The world of translated web novels just got its biggest plot twist yet: WuxiaWorld founder and original owner Ren (RWX) has bought back the English-language web fiction platform from Tapas Entertainment, restoring it to independent ownership nearly five years after Kakao Entertainment took it over.
WuxiaWorld (Credits: Anime News Network)
Ren announced the buyback on September 20, revealing he had completed the purchase and was once again the 100% owner and operator of WuxiaWorld. The timing of the announcement is no coincidence — it came shortly before Kakao Entertainment confirmed that Tapas will shut down its North American service on March 31, 2027.
Tapas Shutdown Forced the Buyback
According to Ren, the looming Tapas shutdown was the “primary impetus” for his return. Without the buyback, he admitted, WuxiaWorld itself would have been shut down as well. The deal was wrapped up in under a month, with Ren publicly thanking Kakao Entertainment and Tapas for moving fast to get it done.
For longtime readers, this is a full-circle moment. WuxiaWorld was founded in 2014 by Ren, a fan of Chinese martial arts fiction, and grew into one of the biggest English-language platforms for translated Chinese web novels. The site later branched into Korean web novels and currently distributes English editions of titles like Overgeared and SSS-Class Revival Hunter.
What Happens Next
Kakao Entertainment acquired WuxiaWorld in 2021 through its subsidiary Radish Media. At the time, Kakao described the platform as a strong complement to its other North American story businesses, boasting millions of daily page views and users in more than 100 countries. Korean titles made up only about 5% of the library back then, yet generated nearly a quarter of its revenue — proof of the platform’s devoted readership.
With Ren back at the helm and independent ownership restored, fans are hoping WuxiaWorld returns to its community-driven roots. For now, one thing is certain: the web novel giant has survived its biggest threat yet.
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Source: Anime News Network — read the full story there.
