After more than ten years of publication, Wind Breaker, one of Webtoon’s most celebrated manhwas, has been officially canceled. The news broke on July 11, 2025, via a joint statement from Webtoon and series creator Jo Yong-seok—who admitted to plagiarizing artwork over several years.
The announcement appeared in Chapter 177, Part 4, where Yong-seok included a direct message to fans, acknowledging the plagiarism and offering an apology. According to Webtoon’s internal review, the creator had been tracing art from other Webtoon artists and presenting it as original work. This wasn’t an isolated mistake—it was a recurring pattern.
A Sudden End to a Fan-Favorite
Wind Breaker has been one of the platform’s most beloved titles since it first launched on December 8, 2013. With over 600 million views, it was widely considered one of the best sports manhwas on the site. For many readers, it was an entry point into Korean webcomics.
The story followed Jay, a quiet student who discovers his potential in bike racing. Its mix of action, emotion, and relatable characters helped it stand out in a crowded space. The series built a global fanbase and played a part in raising the profile of manhwa outside of Korea.
But now, its reputation is damaged beyond repair.
No Proper Ending—But a Final Goodbye
The series did not receive a proper ending. Instead, Yong-seok announced that he would post the remaining manuscript on his personal blog, though it’s unclear how many fans will continue following the story after this controversy.
Online reactions have been intense. Readers expressed anger, disbelief, and disappointment, with many saying they felt betrayed by an author they supported for years. Cases like this are rare—especially involving a series of this scale.
A Heavy Blow to Trust
Plagiarism isn’t new to the industry. Even large publishers like Shueisha have had to pull titles in the past due to similar issues. However, Wind Breaker’s situation is different. This wasn’t a failed new launch or an unnoticed panel—it was a long-running, highly visible hit that shaped the genre and platform.
Fans once saw Wind Breaker as a near-perfect work. Now, it’s become a cautionary tale. For Webtoon, this cancellation sends a message: popularity doesn’t excuse unethical behavior. And for creators, it’s a reminder that the truth—eventually—always gets out.
