 |
| Shin Jong-chul (second right), president of the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, delivers a greeting speech at the press conference of the 26th Bucheon International Comics Festival at the Press Center, Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap |
By Pyo Kyung-min
The 26th Bucheon International Comics Festival (BICOF) aims to cement Bucheon's position as a hub for global cartoonists, highlighting its dedication to enhancing global partnerships and driving the comics industry into the AI era.
"Webtoons have elevated the standing of Korean comics, prompting a surge in international exchange requests," Shin Jong-chul, president of the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON), remarked during the festival's official press briefing on Thursday. "We've made a concerted effort this year to integrate experts from seven countries, thereby fostering a more global network."
BICOF has announced the formation of the Global Comics Network. This initiative aims to bolster discussions within the global comic industry, attracting officials from countries such as France, Italy, Congo and Canada. Members from the International Comic Artist Conference of China and Japan are also slated to join.
A significant feature of this year's BICOF will be a series of conferences and forums dedicated to the intersection of comics and AI. On Sept. 15, experts will assemble for Evolution and Outlook of AI's Impact on Webtoon Education and Creative System. This will set the stage for the World Webtoon Forum the next day, spotlighting the future prospects of AI-generated webtoons.
 |
| From left, Bucheon International Comics Festival general director Yoo Soo-hoon, the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON) president Shin Jong-chul, KOMACON Team Leader Daniel Choi pose with festival mascots and cosplayers at the press conference of the 26th Bucheon International Comics Festival held at the Press Center, Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap |
Centered on the theme "Manhwa, connecting minds," the festival underscores the importance of being open-minded in addressing societal issues and aiding the vulnerable.
In line with the festival's dedication to socially relevant topics, KOMACON awarded this year's Bucheon Comics Awards' grand prize to Lee Ha-jin for the comic "Family of Gambling Addicts." The work offers a vivid portrayal of a family's struggle with addiction and their subsequent path to recovery.
Attendees can look forward to viewing this and other award-winning works, including "Calls of Jonathan," the rookie work prize awardee, and the internationally acclaimed French comic "Silence Factory."
The festival will also cater to comic enthusiasts with caricature activities and exclusive BICOF comic book cafes.
The 26th BICOF is set to take place at the Korea Manhwa Museum from Sept. 14 to 17.
![[INTERVIEW] Yim Si-wan went extra mile to portray legendary athlete in 'Road to Boston'](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/fdd49ca391cf4ce785bd7136efd0bfa2.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] Virtual K-pop group MAVE: is more than just pretty pixels](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/bcc387606cf7451c94f51a5978960c9f.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
