Korean content has become a global cultural force, but the next phase of growth increasingly depends on how intellectual property is developed, financed, and commercialized with international partners. U-KNOCK 2026 in Japan Summit arrives at a time when Korean and Japanese companies are exploring new models for co-production, licensing, platform partnerships, and fandom-driven business, creating fresh opportunities beyond the export of finished content.
U-KNOCK 2026 Brings Strategic Korea-Japan Content Partnerships and New IP Opportunities
U-KNOCK 2026 in Japan Summit is bringing 15 Korean content companies to Tokyo from July 7 to 9, gathering businesses across webtoons, drama, animation, K-POP, fandom platforms, content distribution, and education technology.
Hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), and operated by beSUCCESS Media Group, the three-day summit is designed to connect innovative Korean content companies with Japanese investors, media leaders, and strategic partners seeking new opportunities in investment, IP licensing, distribution, and co-creation of next-generation content.
Under the theme “Korea’s Content, the Formula for Success—in Tokyo,” the summit highlights the next wave of Korean content innovation and global expansion.
It offers a dynamic platform where Korean companies can connect with Japanese industry leaders to unlock new opportunities in intellectual property licensing, co-production, investment, and market expansion, enabling content to be adapted, scaled, and commercialized through powerful local partnerships.
Why Japan Matters for Korean Content Companies
Japan is one of Asia’s most sophisticated content markets, with deep expertise in publishing, animation, character licensing, gaming, and fan communities.
For Korean companies, Japan offers significant opportunities to pursue co-development models, investment relationships, and distribution partnerships that can help IPs expand across regional and global markets.
The summit comes as Korea’s content industry continues to expand internationally. According to Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, content exports reached a record USD 14.08 billion in 2024, underscoring the sector’s growing economic significance and international reach.
15 Companies Representing Korea’s Expanding Content IP Ecosystem
The participating companies span multiple segments of Korea’s content industry, demonstrating how the country’s intellectual property ecosystem has evolved beyond traditional entertainment.
Webtoon and Web Novel IP
- Mstoryhub Co., Ltd. manages more than 1,200 IPs across web novels, webtoons, dramas, animation, games, and merchandise. With over 120 titles expanded into 11 markets, its hit franchises include The Remarried Empress, Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story, and No Place for the Fake Princess.
- Monster Ryot Co., Ltd. is an original IP studio creating and commercializing webtoon content, with action and thriller titles such as Terror Man, Killer Police, Zombie Funeral, and Executioner that are well suited for film, drama, and game adaptations.
- TOYOU’S DREAM Co., Ltd. is a pioneering Korean webtoon studio with more than 600 titles, including God of Blackfield, Shark, Dokgo, and Musa Manlihaeng, spanning production, investment, creator management, and multimedia expansion.
Drama and Video Content
- WHYNOT Media produces dramas, variety shows, animation, and branded content for OTT and digital platforms, with titles including Light on Me, The World of My 17, Weather Forecast Love, and Match Play.
- EVENENT Co., Ltd. develops original drama, entertainment, and virtual IP projects, including Love Andante, Culinary Three Kingdoms, and Project BELIAN.
- WEMAD Co., Ltd. creates premium original drama and video IP for global audiences, with works such as The Red Sleeve, Check in Hanyang, Empathy Cell, and Love Phobia.
Animation
- Studio Gale Co., Ltd. is the creator of globally recognized franchises including Pororo, Tayo, Tish Tash, and Nano List, known for family entertainment and licensable character IP.
- Studio Eon Co., Ltd. develops original 3D animation IP and international co-productions using technologies such as Unreal Engine and AI-powered production.
K-pop, Live Entertainment, and Fandom Business
- Deepstudio Inc. develops AI-powered K-pop IP that combines fan participation and new monetization models through projects such as Saint XO Girls.
- Emotionwave Inc. operates TANGGLE, an AI-based character platform for interactive storytelling, content creation, and digital character experiences.
