On May 9, 2025, Team Reaper Scans made a significant announcement regarding its permanent closure, a decision prompted by a cease and desist order from Kakao Entertainment, a South Korean powerhouse in entertainment, media, and publishing. This development marks the end of the scanlation website’s distribution of unofficial fan translations.
Reaper Scans was recognized for its mission to bridge language barriers, allowing fans globally to access captivating narratives from East Asian comics. By providing unofficial English translations of Korean titles, the site operated within a contentious legal boundary, catering to a passionate community that sought these stories during a time when official translations were scarce.
Official Announcement of Shutdown
In a heartfelt message on their homepage, Team Reaper Scans communicated the decision to terminate operations following the cease and desist. The team, which started its journey six years prior, aimed to introduce fans to the extraordinary world of East Asian comics and novels when English versions were not readily available. Their contributions had filled a crucial gap in the market during that time.
Over the years, the webtoon and webnovel sectors have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. Consequently, numerous companies have expedited the translation process, with some titles being released in English almost instantly. Observing this trend, Team Reaper Scans felt they had largely accomplished their original mission, leading to the difficult choice to close their website.
As they shut their doors, Team Reaper Scans expressed gratitude towards their fan base while also encouraging them to support original creators by accessing official translations on platforms such as Tapas, Webtoon, Wuxiaworld, Manta, Toomics, Lezhin, and Wattpad. For stories yet to be translated into English, they urged fans to connect directly with the publishers for better access.
Community Response to the Shutdown
The announcement has left many webtoon and webnovel enthusiasts devastated, as they hailed Reaper Scans for its exceptional translations. Fans lamented that this closure represents a significant setback for the community, rolling back progress made over the years.
“NOOOOOOOOO REAPERSCANS CLOSED. They were one of the few that had amazing translations,”one fan expressed.
“This has sent the communities at least 5 years back,”another noted.
“RIP to Reaper Scans. Had a great time with all the novels on their site,”a third fan commented.
As the landscape of comic and novel translation continues to evolve, the impact of Reaper Scans will be felt for years to come as fans remember the joy the site brought them during its years of operation.