Contents First’s global webtoon platform, Tappytoon, has joined forces with rising K-pop group NEWBEAT for an exclusive music video adaptation of the BL cyberpunk webtoon “Bullet Time.” Debuted September 26, this collaboration combines NEWBEAT’s debut track “Flip the Coin” with Tappytoon’s captivating storytelling. This milestone collaboration merges K-pop, webtoons, and global fandom into a groundbreaking creative experience—hinting at the future of cross-industry K-content.
Tappytoon x NEWBEAT: A Fusion of K-pop and Webtoons
Contents First, the company behind the global webtoon platform Tappytoon has announced an exciting collaboration with the rising K-pop boy group NEWBEAT. Together, Tappytoon and NEWBEAT launch an exclusive music video based on “Bullet Time,” Tappytoon’s original BL (Boys’ Love) cyberpunk webtoon. The video debuts on September 26 across Tappytoon’s social media platforms and digital channels.
This creative partnership brings NEWBEAT’s debut title track, “Flip the Coin,” to life through dynamic animation. The song’s retro-inspired beats and energetic hooks seamlessly match the neon-lit cyberpunk world of Bullet Time, dramatizing its gripping story of love and betrayal between a gangster and a spy.
“Bullet Time”: A Rising Global BL Webtoon
Since launching in July, “Bullet Time” has quickly become a hit among international BL fans on Tappytoon. By August, it had climbed to third place in Tappytoon’s BL popularity rankings, with powerful performance in North America and Europe. Produced by Tappytoon Studio with the talents of artist Dark History and writer BINO, “Bullet Time” delivers a mix of action, romance, and emotional tension that keeps readers hooked.
As the flagship platform of Contents First, Tappytoon is known for expertly localizing Korean webtoons and web novels into English, French, and German. With more than 10 million readers worldwide, Tappytoon has grown into a gateway for bestselling stories that inspire live-action dramas, anime adaptations, and official merchandise.
NEWBEAT: Expanding K-pop Through Storytelling
Since debuting in March with their first full album, NEWBEAT has quickly earned recognition as a promising K-pop group. They have demonstrated their powerful stage presence through performances on global stages, such as KCON and the Asia Top Artist (ATA) Festival.
By partnering with a webtoon as visually compelling as “Bullet Time,” NEWBEAT elevates their artistry to new heights. They offer fans a fresh way to connect with both their music and the world of Korean creative content.
Strategic Collaboration: Expanding K-content
“As K-content continues to grow in influence worldwide, we’re thrilled to collaborate with NEWBEAT and introduce a fresh new experience for both K-pop fans and our webtoon readers. We look forward to expanding these collaborations and reaching more fans at the intersection of webtoons and K-content.”
Ernest Woo, Chief Strategy Officer of Contents First.
For Contents First, founded in 2013 as a global leader in digital comics and IP development, such collaborations are strategic moves. The company already partners with Penguin Random House to publish top webcomic titles in English and collaborates with major industry players, including REDICE STUDIO and CJ ENM. With an end-to-end content ecosystem spanning creation, publishing, merchandising, and adaptations, Contents First is steadily transforming webtoon IP into multi-format cultural products.
“Through this collaboration with Contents First, we’re excited to present NEWBEAT’s music in a new creative form. It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect with global K-webtoon fans and introduce them to our group.”
Hyeim Kim, CEO of BEAT INTERACTIVE.
IP Expansion and the Next Wave of K-content
From a business perspective, this collaboration underscores the value of cross-industry IP development. Webtoons and K-pop are two of South Korea’s most dynamic cultural exports. And, their fusion creates new opportunities for fan engagement, monetization, and brand expansion.
For Contents First, tying webtoon stories to music, merchandise, and cross-media formats reinforces its position as a global IP powerhouse. For NEWBEAT, this differentiation sets them apart in a crowded market, allowing them to tap into highly engaged niche fan communities while broadening their international presence.
As webtoons and K-pop continue to surge globally, projects like this signal a future where storytelling, music, and fandom economies converge to deliver immersive experiences for audiences worldwide.
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