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Media & Entertainment

South Korean internet giants battle for top spot in web comics

Naver and Kakao make use of smartphone-friendly format to reach global audience

The South Korean web companies Naver and Kakao are aiming to solidify their positions in the world of web comics. (Photo by Kotaro Hosokawa)

SEOUL -- Kakao and Naver, South Korea's two internet titans, are competing for the top spot in the global market for web comics.

Naver will acquire a web comic company in Canada, and Kakao will buy two in the U.S. The driving force behind their growth is the webtoon format of comics in vertical strips optimized for smartphones. South Korean companies are gaining momentum in the entertainment market, such as music and movies, and are becoming a particularly potent force in web comics.

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