Koyoharu Gotouge kept a low profile while crafting Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba , a tale of demon hunters that started as a one-shot in 2016. Born in 1989 in Fukuoka Prefecture, the artist faced early rejections, including a dark prototype version of the story featuring a disabled lead that editors passed on.
Switching focus to Tanjiro Kamado as the resilient protagonist sealed the deal for serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump. That pivot turned a gritty survival yarn into a global smash, with over 220 million copies in circulation by mid-2025, including 164 million in Japan and 56 million overseas.
Standard 10% royalties on physical volumes alone deliver about 10 billion yen, or roughly $64 million at current rates, per Japanese outlet Real Sound’s breakdown shared at a Kadokawa event. Digital editions bump that higher, though exact splits stay private.
Gotouge’s pen name and crocodile avatar shield personal details like gender or exact age, adding mystique as fans speculate on the person behind the breathing techniques and sword fights.
This quiet ascent mirrors other hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, but Demon Slayer’s sales velocity sets it apart, ranking seventh all-time behind giants like Naruto.
Wealth estimates place Gotouge at $60 million, ranking third among mangaka behind Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama and One Piece mastermind Eiichiro Oda, both valued at $200 million.
Such figures stem from consistent volume sales averaging 9.5 million copies each, outpacing many peers in volume. For a creator who nearly quit after debut hurdles, this payoff cements a rare spot in Japan’s elite artist earners.
Franchise Fireworks Ignite Endless Cash Flow
Demon Slayer transcended pages fast, with Ufotable’s 2019 anime adaptation sparking a revenue avalanche. The 2020 Mugen Train film alone grossed $507 million worldwide, Japan’s top earner for years, while the full film slate hit $1.3 billion by early 2026, led by Infinity Castle’s $729 million haul.
Gotouge likely scores minimal direct cuts from box office reports, suggesting a flat fee around $19,200 for Mugen Train rights, but surging popularity drives manga reprints and new fan buys.
Merchandise dominates the money pile, echoing 2020’s one-trillion-yen franchise peak from tie-ins like FamilyMart collabs selling 2.4 million items. Games, stage plays, novels, and LiSA’s “Gurenge” track added hundreds of millions more that year, with patterns holding strong into 2025.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Credit: Netflix)
Infinity Castle shattered Japanese records, pulling 17 billion yen domestically and topping charts as the fastest to 10 billion yen. Overseas, it ranked seventh globally for 2025 films, proving anime’s box office muscle against live-action giants.
These extensions amplify Gotouge’s core royalties indirectly, as fresh viewers grab volumes post-binge. Compared to peers, this multi-stream setup rivals Hunter x Hunter’s model but scales bigger, with Demon Slayer’s 2025 films out-earning Chainsaw Man by wide margins.
Publishers like Shueisha handle most upstream profits, yet the creator’s slice from print and digital keeps growing amid endless hype cycles.
Low-Key Life Amid Manga Millions
Gotouge shuns the spotlight, skipping photos even for TIME’s 2021 “100 Next” nod and teasing future works like a sci-fi rom-com in fanbooks.
This contrasts with flashy peers, who focus their energy on creation rather than fame. Net worth lists slot the artist in the top 10 richest mangaka, fueled by sustained demand despite the manga’s 2020 end.
Ongoing anime arcs and films ensure residuals continue to flow, much like Bleach’s Tite Kubo, who has banked $55 million from revivals.
Fans debate if billions in franchise cash trickle back fully, given anime studios’ cuts, but manga loyalty remains the bedrock. Gotouge’s path from high school doodles to wealth whispers inspires aspiring artists facing similar gates.
As Infinity Castle trilogies roll out, expect copycat booms, but few match this blend of heartbreak hooks and fluid action that hooked billions.
Reclusive success stories like this reshape industry views, proving viral characters like Nezuko can build empires quietly. With 150 million copies sold by 2023 swelling further, Gotouge’s fortune looks set to climb, eyeing spots closer to the top. Demon Slayer’s grip on pop culture guarantees that.
