Operator of Webtoon Piracy Site Newtoki Extradited from Japan to South Korea
Japan extradited the operator of the webtoon piracy site Newtoki, a Japanese citizen, to South Korea. This is the first case of a Japanese national being sent to South Korea under the extradition treaty signed between the two countries. According to Anime News Network, the extradition took place on June 12, 2026.
Newtoki was one of the South Korea-based piracy platforms that had been illegally publishing thousands of popular webtoon and manhwa series for years. The site, particularly by uploading best-selling series from major platforms like Naver Webtoon and Kakao Webtoon, provided free access to millions of users. According to industry sources, Newtoki was one of the world's largest webtoon piracy sites with over 50 million monthly visitors.
The extradition treaty between South Korea and Japan, which came into effect in 2023, allows both countries to act jointly in combating intellectual property crimes. Such an extradition caused a great stir as it is a first in the webtoon industry. In a statement by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it was stated that this operation is a demonstration of determination against copyright infringements. Officials stated that the extradited person is the founder and main manager of Newtoki, who has been living in Japan for a long time but managed operations from South Korea.
The webtoon and manhwa industry experienced a huge global boom in the post-pandemic period. However, piracy sites seriously threaten the industry's growth. According to Korea Copyright Commission data, in 2025 alone, the total loss to the industry due to pirate webtoon sites reached 1.2 trillion South Korean won (approximately $900 million). The closure of Newtoki and the extradition of its operator serve as a deterrent message to other pirate platforms.
For anime and manhwa fans, this development actually has a dual meaning. On one hand, the rights of creators and publishers are protected; on the other, it allows legitimate platforms (such as LINE Webtoon, Tappytoon, Lezhin) to offer higher quality and more sustainable services. SIU (author of Tower of God), one of the leading figures in the industry, said in a social media statement, “I hope such operations increase and every panel we draw gets its due compensation.”
In the coming period, South Korea and Japan are expected to continue joint operations against piracy. Officials hinted that other major sites similar to Newtoki are also targeted and that new extractions or closures may occur soon. These developments could help the webtoon industry establish a more solid legal foundation internationally. However, experts also remind that the complete eradication of piracy depends on factors such as user habits and pricing policies.
