Celebrity-Exclusive 'Fandom Platform' Expands to Creators

HYBE Launches 'Dearse', a Creator-Exclusive Fandom Platform for the First Half of the Year

Fandom platforms, once considered the exclusive domain of K-pop idols and actors, are expanding into the creator space, including YouTubers and streamers. HYBE, which successfully launched the global fan platform 'Weverse,' is now developing a dedicated fandom platform for creators, set to be released within the first half of the year.

According to industry sources on the 17th, HYBE's subsidiary Binary Korea is collaborating with digital entertainment company Sandbox Network to develop a fandom platform targeting creators and their fans. The platform has been named 'THEUS,' and development is expected to be completed as early as March or April, after which negotiations with individual creators for platform onboarding will begin.

This platform aims to serve as an integrated hub where fans can directly participate and communicate throughout the creators' activities, from content planning and production to online and offline events and merchandise creation. Until now, creators such as YouTubers have faced challenges in fostering close communication and expanding fandoms because their main content channels and communication channels were either dispersed or functioned only fragmentarily. HYBE plans to revitalize the fandom ecosystem by providing integrated features that enhance communication and engagement.

Creators will be able to interact with fans on this platform and post video uploads or streaming announcements. There will also be an event tab where fans can vote on content or travel destinations, as well as a fan meeting ticket reservation page. However, it is known that the 'streaming service' implemented on Weverse will not be offered. This decision is based on the judgment that it would be difficult to migrate all subscribers cultivated on platforms like YouTube or Twitch to this new platform.

Currently, Sandbox boasts creators such as Shuka World and Chimchakman, each with over 2 million YouTube subscribers, along with popular travel YouTubers Ppanibottle and GwakTube. Combining HYBE’s expertise in platform development and management, proven through the success of the fandom platform Weverse, with Sandbox’s extensive human network is expected to generate significant synergy.

HYBE’s focus on building fandom platforms is driven by market growth potential. IBK Investment & Securities analyzed in its 2020 report 'Fandom Economics' that the fandom market size reaches 7.9 trillion KRW, including 7.18 trillion KRW from the general consumer market, 600 billion KRW from the light fan market, and 97 billion KRW from the core fan market.

However, there are also forecasts that this new platform may not have the scalability expected of Weverse. Most creators affiliated with Sandbox produce content targeting domestic subscribers and viewers, meaning the platform will effectively function as a domestic market platform. In contrast, over 90% of Weverse users are overseas, with subscribers distributed across 245 countries worldwide, earning it recognition as a global platform.