Naver Webtoon's new AI service lets fans write themselves into the story

Webtoon fans can now create their own storylines using AI. Naver Webtoon has launched byUs, a story-chat service that lets readers become the protagonist of a creator-approved webtoon and drive the story through conversation with its characters, on Wednesday. 

The service is only open to intellectual property that the original creators have approved, making the service different from other unapproved AI-powered services that drew criticism over copyright and explicit content. 

byUs offers two services: The "Original story" option allows fans to begin with the existing worldview and characters of the webtoon and expand into a new original storyline. The "Fan story" option places familiar characters in new situations and relationships, with built-in tools for users to create and share their own versions.

There will be suggested replies and autoplay, powered by AI, that keep the storyline moving. 

The lineup begins with the webtoon "Ctrl+Alt+Resign" (2025–) with more titles to follow.

"Webtoons are moving beyond content you simply read into an interactive space where fans take part in and expand the world themselves," said Kim Shin-hyung, Naver Webtoon's head of intellectual property business.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [[email protected]]