Korea’s IP Strategies Highlighted at Taiwan Creative Content Fest

The Taiwan Creative Content Fest forum, titled “Stories in Motion: From IP to Investment to Global,” showcased the evolving landscape of Asian storytelling, focusing on how intellectual property (IP) travels from creation to global distribution. The discussion featured prominent figures in the industry, including Sean Saeyoon Shim, CEO of Mr. Romance, and Yungsun Soh, senior vice president and managing director of A+E Global Media. The session was moderated by Jayde Lin, CEO of DaMou Entertainment.

The conversation commenced with an exploration of Korea’s thriving webtoon ecosystem, recognized as a significant source of adaptable IP. Shim emphasized the advantage of webtoons, stating, “Webtoons come pre-tested by audiences. They give producers a solid foundation to gauge demand.” He highlighted the importance of creating stories that resonate on an emotional level, noting, “For Korea or Taiwan, the key is pursuing themes that feel original and sincere—stories with emotional reach beyond borders.”

Soh noted that despite the increasing global interest in Asian content, the journey from IP to screen has grown more complex. She pointed out that “streaming competition and rising production costs introduce new pressures,” underscoring the necessity of partnering with entities that share a similar creative vision. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in the industry, where collaboration is critical for success.

The packaging of content emerged as a pivotal factor in securing investment. Shim shared his approach of relying on informal audience feedback before moving forward with financing. He also addressed the challenge of visibility once a show is available on streaming platforms, stating, “Once a show is on a platform, the big question is how it breaks through the noise.” Soh echoed this sentiment, affirming that “everyone wants to stand out on global streamers.”

Both speakers recognized the potential of Asian narratives to resonate on a global scale. Shim cited the success of “Moving,” a hit series on Disney+ that took seven years to develop. He pointed to this as an example of how long-term investment in IP can yield significant returns.

Looking ahead, Shim identified two critical pathways for markets facing declining domestic demand. The first involves international co-production, which can help share risks and broaden audience reach. The second is a shift from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C) models, incorporating blockchain technology to allow audiences to engage as micro-investors and influence creative decisions. “It creates a new communication channel between producers and viewers,” he noted.

Shim, who signed a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) in March 2023, acknowledged the dual nature of working within government-supported frameworks. While these partnerships offer security, they may come with additional expectations. Nevertheless, both speakers expressed optimism about the future of pan-Asian collaborations, with Taiwan poised to play a vital role in propelling regional IP onto the global stage.

As discussions about the future of Asian storytelling continue, the insights shared at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest forum underline a transformative period in the entertainment industry, where collaboration and innovative approaches to content development are crucial for navigating the complexities of the global market.