Draft:YLAB Universe

YLAB Universe

YLAB is a prominent South Korean webtoon studio known for creating expansive fictional universes that interconnect multiple series and characters. The YLAB Universe is composed of several distinct narrative worlds, each with its own thematic focus and interconnected stories. The primary universes include Super String, Blue String, Red String, and Gold String.

1. Super String

Webtoons that belong to

<Neolithic Girl>, <Shin Angyo Onshi>, <Burning Hell>, <Horror Radio>, <Housekeeper>, <Westwood Vibrato>, <Terror Man>, <My Night Is More Beautiful Than Your Day>, <The Prince’s Prince>, <Revival Man>, <Island>, <Kangtao>, <Sky of the Abyss>

- Story Overview

"One day, for reasons unknown, Jupiter suddenly approaches the inner planetary orbits. The immense gravitational pull of Jupiter causes Mars to explode, and Earth faces imminent destruction. With interplanetary migration impossible given current technology, humanity stands on the brink of extinction. To save humankind, Miho Won, the chairperson of Daehan Group, devises a plan to use superstring theory to relocate humanity to another dimension. During this process, it is revealed that the catastrophe was orchestrated by a malevolent force. To combat this existential threat, Miho Won gathers individuals with extraordinary abilities who have crossed dimensions, forming an alliance known as "Super String" to wage war against the forces of evil."

- world view

Premise

: The universe begins with the unprecedented crisis of Jupiter encroaching upon the inner solar system, threatening Earth's existence. The narrative leverages superstring theory as a scientific basis for summoning beings from alternate dimensions.

Dimensions and Superpowers

: The foundational concept is that all dimensions and worlds are interconnected by "strings." Characters from various dimensions, each with unique abilities and backgrounds, traverse these connections and converge within a single shared universe.

Primary Antagonists

: The central adversaries are members of Baekbaekgyo, a clandestine religious cult that believes true immortality is achieved through the annihilation of existence itself. Additionally, the "Abyss Gate" serves as a dimensional portal, introducing multidimensional threats that persist throughout the narrative.

- structure and characteristics of the Universe

1. Crossover and Interconnectedness

The YLAB Universe is defined by a high degree of narrative interconnectivity, where protagonists, supporting characters, and villains from different series frequently appear in one another’s stories or participate in pivotal events together. While each Super String series (such as Terror Man, Revival Man, Island, and Shin Angyo Onshi) maintains its own independent storyline, major characters and incidents are intricately linked across titles. Crossovers are a core structural element, with protagonists from different works joining forces against formidable threats.

For example, Min Jung-woo from "Terror Man" and Seok Hwan from "Revival Man" collaborate in the crossover series "Terror vs. Revival."

2. Timelines, Multiverse, and Dimensional Travel

The universe encompasses a wide range of temporal and dimensional settings, including the past, present, future, and parallel worlds. Although each series is set against a unique historical backdrop, key events and characters are interwoven within a unified overarching narrative. Drawing on superstring theory, the universe features multiple dimensions and eras—such as prehistory, the Joseon Dynasty, and the near future—integrated into a single, expansive timeline. Dimensional portals like the "Abyss Gate" facilitate frequent travel between worlds, leading to unexpected encounters and incidents.

3. Heroic Alliances vs. Villainous Organizations: ‘Baekbaekgyo’

A recurring element across the Super String universe is the presence of Baekbaekgyo, a powerful villainous organization that serves as the primary antagonist in multiple series. Heroes with diverse values and abilities unite to confront this overarching evil, forming alliances that are central to the narrative. Through these conflicts, the stories explore themes of struggle, growth, cooperation, and sacrifice, offering a multifaceted depiction of the human condition.

- Character Connectivity in the Super String Universe

The characters of the Super String universe are intricately connected, appearing as protagonists, supporting characters, or villains across different series. These connections manifest through crossovers, recurring appearances, shared backstories, and collaborations against common adversaries such as Baekbaekgyo.

