Only Two Koreans... Imaginative and Successful 'Lego Otaku' [New Jobs]

Certified LEGO Expert 'LCP' by LEGO Headquarters
Only 23 Worldwide... 2 in Korea
Collaborating with Louis Vuitton, Aircraft Engine Companies, and More

Editor's NoteWith super-aging and ultra-low birth rates, along with the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, new changes are occurring in the world of occupations. We introduce the world of new jobs that open paths for new challenges in working life or a second act in life.

LEGO. A global toy giant headquartered in Denmark, LEGO is a construction block toy famous not only overseas but also domestically. The product name LEGO has become a proper noun referring to the construction block toy itself.

However, LEGO is not just a simple toy but a legitimate business. There are officially certified artisans who create and sell "LEGO artworks" after strict screening, and only a very small number of them are active worldwide, including in Korea. Their works are widely showcased in corporations, theme parks, and exhibitions.

Not Just a Hobby... Certified 'Adult LEGO Entrepreneurs'

Animal sculpture made by assembling Lego blocks. It is known to be created by a certified Lego artist from Europe. [Image source=YouTube capture]

LEGO designers certified by LEGO headquarters are called "LEGO Certified Professionals (LCP)." They have the authority to design LEGO artworks themselves and even sell the created works to third parties. LEGO headquarters refers to them as "adult LEGO entrepreneurs" on their website's LCP description section.

There are only a few dozen LCPs worldwide. Currently, only 23 LCPs are registered on the website: 3 in North America, 11 in Europe and the Middle East, and 9 in the Asia-Pacific region. There are only two Korean LCPs.

Competing with Imagination and Passion... A Qualification Held by Only 23 Worldwide

Lego statue exhibited at the Louis Vuitton event in Seoul.
[Image source=Louis Vuitton]

Among hundreds of thousands of self-proclaimed "LEGO otakus" worldwide, only 23 have obtained this qualification, making the LCP screening process famously rigorous. Applicants must first submit their creations to LEGO headquarters and prove that they have a LEGO creative business.

There is no formal training course, curriculum, or department to become an LCP. All of them are artisans who have independently designed LEGO works relying on their imagination and perseverance, and they must pass a strict screening test based solely on pure passion and talent for LEGO. This is why each LCP holds immense pride.

From Louis Vuitton Exhibits to Advanced Gas Turbines Made with LEGO

Gas turbine made of LEGO. Global major companies collaborate with LEGO artists to create promotional exhibits.
[Image source=Rolls-Royce]

LEGO works created by LCPs are used in various fields. For example, luxury brands like Louis Vuitton exhibit LEGO works by LCPs. There is also demand for LEGO among cutting-edge companies.

Rolls-Royce, the world's second-largest aircraft engine company, once captured the audience's attention by showcasing a real working gas turbine assembled solely from LEGO blocks.

Of course, LEGO headquarters is also a major patron of LEGO artworks. LEGO collaborates with the UK-based theme park developer Merlin Entertainments to operate the LEGO block theme park "LEGOLAND," where most LEGO exhibits are created by LEGO artisans.

Korean LCPs also collaborate with corporations and government ministries to create various works. For example, artist Kim Seong-wan, who obtained the LCP certification in 2017, was responsible for the show window work at the "2022 Holiday Season Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul" event held in 2022.