Webtoon hero who rebuilds a fallen domain wins grand prize at Bucheon Comics Awards

A hero who lays roads, builds houses and repays debts instead of simply defeating enemies has won South Korea’s top prize at the 23rd Bucheon Comics Awards.

The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency selected The Greatest Estate Developer for the grand prize, announced on Sept. 3. The webtoon follows Kim Suho, a civil engineering student who finds himself inside a fantasy novel as the nobleman Lloyd Frontera. He uses his modern engineering knowledge to restore a ruined domain.

The story originated as a web novel by Moon Baek-kyung. Lee Hyun-min adapted it for the webtoon, with Kim Hyun-soo providing the artwork. Judges praised its alternative vision of a fantasy hero, centered on building infrastructure and changing a territory through practical work rather than overwhelming combat ability. They also highlighted the adaptation’s pacing, distinctive art and dynamic direction.

Penholder, by Lee Eun-jae, received the Excellence Comics Award. The school sports series uses table tennis to explore talent, effort, competition and growth. It follows Han Yi-yeon, who takes up the sport seriously after losing a wager match to Lee Su-rin. Judges praised its use of scrolling to depict the ball’s trajectory and the speed of play, along with its portrayal of failure and renewed attempts.

The Newcomer Comics Award went to Osaka Phantom Line by Hyeonahyeon. Set in Osaka in 1968, it follows a Korean resident boy, Kim Yong, as he wrestles with identity and community life amid conflict over railway construction. The awards ceremony will take place at the opening of the Bucheon International Comics Festival on Sept. 18.

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The Bucheon Comics Awards is a prize that highlights the value of notable comics works from the year. We hope readers will meet the winning works and artists directly through the Bucheon International Comics Festival.