(Seoul, June 19, 2025)
Healthcare Meets Webtoons
A digital healthcare CEO is joining Naver Webtoon, signaling a new blend of industries.
- Jung Se-ju, the founder of digital healthcare company NOOM, will become an outside director at Naver Webtoon.
- This move highlights the intersection of healthcare and digital content.
- Jung will serve on the Audit Committee from this month until the 2027 general shareholders’ meeting.
Will a healthcare expert help shape the future of online comics? Jung Se-ju, co-founder and chairman of the US digital healthcare company “NOOM,” is set to join Naver Webtoon’s global business.
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According to Naver Webtoon, the US parent company, Webtoon Entertainment, recently increased its board of directors from seven to eight members, appointing the founder of “num” as an outside director.
The new outside director will participate in the Audit Committee of webtoon Entertainment from the 16th of this month until the 2027 general shareholders’ meeting.
the appointment of a healthcare company founder to a webtoon company, which focuses on discovering and distributing content intellectual property (IP), is noteworthy.
“Num,” a platform that manages diet and weight loss, began in New York in 2005 and has become a unicorn company.
Naver Webtoon stated, “Jung is a leader with deep insights and execution in the field of global consumer technology services.”
In recent years, Webtoon Entertainment has been recruiting Koreans from US startups.
In 2023, David Lee, who worked at the American food tech startup “Impractical Food,” was recruited as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer (CFO), and Kim Yong-soo, who served as the COO of the autonomous truck startup “Mas Auto”, was also utilized.
The Expanding Role of Digital Directors in Content Platforms
The appointment of digital healthcare expert Jung Se-ju to Naver Webtoon’s board of directors, as highlighted earlier , signals a significant trend: the convergence of diverse industries within the digital content sphere. This move isn’t just about adding expertise; it’s about anticipating future needs and opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. What specific roles do such board members play? Why is this trend happening, and what might it mean?
Understanding the Role of Outside Directors
Outside directors, like Jung Se-ju, bring an autonomous perspective to the board. They offer specialized knowledge and experience from outside the company,providing insights that internal executives may not possess. In the context of Naver Webtoon, a global platform , this outsider’s view is invaluable for strategic decision-making, especially regarding global expansion, market trends, and innovative partnerships.The primary role of the outside director is to offer expertise and ensure the company’s actions align with the best interests of shareholders.
- Strategic Guidance: Helping to shape the company’s vision and direction.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks.
- Performance Oversight: Monitoring the company’s performance and ensuring accountability.
- Compliance and Governance: Ensuring the company adheres to legal and ethical standards.
Outside directors offer independent oversight, fostering transparency and accountability within the company. This is critical for a company like Naver Webtoon, which operates globally and manages a vast library of content. The Audit Commitee, on which Jung will serve, plays a key role in this oversight.
Why Healthcare and Content Are joining Forces
The collaboration between healthcare and content platforms is becoming more common-a advancement due to changing user behaviors and technology advancements. Digital healthcare companies like NOOM have deep expertise in consumer engagement, behavior modification, and data analytics. Naver Webtoon, serving millions of users , can leverage these skills.
The integration of healthcare with content creation allows platforms to explore new revenue streams that can improve user welfare. This includes health-related storylines and potentially advertising partnerships with healthcare companies.
The Potential for Innovation
The intersection of healthcare and content offers exciting possibilities for creativity. Webtoons allow companies to integrate engaging and memorable health awareness campaigns. This can also involve the creation of interactive experiences that promote wellness and healthy habits.
David Lee and Kim Yong-soo were brought in to enhance growth as the business expands into new markets. Webtoon might gain a significant advantage with new ideas and initiatives.
Actionable Steps for Other Companies
To integrate consumer focus, companies can consider:.
- Invest in User research: Study user behavior.
- Develop Targeted Content: Create storylines that give the user a better experience with the platform.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate with other companies and platforms.
What’s Next?
As the digital landscape evolves, we can expect to see more cross-industry collaborations. The appointment of Jung Se-ju serves as a bellwether.His role on the Audit Committee, lasting until the 2027 shareholders’ meeting, suggests this trend will accelerate.
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