Tower of God Creator SIU Looking Back on the Series a Decade Later

Tower of Godone of the most iconic titles Webtoonattracting more than 1.3 billion readers of global views. The series has evolved into a mature one since its debut Franchisehas adaptations in anime, mobile games and other formats. Despite its popularity worldwide, its creator, siuNever seen him North American fans before.

That changed Animation Expo 2025 in Los Angeles, there siu His long-awaited debut. The author is known for his reclusiveness and rarely made public appearances in Korea and is welcomed by overwhelming enthusiasm. Although the spoken language is gentle siu Talk to clarity and belief, especially when asked about his creative vision and the long journey of the storyteller.

Through panel and autographed meetings, siu Finally, we can compete face-to-face with the international community, which has been following the work of more than a decade. His answer reveals the profound thought behind his vast world construction, the nature of ever-evolving development Tower of Godand the emotional connection he shares with readers.

How did it feel to meet North American fans for the first time?

siu: The weather is great and the food is great. I can feel the passion of fans – they are very clear about their love. Even if we just met, it felt like I’ve known them for a long time. Even if we have never seen it, we are able to discuss the series naturally.

Did the fans impress for a moment?

siu: One fan told me that they made new friends due to the series. That really touched me. When I hear something like this, it makes me feel like Tower of God Not only to be one Webtoon– It has become a part of the culture. If my work can have this effect, especially in places like this Animation ExpoI’m really happy.

Your series often includes references to football or music. Is there a reason?

siu: I’ve tried to stick with it lately, but the comics tend to reflect everything that interests me at the time. since Tower of God What I borrowed from football terms is my position in the battle. And, because the world is so diverse, universal themes like music and sports seem to fit well.

As a creator, where do you feel like you are growing?

siu: I think creators always need to develop their ideas. Preventing readers from boredom is the top priority. I’ve been wondering how to make stories that readers can enjoy.

Did the story change a lot from your first imagination during your military service?

siu: Yes, a lot. The story grows like people. Even during serialization, the plot changes. As readers age, it is natural that the direction of the story changes with them.

Why did you choose to give Urek Mazino a story next to it?

siu: He is such a popular character, his character is completely opposite to BAM’s, which makes him a strong contrast. Many creators want to write about characters who feel like the protagonist – Oak must have this atmosphere. One day, I wanted to write a spin-off product that focused on a character who was not like the main protagonist.

How did it feel to have been working in a series for more than a decade?

siu: Honestly, this is very tiring (laugh). In the early days, Webtoon Unlike Japan’s recognized comics industry, the system has not yet been fully developed. However, I believe that if we continue, we can eventually be the leading players in the global market.

Why do you think Tower of God Is it one of the first online pianos to gain global popularity?

siu: I’m not sure, to be exact. I think readers who are used to Japanese comics are looking for something familiar, Tower of God It happened to meet the demand. I also grew up reading comics, which affected my work. But we are now seeing a wave of new creators growing up on Webtoons, and they have also attracted global attention. It feels like the landscape is becoming more and more diverse.

What do you think is the biggest difference between comics and Webtoons?

siu: Platforms are fundamentally different. Comics are built for printing; Webtoons are built for the web. The speed of feedback is completely different – Manga takes a volume or two and then accepts reactions before feedback comes in, while the network image has only one or two plots. This speed is a huge advantage of Webtoons.

When created, do you start with the story or the character?

siu: I usually start with a story and add characters to it. But as the story unfolds, the characters sometimes enjoy their own life and direct the narrative to unexpected directions. Reader feedback also plays an important role in these changes.

Ann’s report on the 2025 Animation Expo is sponsored by Yen Press and Ize Press!