Shares of Webtoon Entertainment jumped sharply on Tuesday after Disney revealed plans to acquire a minority stake in the South Korean storytech company and jointly develop a new platform for digital comics.
The stock surged more than 37% in premarket trading on Tuesday.
The move comes as Disney seeks to consolidate its vast comic book portfolio into a single digital space, while Webtoon looks to cement its status as a global leader in online comics.
Disney to consolidate comics on new platform
Under the non-binding term sheet, Disney intends to acquire a 2% equity stake in Webtoon Entertainment.
Although the deal has not yet reached a definitive agreement, both companies confirmed that the partnership will focus on building a new subscription-based platform that hosts Disney’s extensive collection of titles.
The planned platform will bring together current comic runs alongside decades of legacy content from across Disney’s properties, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney and 20th Century Studios.
In total, more than 35,000 comics are expected to be available, making it one of the most comprehensive digital comic platforms on the market.
Junkoo Kim, founder and chief executive of Webtoon Entertainment, said the collaboration marks a pivotal step for the company.
“With a new platform that will combine our product and technical expertise with Disney’s full comic catalog, we’re giving new and longtime fans all over the world a new way to discover these legendary characters and stories,” he said.
Building on earlier collaboration
The announcement extends an earlier agreement between the two companies.
Just last month, Disney and Webtoon said they would release nearly 100 classic comics and new online series on Webtoon’s existing platform, refitted for its signature vertical-scroll format designed for mobile readers.
The new platform represents a broader ambition, blending both vertical and traditional formats, and will be operated and built by Webtoon.
The effort highlights Disney’s strategy to diversify its digital storytelling platforms and tap into the surging popularity of mobile-first comics.
Disney highlights global ambitions
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said the expanded partnership would help the entertainment giant reach new audiences.
“By uniting our unparalleled collection of comics across Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Studios into a single digital platform, we’re giving fans unprecedented access to the adventures they love,” he said.
“Through our expanded relationship with Webtoon, the global leader in digital comics, we’re opening doors to new audiences and deepening fan engagement.”
The companies confirmed that the platform will target global distribution.
Select titles will be localized for Webtoon’s Korean and Japanese services, broadening access in two of the world’s most active comic book markets.
Strengthening positions in digital comics
The partnership underscores Disney’s efforts to adapt its vast trove of intellectual property for modern consumption patterns, while Webtoon gains access to some of the most recognizable characters in popular culture.
Together, they aim to capture a larger share of the growing global demand for digital comics, where mobile-first consumption and subscription services are increasingly shaping the industry.
For Webtoon, the tie-up provides not only validation of its model but also an expanded pathway for growth in Western markets.
For Disney, the deal represents another attempt to translate its storytelling legacy into new digital formats that can engage younger audiences worldwide.
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