NSENM Forms Strategic Partnership with Chongqing to Secure Foothold in Chinese Media and Content Market

Ko Byungcheol, CEO of NSENM (far right), is taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement with local government officials during his visit to Chongqing, China, from the 5th to the 8th. NSENM

Comprehensive entertainment company NSENM is officially beginning its entry into the Chinese market.

NSENM announced on June 9 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the local government during its visit to Chongqing, China, from June 5 to June 8.

This event marks the first case of official cooperation between the two countries since the THAAD-related ban, and was organized to establish a strategic partnership for securing a foothold in the Chinese media and content market and enhancing global competitiveness.

Chongqing, with a population of 35 million, is one of China's major cities and has recently been actively attracting foreign companies alongside a large-scale life science technology city project. According to data from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism, the value added by Chongqing’s cultural industry in the third quarter of last year reached 85.1 billion yuan (approximately 16.1162 trillion won), an increase of nearly 7% compared to the same period the previous year. During the same period, the tourism industry also grew by more than 11% to 85.6 billion yuan (approximately 16.2 trillion won).

In addition, Chongqing has signed 84 cultural industry investment projects worth 55 billion yuan and established six municipal cultural industry demonstration complexes, now home to more than 23,700 companies. The city has recorded 66.5 billion yuan in operating revenue, solidifying its status as a key hub for the cultural industry in western China.

In connection with this, since last year, NSENM has been the only domestic entertainment company to participate in investment briefings for the Chongqing Life Science Technology City project, maintaining close consultations with the local government and key stakeholders.

In particular, through this MOU, NSENM plans to pursue cooperation in various fields centered around Yongchuan District in Chongqing. Main areas of cooperation include: joint planning and production of Korea-China co-produced content (such as films, dramas, and performances); development of cultural industry projects utilizing local infrastructure such as large-scale concert halls and science fiction film shooting locations; artist exchange and training; administrative and legal support such as performance permits; investment and tax support within China; and collaboration with e-commerce platforms such as JD.com.

NSENM plans to hold a variety of events, including concerts and cultural performances organized by Chongqing, with its affiliated artists in July and October. Through these activities, the company aims to further strengthen its brand awareness and influence in the local market, while actively utilizing Chongqing’s advanced filming infrastructure.

Ko Byungcheol, CEO of NSENM, stated, "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to open a new chapter of practical exchange and cooperation between Korea and China," adding, "We will secure new growth engines in the Chinese market by expanding our global network and diversifying our content business."