Fans caught Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-bin trading playful banter on a variety show preview just before Spring Fever dropped. He described his direct dating style, while she called him a guy who handles everything with ease. Their hand-holding moment and laughs about friends probing if they date sent social media into overdrive.
Acquaintances kept asking Lee Joo-bin if Ahn Bo-hyun lives up to the hype, and she fielded constant “are you two a thing” questions. Ahn Bo-hyun admitted seeing her daily on set sparked similar chats among his circle. This easy rapport mirrors their roles perfectly, where opposites crash together in a rural village.
Production teams released script readings back in November 2025, showing the pair already clicking during table reads.
Directed by Park Won-gook of Marry My Husband fame, the show adapts a hit web novel by Baek Min-a about heartbreak recovery and fresh starts. Viewers now binge episodes, spotting those real sparks amid scripted ones.
Lee Joo-bin shared how Ahn Bo-hyun’s energy kept shooting light, even through long night scenes. He praised her quick adaptability, turning tense moments into fun memories. Fan edits mash their interviews with drama clips, racking up millions of views on TikTok and YouTube.
On-Screen Clash That Hooks Millions
Yoon Bom arrives in Shinsu-eup as a guarded high school teacher after a Seoul heartbreak, keeping everyone at arm’s length.
Seon Jae-gyu, an energy company CEO raising his nephew, storms her world with unpredictable energy and hidden kindness. Their first office encounter freezes the room, his bold stare cutting through her walls.
Stills capture Jae-gyu bursts into the school, shocking Bom, PE teacher Jung Jin-hyuk, and the principal. Bom eyes him warily, intimidated yet drawn in, setting up a tango of tension and thaw. Episode 2 ramps it up with an intimate dance embrace, pushing ratings to 4.6 percent nationwide.
The 12-episode run airs Mondays and Tuesdays on tvN at 8:50 p.m. KST, pulling over 1 million viewers for the opener at 4.8 percent share.
Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-bin (Credit: BBC)
Prime Video streams it globally, blending quirky village antics with emotional depth on healing and connection. Supporting cast like Cha Seo-won as elite lawyer Choi Yi-joon adds layers to the rom-com mix.
IMDb users rate it 8.5 early on, praising the balanced pacing, visuals, and effortless lead chemistry. One review highlights how humor meets heart without forcing it, letting prejudice melt into empathy. Episodes build from awkward meets to heartfelt opens, with Bom softening under Jae-gyu’s persistent warmth.
Flashbacks reveal Bom’s past betrayal, explaining her icy shell, while Jae-gyu’s family duties show his softer side early. Village festivals force proximity, sparking mishaps like a rain-soaked chase that cements their bond. Critics note the script’s smart twists keep tropes fresh.
Village Chaos to Viral Sensation
Shinsu-eup turns upside down as Jae-gyu’s antics rattle locals, from nephew Han-gyeol’s school life to Bom’s routine lessons. Bom’s tough exterior hides vulnerability, while Jae-gyu’s rough look conceals gold-hearted care. Their push-pull dynamic delivers laughs, flutters, and tears in equal measure.
Recent stills show them shaking the peaceful spot, hearts racing even in photos. Off-script vibes amplify this, with Ahn Bo-hyun’s rom-com shift after Yumi’s Cells pairing smoothly with Lee Joo-bin’s lively turns from The Divorce Insurance. Friends’ teasing about daily hangs only amps fan theories.
By January 8, episodes 1-2 mix quirky romance and fantasy elements, per global recaps. Ratings hold strong into week two, positioning Spring Fever as tvN’s 2026 kickoff hit. As Bom opens up and Jae-gyu persists, watchers root for the melt that feels all too real.
Ahn Bo-hyun bulked up for the CEO role, channeling rugged charm that contrasts his past pretty-boy parts. Lee Joo-bin nailed Bom’s guarded glares, drawing from personal growth stories she mentioned in the press. Set in lush Chuncheon, cinematography boosts the springtime renewal theme.
Global fans flood X with #SpringFeverChemistry, sharing theories on real romance. Dramabeans recaps praise episode 3’s confession tease, calling it peak slow-burn. With OST drops like a duet ballad climbing charts, the hype shows no signs of cooling.
