SEOUL, Korea ¶ Nov 15, 2011 (Whowired) Webtoon, a compound word of 'web' and 'cartoon', is increasingly being picked up by Korean businesses, indicating a surging popularity of the animated comic strip as an effective marketing medium to convey "brand messages."

KB Card, Korea's biggest credit card company, is to post "K-Toon, a Tonic of Life" from Nov 3 to Dec 26 which will be shown in comic strips format, with popular webtoon makers joining the event to make it more resonate with average consumers.

Webtoon is a great tool to deliver a brand message in funny and entertaining way, says the card company. Indeed, its "K-Toon, a Tonic of Life" is enjoying a growing popularity as it has gotten in sync with the consumers through funny stories -- most stories have something to do with average people's plastic card usage.

Sam Kim (press@whowired.com)