If you ever wanted to know what happens behind the scenes of your favorite manhwa, 2026 is providing the answer. WEBTOON Entertainment just announced a massive expansion of their Creator Programs, and it’s a total game changer for the future of the medium.
The "Creator Residency" Program: Leveling Up the Artists
The biggest news out of the gate is the official launch of the Creator Residency Program in Q1 2026.
- The Vision: WEBTOON is bringing top creators to their headquarters for intensive, two-week workshops with professional editors.
- The Goal: It’s about taking "Hidden Gems" and turning them into "Global Legends." This program is designed to help artists refine their storytelling, writing, and production workflows to create more hits like Solo Leveling or ORV.
- The VIP Experience: A select group of creators will even be sent to South Korea—the birthplace of webtoons—to meet industry leaders and explore the roots of the manhwa culture.
Why Readers Should Care: Better Stories, More Often
I know what you're thinking: How does this help me get more chapters?
The 2026 expansion also includes a massive technical upgrade:
- New Creator Dashboards: Artists now have better tools to see what fans actually like, which means better pacing and more engaging story arcs for us.
- Global Expansion: WEBTOON is increasing its presence at fan conventions outside the US, Korea, and Japan, meaning more meet-ups and exclusive content for fans in Europe and Southeast Asia.
- Monetization Overhaul: By making it easier for creators to earn money, we’re going to see fewer "indefinite hiatuses" and more high-quality series reaching their final chapters.
The era of the 'lonely artist' is finally ending. By investing millions into creators, WEBTOON is ensuring that the next wave of webtoons is more polished and professional than ever. This isn't just about business; it’s about making sure the stories we love have the support they need to become the next global anime phenomenon.
Which creator would you send to the 2026 Residency if you were the judge?
Stay tuned. Keep reading ;)