Great news for fans of psychological thrillers! The legendary duo
behind the masterworks Bastard and Sweet Home — writer
Carnby Kim and illustrator Youngchan Hwang — have
officially reunited for a brand-new webtoon titled Copycat.
Following massive success with Korean drama adaptations and global
popularity, their latest collaboration has quickly become one of the
most anticipated releases on the WEBTOON platform this year.
Synopsis: When Plagiarism Turns Into Bloody Terror
Copycat centers on Suchan Kim, a struggling art
instructor whose 2020 exhibition flopped due to the pandemic,
leaving his artistic ambitions in ruins. His quiet, unremarkable
life is shattered when a serial killer known as “Jahak”
begins making headlines.
What makes Jahak truly terrifying is not just the killing — it’s
the method. The killer arranges each victim’s body as an elaborate
art installation, strikingly similar in concept to Suchan’s failed
exhibition pieces. Rather than feeling fear, Suchan is consumed
by rage. His work is being plagiarized. He sets out to hunt Jahak
down — not in the name of justice, but to confront the person
who stole his artistic vision.
It’s a premise that flips the typical thriller formula on its
head. The protagonist isn’t a hero driven by morality — he’s a
man with a bruised ego and an obsession with creative ownership.
That moral ambiguity is exactly what makes Copycat so
compelling from the very first chapter.
Why You Should Read Copycat
- A Top-Tier Writer and Illustrator Reunited: Carnby Kim
is renowned for his unpredictable plot twists and suffocating
atmosphere, while Youngchan Hwang’s visual style builds tension
in ways few illustrators can match. Together, they are one of
the most effective creative partnerships in webtoon history. - A Genuinely Unique Premise: Unlike conventional
thrillers where the protagonist is driven by justice or survival,
Suchan’s motivations are deeply selfish and complex — rooted
in artistic obsession and wounded pride. It raises uncomfortable
questions about ego, originality, and what we consider worth
fighting for. - A Proven Track Record: Given their history with
Sweet Home and Bastard, two of the most celebrated
Korean webtoons ever made, Copycat has every indication
of being their next masterpiece. Both previous works were
adapted into major productions, and it would be no surprise
if Copycat follows the same path.
About the Creators
Carnby Kim first gained widespread recognition with
Bastard, a psychological thriller about a boy living with
a father who is a serial killer. The series was praised globally
for its tense pacing and emotional complexity. He then co-created
Sweet Home, a monster horror series that was later adapted
into a Netflix original drama series, cementing his reputation
as one of Korea’s premier thriller writers.
Youngchan Hwang, his longtime collaborator, brings an
illustrative style that is instantly recognizable — expressive
character designs, dynamic panel layouts, and a masterful use
of shadow and contrast that amplifies the horror and tension
in every scene. His artwork alone is a reason to pick up
any project he is attached to.
Release Schedule
The English version of Copycat made its debut on the
WEBTOON platform in April 2024, with new chapters
dropping every Wednesday. If you haven’t started reading yet,
now is a great time to catch up before diving into the
weekly release schedule.
Fair warning though — this is not a series to read alone
at night. Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang have never been
known for going easy on their readers, and Copycat
shows no signs of breaking that tradition.
Final Thoughts
With Copycat, Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang are
once again proving why they are in a league of their own
when it comes to dark, psychologically rich storytelling.
The premise is bold, the execution is razor-sharp, and
the weekly Wednesday releases give readers just enough
time to recover before the next chapter hits.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, morally
complex protagonists, or just great webtoon storytelling
in general — Copycat belongs on your reading list.
