Korean IP Strategies Take Center Stage at Taiwan Creative Content Fest

TAIPEI – The Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF) forum, titled "Stories in Motion: From IP to Investment to Global," highlighted the growing influence of Korean intellectual property (IP) in the global entertainment market. The discussion, held on November 5, 2025, focused on the journey of Asian stories from initial concept to worldwide distribution, examining financing models and adaptation strategies.

The panel featured Sean Saeyoon Shim, CEO of Mr. Romance, and Yungsun Soh, Senior VP and MD of A+E Global Media, Korea, moderated by DaMou Entertainment CEO Jayde Lin. The conversation revolved around Korea's successful webtoon ecosystem and its potential for adaptation into film and television.

Webtoons as a Testing Ground for Global Content

Shim emphasized the value of webtoons as a pre-validated source of IP. "Webtoons come pre-tested by audiences. They give producers a solid foundation to gauge demand," he stated. He also stressed the importance of universal themes in Korean and Taiwanese content, noting that stories need "emotional reach beyond borders" to be successful internationally.

This sentiment echoes a growing trend in Hollywood, where studios are increasingly looking to international markets for inspiration and established fan bases. "The pre-existing audience of a webtoon, comic book, or video game offers a significant advantage in a risk-averse industry," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of media studies at the University of Southern California. "It allows studios to mitigate potential losses by tapping into a guaranteed level of interest."

Navigating the Complexities of Global Streaming

Soh acknowledged the increasing complexity of bringing Asian content to global screens. "Streaming competition and rising production costs introduce new pressures. That's why aligning with partners who share the same creative and strategic vision is more important than ever," she said.

The proliferation of streaming services has created both opportunities and challenges for international content creators. While platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video offer unprecedented access to global audiences, they also demand a high volume of content, leading to increased competition and pressure to deliver hit shows.

Packaging and Marketing Key to Success

Both Shim and Soh emphasized the importance of packaging and marketing in securing investment and attracting viewers. Shim relies on audience feedback before approaching financiers, while Soh highlighted the need for strong storytelling and marketing strategies to stand out on global streaming platforms.

"Everyone wants to stand out on global streamers. But Asian stories – from Korea and increasingly across the region – are resonating worldwide. Strong storytelling paired with strong marketing will find its audience," Soh added.

The "Moving" Example

Shim cited "Moving," the Disney+ hit that took seven years to develop, as an example of the potential payoff of long-term IP development. The series, based on a popular webtoon, has been praised for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high production value, demonstrating the power of investing in quality content.

Looking Ahead: Co-Production and B2C Models

Looking to the future, Shim identified two critical pathways for markets facing shrinking domestic demand: international co-production to share risk and expand reach, and shifting development from B2B to B2C, including blockchain mechanisms that allow audiences to participate as micro-investors or influence casting.

"It creates a new communication channel between producers and viewers," he noted, suggesting a future where audiences have a more direct role in shaping the content they consume. This innovative approach could potentially disrupt traditional Hollywood financing models, giving greater power to creators and audiences alike.

While acknowledging the potential constraints of working within government-backed frameworks, Shim expressed optimism about the future of pan-Asian partnerships, with Taiwan playing a key role in bringing regional IP to the global stage. The ongoing collaboration between Korean and Taiwanese entertainment companies, as evidenced by Mr. Romance's memorandum of understanding with TAICCA, signals a promising era for Asian content creation.

The Broader Context: The Rise of Asian Entertainment

The TCCF forum underscores the increasing prominence of Asian entertainment on the global stage. From the global success of Korean dramas like "Squid Game" to the growing popularity of Japanese anime and manga, Asian content is capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. This trend has significant implications for Hollywood, which is increasingly looking to Asia for inspiration, talent, and co-production opportunities.

"Hollywood is recognizing the immense potential of the Asian market," says Dr. Carter. "We're seeing more Asian actors in leading roles, more Asian stories being told, and more collaborations between Hollywood and Asian production companies. This is a positive development that will enrich the global entertainment landscape."