Expansion of Marketing Partnerships Starting with KT Affiliates Including BC Card
Continued Support with 17.9 Billion KRW Funding Injection at KT Group Level
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The number of subscribers to the monthly subscription model of StoryWiz, a content subsidiary of KT Group, has doubled compared to its initial launch. This is the result of expanding the user base by increasing marketing partnerships to recruit original intellectual property (IP) and competitive writers.
According to the industry on the 2nd, the number of subscribers to 'Blyce Select,' the subscription-based reading service launched in July on StoryWiz's webtoon and web novel platform 'Blyce,' doubled as of November compared to the service launch period.
Blyce Select is an unlimited access pass to selected web novels and webtoons in its own premium section called the 'Select Hall.' At a regular price of 8,900 KRW per month, it is the only plan in the industry that allows access to both webtoons and web novels. Jeon Dae-jin, CEO of StoryWiz, explained, "We will support the growth of the content market by launching reasonable services for readers."
StoryWiz is increasing advertising marketing through external collaborations, led by telecom carrier plans. Blyce Select can be subscribed to as an additional service through some KT plans, MVNO services such as KT M Mobile, Pretty Telecom, and KT Skylife. Until the end of the year, there is also an event offering free coupons for a 3-month subscription to Blyce Select in connection with BC Card's app card 'Paybook' 'My Tag' service. On the Blyce site, a sensational subscription promotion is also underway, offering a monthly fee of 990 KRW, about one-tenth of the regular price.
StoryWiz, a subsidiary of KT Studio Genie, has established itself as a base for supplying original IP alongside its audiobook subsidiary Millie's Library. The active discovery of new writers centered on the core platform Blyce Story is also due to the importance of securing original IP. This is why they continuously hold 'free serialization' events and various in-house contests to support creation. In fact, the popular web novel 'Lord of Money' on Blyce is expected to be reborn as a seasonal work through Studio Genie.
KT, which is strengthening its media content capabilities, is also providing unwavering support at the group level. In August, StoryWiz received 17.9 billion KRW in funding from KT Studio Genie for the purpose of discovering original IP and platform operation. Prior to that, in May, they jointly held the '1st KT Studio Genie Series Contest' with KT Studio Genie, Genie Music, and Millie's Library.
A StoryWiz official said, "In addition to collaboration with KT affiliates, we are continuously negotiating to establish marketing partnerships with various external partners," adding, "We plan to continue promoting Blyce Select next year as well."
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