VOL.78/2025.01

Character Licensing Fair 2017

Meet 320 characters in one room!

 

2017.7.28

 

Among South Korea's cultural contents industry, the character industry has been recognized for its infinite possibilities, even going on to be dubbed 'the goose that laid the golden egg'. Characters popular inside and outside of South Korea including Pororo, Larva, Robocar Poli and Tobot could all be seen at the Character Licensing Fair 2017.

 

△ Crowds at the Character Licensing Fair 2017

 

Characters all together!

 

The Character Licensing Fair 2017 is in its 16th year and was held at COEX in Seoul from July 12 to 16. This year, around 320 character license related firms and groups participated in the fair, with all the popular characters beloved inside and outside the country in attendance. The events and performances more than succeeded in grabbing the attention of the young fair-goers while the fair was also grounds for business for the companies owning character licenses. This is the biggest event for characters in Asia and often attracts much interest from overseas businesses.

Reflecting this, a separate business zone was set up this year for company officials only. They were provided with a one-on-one business matching area, a business lounge and a conference room to discuss possible business opportunities. A number of B2B, B2C programs were also available, with participating firms holding business presentations to introduce new projects and characters. A 'start-up audition' was held where newly established businesses vied against each other while businesses with new characters were able to listen to feedback from experts at an evaluation event.

 

△ The entrance to the Character Licensing Fair 2017 at COEX in Seoul

 

Searching for an exit for contents, together

 

The fair is sought by more than 100,000 visitors every year and this year was no exception. The many events where the development of South Korea's character industry could be seen at a glance attracted much interest. Young children who visited the fair were seen enjoying exhibitions of characters like Pororo, Tayo, Larva by TubaN, Robocar Poli by Roivisual and Turning Mecard by Choirock Contents Factory.

A special exhibition established by KOCCA called 'K-STARTUP Pavilion by KOCCA' displayed works from 10 companies selected by KOCCA as means of helping them with marketing. Another exhibition section focusing on the Korean language could be seen while visitors were able to glimpse the future of the country's character industry thanks to the participation of companies specializing in VR/AR and games - both industries which have been developing rapidly in recent years.

 

△ Diverse character exhibitions

 

Visitors to the fair were easily able to realize the future of Korean characters is bright as business is booming in not only South Korea but Asia and the world. The Character Licensing Fair is slated to be held next year as well, in bigger and better form - just like the country's character industry.

 

△ K-STARTUP Pavilion by KOCCA

 

 

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