Seoulites prepare for Comic Con 2019
YouTuber Michael Coleman shows off his Spider-Man costume ahead of Comic Con Seoul happening this Friday to Sunday at COEX. / Courtesy of Michael Coleman
By Howard H. Hernandez
will be coming to COEX this Friday to Sunday. While you're browsing the flood of posters, comics, action figures and panels, it's also a good time to reflect on what makes these conventions possible: the people.
CCS is basically a celebration of nerd culture. This nerd culture is as varied as the people, but the commonalities that tie them together come to the fore at these conventions. Especially in Korea, where comic book culture hasn't quite become popular or mainstream, the fans and cosplayers have never really had places to get together and share their love of all things nerd.
“Seoul Comic Con is unique because it is the biggest meetup of nerd and pop culture across Korea. Nothing to this degree happens here and it is so awesome whenever this event rolls around,” said
, a popular YouTuber based in Korea.
The Con has its origins in the U.S. It dates back to when the first con was held in 1970 (then called Minicon), attended by only 300 people. Many Americans living in Korea can find that part of home right here.
“Usually a good amount of foreigners do come to CCS,” Coleman said. “For Americans, Comic Con has a special meaning because it originated in the U.S. We normally have high expectations of the event and love everything about it. This is a big reason why CCS is so popular among the foreign community.”
Nowadays, the CCS is drawing in more and more companies, stars and cosplayers from over the world, with foreign residents helping to raise awareness of the convention.
Several well-known foreign YouTubers who reside in Korea are taking advantage of the convention, not only to dress up as their favorite characters, but to show the world that Korea can do the convention as well as anywhere else ― and not to mention, it's a great chance for self-promotion.
This year, Coleman will be attending the convention, along with friends, dressed up in their favorite hero costumes.
Coleman says there needs to be more variety in what people here can experience.
“I think these kinds of events can grow in Korea if they are publicized well and involve a variety of pop-culture elements,” he said.
But many foreigners want to introduce Korea to the origins of the movies they are so fascinated with. “In chatting with Korean friends about comic-movies, they are mostly only familiar with Marvel. They don't have knowledge of the comics, the variety of characters or their stories. For this culture to grow in Korea, people need exposure to more variety.”
As well as gaining exposure to a wider variety of comics, Seoul Comic Con also offers the opportunity for visitors to encounter a wider variety of people. Although some might see it as childish, “it is fun only if you allow yourself to let go and enjoy the event. Dress up. It's your chance to be your favorite character while growing up. CCS is about having a good time.” Coleman said.
Tickets of all prices are disappearing fast. The celebrity guests this year include Pom Klementieff who plays the antennaed Mantis in Marvel movies, Billy Boyd who appeared as the hobbit Pippin in the “Lord of the Rings” films, and Kevin McNally who portrayed Joshamee Gibbs in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.
Howard H. Hernandez is a videographer based in Korea. Visit
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