Naver Webtoon will launch "Maengjong," a prequel spin-off webtoon based on the Korean occult film "Exhuma," on May 30, 2026 [1].
The project allows the publisher to expand a successful cinematic universe into a serialized digital format. By utilizing the popularity of the original movie, Naver Webtoon aims to engage fans with deeper lore and character origins that preceded the events of the film.
Artist Haemuri is the creator of the series [1]. The webtoon will serve as a direct expansion of the supernatural world established in the 2024 movie "Exhuma" [1, 2]. This strategic move leverages the cross-media appeal of South Korean intellectual property, transitioning a high-concept occult thriller from the big screen to the mobile-first reading experience of the Naver platform [1, 3].
As a prequel, "Maengjong" is designed to provide a narrative foundation for the occult elements seen in the original production [3]. The story will explore the mystical and supernatural themes that defined the film's atmosphere, offering a broader look at the mythology involved [1, 3].
Naver Webtoon is a digital service based in South Korea that specializes in the distribution of webcomics [1, 2]. The platform frequently adapts popular films and novels into webtoons to sustain audience interest between major theatrical releases [3]. The debut of "Maengjong" on May 30, 2026 [1], marks the latest effort to build a cohesive franchise around the "Exhuma" brand.
“Naver Webtoon will launch "Maengjong," a prequel spin-off webtoon based on the Korean occult film "Exhuma."”
The transition of 'Exhuma' from a standalone 2024 film to a multi-platform franchise demonstrates the growing trend of 'transmedia storytelling' in South Korea. By creating a prequel webtoon, the creators are not just retelling a story but building a persistent narrative ecosystem that keeps the intellectual property relevant and monetizable between movie sequels or spin-offs.
