K-Content Signals Reentry into China... K-Content Expo Draws Major Attention

First Official Exchange Since the Hallyu Ban
Business Discussions Worth 221.4 Billion KRW

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency announced on the 25th that they held the K-Content Expo for three days starting from the 19th at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen, China, strengthening the foundation for exchange and cooperation in the content industry between the two countries.

The Korea Creative Content Agency held the "K-Content Expo" for three days starting from the 19th at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen, China, strengthening the foundation for exchange and cooperation in the content industry between the two countries.

The K-Content Expo is a program that supports domestic content companies in pioneering emerging and potential markets. This year, it drew significant attention even before the event as it was held in China, where content exchanges had been suspended since the 2019 implementation of the "Korean Wave Ban" (Hallyu Ban).

Thirty leading Korean content companies participated, including DNC Media, Kakao Entertainment, Big Ocean ENM, HYBE, and Ice Cream Studio. They held meetings with ninety Chinese content companies such as Alibaba Pictures, iQIYI, Mango TV, and Kuaikan, exploring possibilities for global collaboration.

A total of 573 export consultations were conducted during the business meetings, with an estimated value of approximately $158.28 million (about 221.4 billion KRW). Six financial business agreements were signed by companies including Nextpage, Rajen Entertainment, Soul Creative, iForm, Anijak, and Aurora World. Notably, Soul Creative and iForm finalized contracts as well.

Shim Minseok, Director of the Hallyu Support and Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "It is significant in that we have established a virtuous cycle for the Korean Wave, connecting content production, export, reinvestment, and reproduction," adding, "We will further expand collaboration between content companies of both countries."