Tower of God Creator SIU Looking Back on the Series a Decade Later
by Wonhee Cho,
That changed at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles, where SIU made his long-awaited debut appearance. The author, known for being reclusive and rarely making public appearances even in Korea, was welcomed with overwhelming enthusiasm. Though soft-spoken, SIU spoke with clarity and conviction, especially when asked about his creative vision and long journey as a storyteller.
Through panels and autograph sessions, SIU was finally able to engage face-to-face with the international community that has followed his work for more than a decade. His answers revealed the deep thought behind his expansive world-building, the evolving nature of Tower of God, and the emotional connection he shares with his readers.
How did it feel to meet North American fans for the first time?
SIU: The weather was amazing here, and the food was great. I could feel the fans' passion—they were very clear about what they love. Even though we'd just met, it felt like I'd known them for a long time. We were able to discuss the series naturally, even though we'd never met before.
Was there a moment with fans that left a strong impression?
SIU: One fan told me they made new friends because of the series. That really touched me. When I hear things like that, it makes me feel like Tower of God has become more than just a WEBTOON—it's become part of a culture. If my work can have that kind of influence, especially at a place like Anime Expo, I'm truly happy.
Your series often includes references to soccer or music. Is there a reason for that?
SIU: I've tried to hold back on that recently, but the comic tends to reflect whatever I'm interested in at the time. Since Tower of God is structured around positions in battle, I naturally borrowed from soccer terms. And because the world is so multicultural, universal themes like music and sports seem to fit well.
As a creator, where do you feel you've grown the most?
SIU: I think creators always need to evolve their ideas. Keeping readers from getting bored is the top priority. I'm always thinking about how to make stories that readers can enjoy.
Has the story changed much from what you first imagined during your military service?
SIU: Yes, a lot. Stories grow just like people do. Even during serialization, the plot has changed. As readers get older, too, it's natural that the direction of the story shifts with them.
Why did you choose to give Urek Mazino a side story?
SIU: He's such a popular character, and his personality is the complete opposite of Bam's, which makes for a strong contrast. Many creators want to write characters who feel like protagonists—Urek definitely has that vibe. Someday, I'd like to write a spinoff that focuses on a character who doesn't feel like a main lead.
What's it like to have worked on one series for over a decade?
SIU: It's exhausting, honestly (laughs). In the early days, the WEBTOON system wasn't fully developed, unlike the well-established manga industry in Japan. However, I believe that if we continue, we can eventually emerge as a leading player in the global market.
Why do you think Tower of God was one of the first webtoons to gain global popularity?
SIU: I'm not sure, exactly. I think readers who were used to Japanese manga were looking for something familiar yet new, and Tower of God happened to meet that need. I also grew up reading manga, which influenced my work. However, we're now seeing a new wave of creators who grew up on webtoons, and they're gaining global attention as well. It feels like the landscape is becoming more diverse.
In your view, what's the biggest difference between manga and webtoons?
SIU: The platforms are fundamentally different. Manga is built for print; webtoons are built for the web. The speed of feedback is completely different—manga requires one or two volumes before feedback comes in, whereas webtoons receive reactions after just one or two episodes. That speed is a big strength for webtoons.
When creating, do you start with the story or the characters?
SIU: I usually start with the story and then add characters into it. However, as the story unfolds, the characters sometimes take on a life of their own and steer the narrative in unexpected directions. Reader feedback also plays a big role in those changes.
ANN's coverage of Anime Expo 2025 is sponsored by Yen Press and Ize Press!
discuss this in the forum (2 posts) |
