Naver Webtoon Enforces Tough New Hate Speech Rules Following Backlash
Explore the latest controversy surrounding the amateur webtoon <i>Otherworldly Pongpong Man</i> and its recent backlash. Discover the story behind the debate.
Naver WEBTOON to Launch Stricter Content Guidelines After Backlash
Platform moves to curb hate content following controversy over amateur webtoon Otherworldly Pongpong Man
© WEBTOON ENTERTAINMENT
Naver WEBTOON has announced new content and community guidelines, set to take effect on June 30. This move comes as a response to growing criticism over hate content, most notably the controversy surrounding the amateur webtoon Otherworldly Pongpong Man.
Background: The "Pongpong Man" Controversy
The complaint centers on Otherworldly Pongpong Man, an amateur webtoon that faced accusations of misogynistic content. The term “Pongpong Man” has negative connotations in South Korea—‘Pongpong’ is slang for dishwashing detergent, and in this context, the title implies a woman with a "promiscuous" past is "cleansed" by an innocent man. This offensive implication led to strong backlash when the webtoon advanced in a public contest in October 2024, ultimately prompting its withdrawal after public outrage.
Expanding the Rules
Previously, Naver WEBTOON only applied operational rules to serialized works and certain amateur sections ("Best Challenge" and "Challenge"). The platform will now:
- Cover All User-Generated Content: This includes not just webtoons, but also reader comments and creator homepage posts.
- Monitor and Restrict Accounts: Creators and commenters posting inappropriate content may face account restrictions.
- Seek Compensation for Damages: If hate-related posts create financial harm for WEBTOON, the company may pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
What Counts as Inappropriate Content?
The new guidelines clearly define prohibited material, including:
- Content promoting or justifying discrimination or violence based on race, nationality, region, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, occupation, or illness
- Use of hate symbols in inappropriate contexts
- Supportive, satirical, or glorifying depictions of personal traumatic events
- Graphic portrayals of real-life tragedies that could disturb readers
Community Response and Next Steps
While Naver WEBTOON issued a public apology, it did not name Otherworldly Pongpong Man directly. The incident led to a user boycott, protest trucks, and even condolence wreaths at company headquarters. In response, WEBTOON created an external advisory committee and surveyed 150 creators and 1,000 users before revising these policies.
This update is considered one of the most comprehensive steps by a major webtoon platform to address hate content and regain trust within its community.
Sources: Naver Webtoon, YNA (Kyung-yoon Kim)