Webtoon creators in South Korea face significant challenges as their hard work is often undermined by the rapid spread of illegal webtoons on unauthorized sites, where readers consume content for free. Despite the K-webtoon industry's worth exceeding 2 trillion won, the illegal webtoon market has ballooned to 446.5 billion won, amounting to nearly 20% of the legal market. This longstanding issue has persisted due to systemic vulnerabilities in the distribution environment, but recent amendments to copyright laws are seen as critical to addressing these problems.

Furthermore, viewing illegal webtoons merely as copyright infringement misses a larger picture. Many of these illegal sites serve as hubs connecting users to serious crimes such as illegal gambling, prostitution, and drug-related activities. This not only represents a loss to creators but also indicates how illegal webtoons can be a gateway to broader criminal enterprises. The implications extend beyond the webtoon industry, impacting societal norms and safety, especially among the youth who are increasingly exposed to illegal activities through these platforms.

The recent copyright law revisions introduce significant changes aimed at reinforcing protections not only for the industry but also for societal safety. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's enhanced authority now includes an 'emergency blocking' provision, allowing it to order immediate access restrictions to online service providers in cases where copyright infringement is clear and severe damage is anticipated. This holistic approach reflects a proactive stance towards combating illegal webtoons and their associated criminal effects, marking a turning point for both creators and society at large.