�s most exciting entertainment companies to WEBTOON. Super Casting allows major entertainment brands to work with WEBTOON to extend incredible IP and entertainment franchises to new platforms, fans, and formats such as web novels and webcomics. Working with HYBE, WEBTOON continues its global leadership in building and nurturing global fandoms online.

About WEBTOON

WEBTOON� is the world's leading digital platform for visual storytelling. As the first modern digital publishing and self-publishing platform for digital comics, WEBTOON has revolutionized the way visual stories are created and consumed, allowing anyone to become a creator.

WEBTOON also has become a cultural and global phenomenon, pioneering the distribution and consumption of web-based comics. With an average of 72+ million monthly active users, more people consume WEBTOON series than watch most television shows. WEBTOON features a broad and diverse catalog of content from all over the world -- including romance, thriller, fantasy, comedy and more. WEBTOON is No.1 app among 16-24 year olds in Korea and also is in the top tier among the same group in the other countries.

Launched stateside in 2014, WEBTOON has thousands of creator-owned series with episodes updating daily. Also boasting partnerships with Legendary, POW!, Top Cow/Image, and more, WEBTOON takes storytelling to the next level. Creators have been nominated for multiple Eisner Awards, as well as winning a multitude of Ringo Awards. The WEBTOON app is free to download on Android and iOS devices.

About HYBE

HYBE, formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment, is an entertainment lifestyle platform company that innovates the music industry under the mission "We believe in music". The company was listed on the KOSPI Market of Korea Exchange (KRX) in October 2020. HYBE has established its business ventures in entertainment lifestyle upon three pillars. The label division brings creatives centered around music and artists such as BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN and ZICO. Solution operates specialized business units for video content, IP, learning and games. The platform division connects and expands all of HYBE's contents and services. Based on organic operations and synergies created in each field, HYBE aims to create top-notch content, expand fan experience, and make a difference for anyone who enjoys a music-based entertainment lifestyle.

Contacts

Kiel Hume, Head of International PR & Communications, WEBTOON Brands

[email protected]