Korean intellectual property in the spotlight at Taiwan Creative Content Fest Forum

The Taiwan Creative Content Fest forum, Stories in Motion: From IP to Investment to Global, delved deeper into how Asian stories move through the modern value chain – from original intellectual property to financing to global circulation.

Sean Saeyoon Shim, CEO of Mr. Romance, and Yungsun Soh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of A+E Global Media, Korea, one of the most influential women in international entertainment, joined the discussion moderated by Jayde Lin, CEO of DaMou Entertainment.

The conversation opened with Korea’s webtoon ecosystem, a prolific source of globally adaptable intellectual property. “Webtoons are pre-tested by audiences. They give producers a solid basis to gauge demand,” Shim said. “But international viability is just as crucial. For Korea or Taiwan, the key is to pursue themes that feel original and sincere – stories whose emotional reach transcends borders.”

Soh observed that despite growing global attention to Asian content, the journey from IP to screen has become more complex. “Competition from streaming and rising production costs are introducing new pressures. That’s why it’s more important than ever to align with partners who share the same creative and strategic vision,” she noted.

Packaging remains a determining factor when it comes to investment. Shim explained that he relies on informal audience feedback before aligning with financiers, but highlighted the second phase of the journey: “Once a show is on a platform, the big question is how it cuts through the noise. »

Soh also agrees: “Everyone wants to stand out on global streamers. But Asian stories – from Korea and increasingly from the region – resonate around the world. Strong storytelling combined with strong marketing will find its audience.”

Shim cited “Moving,” the Disney+ hit that took seven years to shape its first season, as an example of long-arc intellectual property development paying off.

Looking to the global market, he sees two critical paths for markets where domestic demand is declining: international co-production to share risks and expand reach, and shifting development from B2B to B2C, including blockchain mechanisms that allow the public to participate as micro-investors or even influence casting. “This creates a new channel of communication between producers and viewers,” he stressed.

Mr Romance CEO Shim, who signed a memorandum of understanding with TAICCA in March, admitted that working in government-backed settings comes with both security and conditions. Despite this, both speakers were optimistic that the next wave of pan-Asian partnerships – with Taiwan firmly involved – will push regional intellectual property even further onto the global stage.