1. Crossovers and Recurring Appearances

One of the most prominent examples of crossover is the series "Terror vs. Revival," where main characters from multiple works—such as Min Jung-woo from "Terror Man," Seok Hwan from "Revival Man," Miho Won and Ban from "Island," and Sookhee from "Neolithic Girl"—gather to cooperate or clash. Characters from other series, including "Sky of the Abyss" and "Horror Radio," also make cameo or supporting appearances in different titles.

2. Interpersonal Relationships and Influence

Relationships and histories between characters transcend individual series. For example, a friend of Min Jung-woo from "Terror Man" plays a significant role in "Revival Man," and a supporting character from "Revival Man" emerges as the protagonist in "Hannlim Gym." This demonstrates how personal connections and character development continue across the universe, sometimes elevating side characters to leading roles in new stories.

3. Common Adversaries and Collaboration

Heroes from various backgrounds and with differing values unite against major antagonistic organizations like Baekbaekgyo. The process of joining forces to confront these shared threats is a central narrative thread, often highlighting conflict, growth, and cooperation among the protagonists.

4. Timeline and Generational Connections

The Super String universe spans a wide range of historical periods, with protagonists from the prehistoric era ("Neolithic Girl"), the Joseon dynasty ("Shin Angyo Onshi"), the modern and near-future era ("Terror Man," "Revival Man," "Island"), and the future ("Sky of the Abyss") all existing within the same continuity. Characters from different eras may interact directly, or their connections may be established indirectly through descendants, legends, or historical records.

- Immutable Elements of the Super String Universe

Despite the complex interplay of diverse series, characters, timelines, and dimensions, the Super String universe is anchored by several core, unchanging principles that permeate all its narratives.

1. Dimensional Connectivity Based on Superstring Theory

The foundational principle of the Super String universe is superstring theory. The concept that all dimensions, worlds, and timelines are interconnected by "strings" serves as the central axis of the universe. This scientific and philosophical foundation enables dimensional travel, parallel worlds, and temporal intersections, and is consistently maintained across all series.

2. The Existence of Baekbaekgyo as Absolute Evil

The presence of Baekbaekgyo, a pseudo-religious cult that threatens the entire universe, is the root of all major conflicts and events within the Super String narrative. The heroes of each series share the overarching mission of confronting this formidable evil, and the purpose and influence of Baekbaekgyo remain unchanged even as the universe expands.

3. Alliances of Heroes Across Dimensions

A defining structural element is the alliance of heroes summoned from different timelines and dimensions. Each hero brings their own values and backstories, uniting to battle Baekbaekgyo. This motif of cross-dimensional solidarity is a constant throughout the Super String universe.

4. Crossover and Interconnectedness Among Works

All series and characters within Super String are organically linked within a single universe. The appearance of major characters in other works and frequent crossovers are fundamental and enduring aspects of the universe’s structure.

5. Eastern Philosophy of Reincarnation and Fate

The philosophical foundation of the universe is rooted in Buddhist concepts of reincarnation (the cycle of souls, karma, and destiny). The recurrence of characters and events, as well as the sense of fated connections, are consistently present in every Super String narrative.

2. Blue string

Webtoons that belong to

<Hannlim Gym>, <Study Group>, <True Education>, <Money and Power>, <The Bully Is Fierce>, <Competition of Goodwill>, <Peace Disciplinary Committee>, <If You Wish to Live>, <The Age of Barbarism>

Blue String is YLAB’s second major webtoon universe, with "blue" symbolizing the vibrancy and struggles of youth.

“The Blue String Universe tells the stories of teenagers, blending reality-based drama. It is the one and only youth universe that captures the unforgettable memories of those days and the brilliance of that time.”

— Shim Jun-kyung, CEO of YLAB

- world view

1. Realistic Settings and Themes

Webtoons in the Blue String universe are set in real locations across South Korea, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. Protagonists live and interact in authentic environments such as schools, gyms, and city streets within their respective regions, where a variety of local incidents and conflicts unfold.

