K-Content Shines at Licensing Expo... Export Consultations Reach 44 Billion KRW

Korean Pavilion at Licensing Expo Generates 477 Export Consultations
Business Matching and Conferences Boost Global Expansion Efforts

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced on May 27 that they supported the overseas expansion of Korean content intellectual property (IP) by operating a Korean Pavilion at the Licensing Expo, which was held in Las Vegas, United States, for three days starting on May 20. The event facilitated 477 export consultations, resulting in a total consultation amount of approximately $31.29 million (about 44 billion KRW), which is 20% higher than last year. Through a variety of programs, including business matching and conferences, the global business expertise of domestic companies was also strengthened.

The Licensing Expo is the world's largest B2B exhibition for content IP stakeholders. This year, more than 5,000 companies and over 10,000 industry professionals participated. The Korea Creative Content Agency operated the Korean Pavilion to promote business activation and overseas expansion for domestic companies.

Twenty companies participated in the pavilion, including Garnet Pictures, Neon Creation, Daewon Media, Roi Visual, Merryverse Studio, Vota Studio, Bread Barbershop, Big House Entertainment, CJ ENM, Iconix, iForm, AB Entertainment, Acoms, Aurora World, Woori Home Shopping, K Vision, Qtees, Takeone Company, Toytron, and Hwaha. Discussions on exports and cooperation were held with global groups such as AQI International, a character goods manufacturer and distributor; H Mart, a global distributor; and We Are Nations, a game goods manufacturer and distributor.

In particular, Qtees achieved a milestone by signing a license agreement for character IP-based stationery products, including 'Goodnight Pajamal,' with Deli, the producer of 'SpongeBob' stationery. This not only expanded global distribution but also laid the foundation for entry into the North American market.

The Korea Creative Content Agency plans to further expand global opportunities for domestic companies by operating Korean Pavilions at Brand Licensing Europe in the United Kingdom and China Licensing Expo in China this October.