The Korean wave, or Hallyu, has swept the world with billions of fan following. Entertainment-tech startup Makestar’s record sales are proof of the growing popularity of the K-wave. Makestar connects global K-pop fans with their favourite stars by offering personalized communication and content creation opportunities. Makestar’s sales in 2021 increased by 175% compared to the previous year, reaching the highest sales for the third consecutive year.
Makestar has grown into a global platform that generates sales in 134 countries, including the US, Europe, Japan, China, and users from 235 countries around the world. In addition, Makestar has conducted more than 1,000 cumulative projects with 300 Hallyu content producers and 400 teams of artists and achieved average sales of about 80 million won ($62k) per project.
New launches & services for 2022
Makestar overseas fans receive various artists’ products and services and participate in unique events that transcend physical distance, such as ‘Youngtong Fans, ”Meet & Call,’ and showcases, which are receiving a great response. Recently, popular K-pop artists such as singers Black Pink, Red Velvet, and Stray Kids and popular drama OST-related events such as SBS ‘Meet the Guy’ and KBS2’s ‘Crazy Love’ led global fans to participate on the platform. In addition, Young-woong Lim and Dong- won Jeong took the lead in globalizing ‘K-Trot,’ drawing attention as a project regardless of genre.
Makestar announced, “In the first half of the year, we will launch new businesses such as alternative albums and subscription services, and grow into a global entertainment-tech company contributing to the spread of K-Pop and Hallyu.” Meanwhile, Makestar attracted 20 billion won ($15.6 million) in investment from Altos Ventures and Korea Development Bank last year and was recently selected as the 7th innovation icon.
Also Read,
- Check out these Korean startups connecting K-Pop with the rest of the world
- Korean startup Infludeo’s platform connects K-Pop global fans with K-Pop artists
- With Korean startup’s app PICKIT, K-Pop fans can trade photo cards of their favourite pop idols
- Korean startup founder Julie Choi shares details about creating Pickit – the world’s first K-Pop digital collectible marketplace