2. Academy-Focused Storylines

Representative series like "Study Group," "True Education," "Hannlim Gym," and "If You Wish to Live" address issues that contemporary youth face, such as academics, entrance exams, school violence, teachers’ authority, competition, and the growing pains of adolescence. The protagonists pursue “righteous goals” like entering university, reforming their schools, or surviving against the odds, while grappling with realistic concerns.

3. Shared Universe and Crossovers

Main characters from different series coexist within the same universe, recognizing each other’s existence or exerting indirect influence. The settings of each webtoon are interconnected nationwide, as illustrated by the "Blue String Regional Map." Through crossovers alliances and rivalries form between characters from different works.

- Structure and Characteristics of the Universe

1. Crossover and Interconnectedness

Protagonists and supporting characters from various series frequently appear in other works, and storylines are organically linked. For example, Jeon Young-ha, originally a supporting character in "Revival Man," becomes the protagonist in "Hannlim Gym."

2. Absence of a Villainous Organization

Unlike Super String’s "Baekbaekgyo," there is currently no overarching villainous organization threatening the entire universe. Each series features its own independent criminal groups or antagonists, but a main villain that spans the entire universe has yet to emerge.

3. Realistic Conflict and Growth

Central themes include real-world issues such as school violence, academic pressure, friendship, competition, and justice. Characters experience growth not only through fighting, but also through studying, psychological struggles, and interpersonal relationships.

4. Genre Diversity

The universe blends a variety of genres, including action, coming-of-age, romance, and psychological drama. Both male-oriented and female-oriented works are represented.

- Immutable Elements of the Blue string Universe

1. Reality-Based Coming-of-Age Stories

Unlike superhero or fantasy genres, Blue String centers on the realistic conflicts and growth of teenagers and young adults. The primary settings are actual locations in South Korea—such as schools, gyms, and city streets in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. The stories unfold in everyday spaces, depicting diverse incidents and personal development within a real-world context.

2. Shared Universe Structure

Protagonists from various webtoons—including "Study Group," "True Education," "Hannlim Gym," "If You Wish to Live," "Money and Power," "Competition of Goodwill," and "The Age of Barbarism"—all exist within the same universe. Characters are aware of each other’s existence or are indirectly influenced by one another, creating a network of interconnected stories.

3. Growth and Competition of Youth

Recurring themes include the growing pains, competition, friendship, justice, and survival experienced by young people. Each protagonist overcomes realistic challenges and matures in their own way, reflecting the universal journey of youth.

4. Regional Identity

Each webtoon is set in a specific region, as illustrated by the "Blue String Regional Map." The narratives focus on characters who protect or inhabit these areas. Future expansions of the universe are planned, including crossovers, alliances, and rivalries between works.

5. Genre Consistency

All series within Blue String consistently adhere to the genres of school life and coming-of-age drama, maintaining a unified thematic and stylistic identity.

3. Red string

Webtoons that belong to

<The History of the Bible>, <The Prince’s Prince>, <This Isn’t It>, <Death Upon Breakup>, <Stone & I>, <The Witch’s Judgment Becomes a Flower>

The Red String universe by YLAB is a romance universe themed around the “red thread of fate.” This universe centers on stories of characters who meet through the power of destiny, focusing on protagonists who experience misunderstandings and conflicts as they grow through their special relationships. A distinctive feature is that main characters from various authors’ webtoons form connections with one another, and these intertwined relationships collectively create a single, unified world.

- world view

1. The Push and Pull of Fateful Connections

In Red String, fate is depicted not as mere coincidence, but as a complex force that both pushes characters apart and draws them together, almost as if guided by destiny. This force brings protagonists together in unexpected ways, forging relationships that often involve conflict and misunderstanding.

2. Entangled Relationships and Growth

The red thread of fate connects not only characters and events within a single work, but also links protagonists across multiple series. Characters experience misunderstandings and conflicts within these tangled relationships, and as they overcome these challenges, they grow emotionally and personally.

