[2-3세션] 베트남, K-웹툰의 인기 - 영화 <이태원 클라스>, <스위트홈>을 중심으로 한 문화적 수용과 의미 분석

The Popularity of K-Webtoons in Vietnam : A Cultural Reception and Meaning Analysis Focusing on Itaewon Class and Sweet Home

This study examines the global expansion of Korean webtoons (K-Webtoons), focusing specifically on their reception in Vietnam through the analysis of two popular works, Itaewon Class and Sweet Home. K-Webtoons have gained international popularity thanks to their mobile-friendly format and cross-media adaptations into dramas and films. Vietnam, with its Confucian-based, family-oriented cultural values and strong sense of community—traits shared with Korea—has shown enthusiastic acceptance of K-Webtoons. Itaewon Class resonates with Vietnamese audiences through its themes of justice, family, and youth self-actualization, while Sweet Home explores trauma, isolation, and the reconstruction of community, offering emotional catharsis through narratives of healing and solidarity. The popularity of these webtoons in Vietnam is driven by shared cultural values, emotional affinity, and social relevance. In addition, fan communities and local artists engage in participatory consumption, such as reinterpretations, fan art, and online discourse, signaling a shift from passive consumption to collaborative creation. This study highlights the cultural significance and reception patterns of K-Webtoons, suggesting that their success is rooted not only in content quality but also in emotional and cultural connectivity. For sustainable growth, strategies such as high-quality translations, localized storytelling, and continuous engagement with fan communities are essential.