A widely read Korean webtoon, Hero Killer, is poised to become an animated series — not in Korea, but through a French partnership. This cross-continental collaboration signals growing global ambitions for K-webtoons.
Story Synopsis
On October 1, 2025, Korean webtoon IP producer Jaedam Media announced it has partnered with France’s ADN (Animation Digital Network) to adapt Hero Killer into an animated series.
The deal was unveiled at the SPP International Content Market 2025 and represents one of Jaedam’s flagship moves to bring Korean webtoon IP into global animation markets.
Hero Killer originates on Naver Webtoon and follows Lee Hwa (also spelled Ihwa) — a young woman consumed by vengeance. After her sister is murdered by a so-called “hero,” she embarks on a dark quest to hunt down corrupt heroes. The story raises difficult questions about justice, corruption, and who deserves the title of “hero.”
Publication & Announcement Details
- Partnership announced: October 1, 2025, at SPP International Content Market
- Studios involved: Jaedam Media (Korea) × ADN (France)
- Distribution: ADN expected to lead in France and European markets
- Current serialization: Hero Killer is available on Naver Webtoon and in eight regions (including the U.S., Japan, and France) via Line Webtoon
Key Figures & Entities
Lee Hwa (Ihwa)
The main character of Hero Killer. After witnessing the murder of her sister by a “hero,” she becomes a ruthless “hero killer.” Her journey is a confrontation with both corrupt heroes and her own moral boundaries.
Jaedam Media
A Korean IP company that spearheads the OSMU (One Source Multi Use) strategy: turning webtoons and novels into dramas, films, and animations. Jaedam has several other adaptations in the pipeline, but Hero Killer is one of its boldest global plays.
ADN (Animation Digital Network, France)
A French animation platform and distributor, ADN is best known for localizing and streaming Japanese anime. The Hero Killer project marks a step into producing and adapting Korean webtoons for a European audience.
Did You Know?
- Hero Killer launched on February 25, 2021 on Naver Webtoon.
- As of 2025, it ranks #23 in the Academy & Action category on webtoon charts.
- Jaedam Media is also preparing adaptations of I Have a Baby, Even a First-Place Lotto Winner Goes to Work, and Real Man.
- Industry insiders speculate ADN may outsource the actual animation work to other studios, while handling distribution.
This collaboration may be just the beginning — K-webtoons entering European animation markets could usher in a new era of cross-cultural storytelling.
Suggested Reading
- “Korean webtoon ‘Hero Killer’ to be adapted into French animation” — Korean Vibe
- “‘Hero Killer’ webtoon gets animated series adaptation by French animation studio” — Korea JoongAng Daily
- “Naver Webtoon ‘Hero Killer’ confirms global animation production by joining hands with French ADN” — Sports Chosun
- “Jaedam Media Partners with ADN for Global Animation of Hero Killer” — Kpopmap