3. Diverse Forms of Love and Human Relationships

The bonds of fate in Red String extend beyond romantic love to encompass friendship, family, rivalry, organizations, and more. Through these various relationships, characters experience love, pain, reconciliation, and growth in their own unique ways.

4. Destiny, Chance, and Choice

The red thread of fate emphasizes the importance of both destined encounters and chance events, as well as the choices each character makes within those circumstances. Fate does not determine everything; rather, the story unfolds according to the decisions characters make when confronted with their destined connections.

- Structure and Characteristics of the Universe

1. Crossover Through the Theme of Fate

Characters and events from each series are naturally interconnected through the central theme of “fate.” The power of destiny brings together individuals from different backgrounds, eras, and circumstances, sometimes resulting in crossovers that transcend individual works.

2. Fusion of Diverse Genres and Themes

Elements such as reincarnation, time loops, fantasy, comedy, and drama are blended with romance, creating stories featuring unique characters and fresh narrative settings.

3. Misunderstandings, Conflict, and Growth

Characters bound by fate experience misunderstandings and conflicts, and as they overcome these challenges, they grow emotionally and personally. The universe explores not only romantic love but also friendship, family, and rivalry, depicting a wide range of human relationships.

4. Novelty Through Unique Premises

The universe introduces original concepts rarely seen in traditional romance series, such as “If two people who drank alcohol containing a nano-bomb separate, they die” ("Death Upon Breakup") or a witch who turns wrongdoers into flowers ("The Witch’s Judgment Becomes a Flower"), adding a refreshing twist to the genre.

- Immutable Elements of the Blue string Universe

1. The Red Thread of Fate (Red String) as a Central Theme

In every work, “fate” serves as a crucial motif, with protagonists forming intricate and intertwined relationships through these destined bonds. Red String draws inspiration from the East Asian legend of the “red thread of fate,” focusing on the power of fate—coincidence and destiny, encounters and farewells, love and growth. Protagonists are brought together by the push and pull of these fateful connections, experiencing a wide range of emotions and events that lead to personal transformation.

2. Destiny and Growth

A recurring structure is that characters, through fateful encounters, undergo misunderstandings and conflicts, which drive their growth. The protagonists’ relationships, forged by destiny, become the main catalyst for both their development and the narrative’s central conflicts.

3. Shared Universe

The setting that all protagonists exist within the same world, where their connections collectively form a single universe, remains a constant aspect of the Red String universe.

4 .Romance at the Core

While the universe incorporates a variety of genre elements, romance and the evolution of human relationships are always at the center. The main genre is romance, with stories focusing on growth through misunderstandings, conflicts, pain, reconciliation, and love. Elements of fantasy, time loops, reincarnation, comedy, and drama are frequently blended with romance to enrich the narrative.

Reception

Positive Reception

Recognized as a pioneer that sparked the “universe boom” in the webtoon industry.

In the case of Blue String, the rapid pace of interconnections between series has led to high awareness among fans of individual works, making it easy to recognize crossovers. Each series has also achieved considerable commercial success.

Negative Reception

Criticism of the company’s management has increased, with numerous issues being raised.

Problems cited include the absence of a clear roadmap, immature methods of connecting the universe, a fundamentally weak structure, an overabundance of heroes and final villains, lack of detail, and monetization policies.

The universe has been described as a failed project that, due to poor management, has been thoroughly ignored by the general public.

The Red String universe has yet to release any crossover works.

Significance

A pioneering model for Korean-style IP universes

Embraces a wide range of generations, emotions, and genres

Notable for crossovers and narrative expansiveness

Holds both storytelling and industrial significance

Distinctive for its incorporation of Eastern worldviews

Enables the expansion of derivative (secondary) creative works

References

1. A case study on Webtoon's Story World Construction: Focusing on Superstring, Yoon Tae-hyun, Graduate School of Hanyang University, 2020

External links section

wentoon :: super string

YLAB(와이랩)

YLAB_ SUPER STRING

YLAB_ BLUE STRING

YLAB_ RED STRING

TAIWAN_SUPER STRING

WEBTOON CONFERRENCE