Staring inward at a turgid window of Webtoons, I saw something happening there and wondered what it was--now I know some of it--and predict changes.
They probably eliminated or are considering eliminating all of Akel's hires or friends, to clean house. He brought in a lot of dead culture that rode down American print comics since the late 80s. Add to that that Webtoons is a beachhead for Korean culture in America, and Akel was a lose-loser for the central planning of Naver. Imagine bringing back big band music of the 30s! Culture is begging to move on from what was and into something new and fresh and current. Western culture has become constipated since the early 80s, and the Koreans hope to ride a new wave they create online. Ultimately to produce major profits from a larger market: the USA, Canada, maybe Europe, and Australia.
Good, sound investment!
Problem: they won't make that wave if the site is mired in yesterdecades's American culture.
Problem: if the Head Of Content can't discern new-cool-vibrant from has-beens, he's failing.
Problem: Print comics have less readers than online, newer offerings on Webtoons! Why revisit the failed past?
Problem: much of the content on Webtoons lacks story. Story>art to an engaged audience.
Problem: I doubt Webtoons understands that, and there isn't a lot they can do about it until they recognize that problem.
Pretty pictures sell on Webtoons, but they only keep people interested for so long. Hopefully the new HoC will figure it out. They must promote story above all else, but try to help shape and edit content better. And if they REALLY want content/earnings, they have to get more ads (in Discovery mostly) and promote-promote-promote Discovery until adviews inflate and float the site.