BTS-inspired web novel, webtoon surpass 15 million views

BTS-inspired web novel and webtoon "7Fates: Chakho” surpassed 15 million views within two days of their release, according to the boy band’s agency HYBE on Tuesday. [ILGAN SPORTS]

A BTS-inspired web novel and webtoon surpassed 15 million views within two days of their release, according to the boy band’s agency HYBE on Tuesday.

“'7Fates: Chakho' set a record number of views for a newly released Naver webtoon,” said an employee of HYBE.

“It is also the first web novel to have been simultaneously launched in 10 languages.”

"7Fates: Chakho” is offered in languages including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German and Thai.

On Naver Webtoon’s English service platform Webtoon, "7Fates: Chakho” topped the chart as the most viewed new web novel and webtoon.

Also on Naver Webtoon’s English platform, "7Fates: Chakho” rated 9.9 out of 10. On Naver Webtoon’s Spain, France and Thailand’s platform, "7Fates: Chakho” rated 9.96, 9.81 and 9.94, respectively.

However, the responses to “7Fates: Chakho” in Korea have been less enthusiastic. It earned a rating of just 7.2.

"7Fates: Chakho," is a webtoon and web novel based on boy band BTS. It was released by Naver Webtoon in collaboration with the boy band’s agency HYBE.

Inspired by the chakho-gapsa, or tiger hunters, of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), "7Fates: Chakho" is an urban fantasy web novel set in the near future featuring protagonists inspired by BTS members.

The first episode of "7Fates: Chakho” was released Jan. 15. New episodes will be released every Saturday.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]