As Korean manhwa gains global acclaim thanks to hits likeSolo Leveling, its top publishers are setting their sights on a different kind of battle, this time in court. A coalition of Korean publishing giants and app developers has filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in the United States, alleging the tech giant’s app distribution practices are monopolistic and harmful. A similar lawsuit against Google is expected to follow.
The lawsuit comes as Korean digital content surges in popularity worldwide, withSolo Levelingacting as the flagship title for webtoons and web novels alike, according toAnime Corner. However, behind the scenes, publishers like D&C Media and others involved in this case claim that the financial gains from their global success are being undermined by Apple’s restrictive policies.The Korean Publishers Association (KPA) and Korea Electronic Publishing Association (KEPA), along with other plaintiffs, accuse Apple of abusing its gatekeeping power through its App Store rulesand 30% commission structure.
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Filed in California’s Northern District Court on May 23,the lawsuit takes direct aim at Apple’s long-standing requirement that all digital purchases on iOS use its in-app payment system.This mandate, which includes a steep 30% commission, allegedly prevents developers from offering alternative, potentially cheaper, payment options. The plaintiffs argue this stifles innovation and competition, particularly for publishers trying to reach a global audience without Apple’s interference.
The lawsuit also accuses Apple of suppressing developer communication with users, including restricting in-app links or emails that promote non-Apple payment methods.While Apple settled a previous lawsuit with smaller U.S. developers, this new case covers larger U.S. developers and international companies that were not eligible for that settlement.For Korean publishers expanding globally, especially those riding the wave ofSolo Leveling’spopularity, this legal battle could significantly shape their future.
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Leading the charge is Munpia CEO Kim Hwan-chul, current chairman of KEPA, who is urging developers across webtoons, novels, and distribution apps to join the movement. The plaintiffs include some of the biggest names in Korean media, which are D&C Media, RIDI, Joara, and even Haksan Publishing, whichhandlesAttack on TitanandChainsaw Manimports. The scope of the lawsuit is intentionally wide, representing global app developers impacted by Apple’s policies after 2021.
While Apple is the immediate target, the plaintiffs have stated a lawsuit against Google is next. Both tech giants are seen as monopolistic gatekeepers by the Korean associations, and the legal strategy includes linking the current case to the Epic Games lawsuit for efficiency and judicial consistency. If successful, the case could force Apple and Google to significantly loosen their grip on how digital content,from games to manhwa likeSolo Leveling, is monetized and distributed worldwide.
