In today’s digital age, Korean creative content is experiencing an unprecedented surge in global demand. From captivating K-Dramas and infectious K-Pop music to innovative games and mesmerizing beauty products, the world has developed an insatiable appetite for Korean entertainment and cultural offerings. At the heart of this success lies the unwavering support provided by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a government agency founded in 2009.
What is KOCCA?
KOCCA, or the Korea Creative Content Agency, was established in May 2009 to oversee and coordinate the promotion of the Korean content industry globally. It was formed by combining five related organizations, including the Korean Broadcasting Institute, the Korea Culture & Content Agency, and the Korea Game Agency.
KOCCA’s main aim is to introduce Korean content to the world, such as Korean Dramas (K-Dramas), Korean Music (K-Pop), Korean Beauty, Korean Fashion, Korean Games, and Korean Animation. KOCCA is also actively working with startups to introduce new and innovative technologies that can help enhance the reach of Korean content worldwide.
VISION
Develop Korea into one of the world’s top five content powerhouses.MISSION
Contribute to creating jobs and improving quality of life through advancing the content industry.
KOCCA’s Role and Activities
1. Promoting Korean Content Globally
KOCCA’s primary objective is to introduce Korean content, including K-dramas, K-pop, games, animation, fashion, and beauty, to audiences worldwide. The agency actively supports Korean content firms in their overseas expansion efforts, providing assistance with marketing, attracting investments, and fostering relationships with international partners.
2. Nurturing Startups and Talent Development
KOCCA recognizes the vital role of startups and talented creators in driving innovation within the content industry. The agency offers comprehensive support programs for startups at various stages, including Startup Farm, Startup League, and Startup Masters. These programs provide mentoring, networking opportunities, funding, marketing assistance, and access to state-of-the-art facilities for creative activities and prototyping.
3. Culture Technology (CT) R&D and Next-Generation Content
To maintain Korea’s competitive edge in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, KOCCA supports research and development in Culture Technology (CT), as well as the production of cutting-edge content formats like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive experiences.
4. Facilitating Global Collaborations and Co-Productions
KOCCA actively seeks partnerships and collaborations with major international content creators and distributors, such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO. By facilitating joint ventures, co-productions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, KOCCA aims to bridge the gap between Korean and global content industries, fostering cross-cultural creativity and innovation.
Recent Success Stories:
- KOCCA partnered with Netflix to co-produce the hit K-drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” which gained global popularity and critical acclaim.
- The agency facilitated a collaboration between Disney and Korean animation studio Roughsketch for the upcoming animated series “Lina and the Skywhale,” set to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
- KOCCA brokered a deal for the acquisition of the popular Korean webtoon “Hellbound” by Netflix, which was adapted into a highly successful original series in 2021.
- The agency facilitated the co-development of the animated feature film “Tiki Tiki” with Disney, based on a Korean children’s book, set for release in 2025.
5. Intellectual Property (IP) Acquisition and Co-Development
Recognizing the immense value of strong intellectual property (IP) in the content industry, KOCCA actively supports the acquisition and co-development of IP with global partners, ensuring that Korean stories and characters have a platform to reach audiences worldwide.
6. Establishing Korea as a Global Content Hub
KOCCA is committed to positioning Korea as a global content hub, offering state-of-the-art production facilities and infrastructure to attract international productions. The agency has invested in cutting-edge sound stages, post-production facilities, and visual effects studios, ensuring that Korea can cater to the most demanding and technologically advanced content creation needs.
Initiatives:
- KOCCA unveiled the “K-Content World,” a state-of-the-art media complex in Seoul, equipped with world-class production facilities, including virtual production stages and motion capture studios.
- The agency has established partnerships with leading international production service providers, offering streamlined support and resources for global content creators filming in Korea.
7. Global Content Industry Events and Forums
KOCCA organizes and participates in various global industry events and forums to promote Korean content, facilitate business opportunities, and foster knowledge exchange with international counterparts.
Key Events:
- K-Content Expo: A content-focused B2B event held in multiple countries, featuring business meetings, open sessions, and networking receptions to showcase Korean content companies and facilitate international partnerships.
- Seoul Content Summit: An annual gathering of industry leaders, creators, and experts from around the world to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global content landscape.
- KOCCA Launchpad: An annual event promoting Korean startups to venture capitalists, investors, and potential partners worldwide, featuring pitching sessions, coaching, VC meetings, workshops, and more.
8. Talent Exchange Programs
To foster cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing, KOCCA facilitates talent exchange programs with leading global content companies, enabling Korean creators and professionals to gain invaluable experience working on international projects and vice versa. Recent initiatives include a writer’s exchange program with HBO.
9. Global Incubators and Offices
KOCCA partners with prominent international accelerators and incubators to provide Korean content startups with access to global markets, mentorship, and funding opportunities. One such collaboration is with the Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), where KOCCA supports Korean startups in participating in IMDA’s accelerator programs, facilitating their expansion into Southeast Asian markets.
- KOCCA has established an office in the United States, recognizing it as the world’s largest entertainment market and home to major media giants like Disney, Fox, Paramount, and Warner Bros.
- Through its USA Business Center, KOCCA aims to facilitate successful entry of Korean creative content projects into the American market by building strong business networks between South Korea and the US.
- In addition to its US office, KOCCA has also set up offices in several other major global markets: Beijing and Shenzhen in China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and France.
This global presence allows KOCCA to support the international expansion of South Korea’s creative content industries by providing on-ground assistance, facilitating partnerships, and helping Korean companies navigate and penetrate these crucial overseas markets.
Through its multifaceted approach, encompassing startup support, global partnerships, talent development, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, KOCCA has positioned itself as a crucial catalyst in the global rise of Korean content. By fostering a thriving ecosystem for creative startups in Korea and facilitating collaborations with global content giants like Disney and Netflix, KOCCA is not only introducing path-breaking creations to the world but also solidifying Korea’s position as a global content powerhouse.
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