- Connected Stage Inc. develops TIXPLY, a Japan-focused ticketing platform that combines ticket sales with fan engagement and audience analytics.
- smim Inc. operates DailyDuck, a global K-pop fandom platform serving users in more than 60 countries through fan campaigns, events, merchandise, and character IP commerce.
- HJ Culture develops and produces musicals, theater, opera, and live performance IP across Korea and Japan, with a focus on Asian co-productions.
Content Distribution and Licensing
- FASTVIEW Co., Ltd. operates ViewUs, a SaaS platform serving more than 600 content providers with solutions for distribution, rights management, AI translation, and settlement services.
Education and Learning Content
- Glorang Inc. operates Gguge, an AI-enabled learning platform connecting educational content and creators across 57 countries, while expanding its global education ecosystem through Glorang Japan.
U-KNOCK 2026: Shaping the Next Wave of Korea-Japan Content Partnerships
U-KNOCK 2026 will offer a mix of public sessions, company presentations, and curated business matching programs designed to drive concrete business outcomes by connecting Korean content companies with Japanese investors, media groups, publishers, platforms, and strategic partners seeking new IP, co-production, and commercialization opportunities.
The summit opens on Day 1 at Tokyo Innovation Base, where participants will gain insights into the current state of Korea’s content industry and explore successful examples of Korea-Japan collaboration.
A special highlight of the program will be a keynote conversation featuring actress Kim Joo-ryoung, who gained international recognition through her role in Netflix’s flagship drama, Squid Game.
The focus then shifts to business development on Days 2 and 3 at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. These sessions will feature company pitch presentations and one-on-one business meetings, providing opportunities for Korean companies and Japanese participants to discuss potential partnerships, investment opportunities, licensing arrangements, and collaborative projects.
Participants may register separately for the public sessions, pitch presentations, and business matching programs according to their interests and objectives.
All sessions will be conducted in Japanese, with interpretation available for business meetings upon request.
Why Global Industry Stakeholders Should Pay Attention
For investors, publishers, media companies, production studios, and platform operators, U-KNOCK 2026 is a unique gateway to connect directly with Korea’s most innovative content companies and discover high-potential opportunities across the entire content value chain.
Beyond showcasing finished entertainment products, the 15 participating companies will present original intellectual property, cutting-edge technology platforms, scalable content infrastructure, and proven business models ready for licensing, investment, co-production, and market expansion across Asia and beyond.
As Korean content continues to shape global entertainment trends, U-KNOCK 2026 offers a timely opportunity to build strategic partnerships, explore new revenue streams, and collaborate on the next generation of globally competitive content businesses.
Ready to Join U-KNOCK 2026? Here’s How to Get Involved
Discover new opportunities in Korean content. Join public sessions, company pitches, and business matching programs by registering on the official event website.
- Date: July 7 – 9, 2026
- Time: 13:00 – 18:00 JST
- Venue:
- Tokyo Innovation Base, Marunouchi (Day 1),
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Nihonbashi (Day 2 – 3)
U-KNOCK 2026: A Glimpse Into the Next Phase of Korean Content Globalization
Korean entertainment has won global audiences. U-KNOCK 2026 turns that momentum into real action.
So, if you’re looking to connect with the next wave of Korean content innovation, this is the place to be.
Join U-KNOCK 2026 and meet Korea’s rising content companies in Tokyo.
Registration is now open. Secure your seat today.
For more information: [email protected]
Key Takeaway
- U-KNOCK 2026 in Japan Summit is taking place in Tokyo on July 7-9, 2026.
- The event brings together 15 Korean content companies spanning webtoons, drama, animation, K-POP, fandom platforms, content distribution, and education.
- The summit is hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organized by KOCCA, and operated by beSUCCESS Media Group.
- The program aims to facilitate discussions around intellectual property licensing, investment, co-production, distribution partnerships, and strategic business collaboration.
- Media companies, investors, publishers, platform operators, production studios, and strategic partners can apply through the official event website at https://u-knock.com.
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