Ava Labs, the developer behind the Avalanche blockchain network, is working on introducing web3 technologies to enhance intellectual property management in the rapidly growing K-pop market.

Justin Kim, who leads Ava Labs’ operations in South Korea, discussed the company’s strategic moves to bring blockchain solutions to the forefront of the entertainment sector in an interview with DL News on June 25.

K-pop, known for its massive and dedicated fanbase, is projected to generate substantial revenue from events and merchandise in the coming years. Based on recent research, the market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2031.

Ava Labs aims to tap into this potential by integrating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other web3 applications to enhance fan engagement and ensure fair compensation for artists.

Intellectual property management

Kim said the K-pop industry faces significant challenges with financial transparency, as artists often do not receive their fair share of revenue from merchandise and content sales.

Blockchain technology, particularly NFTs, can provide a solution by recording exact sales figures and ensuring transparent transactions. Kim said that Ava Labs has been securing partnerships with South Korea’s major industrial conglomerates, known as “chaebols,” to facilitate the adoption of web3 technologies.

Kim highlighted one notable partnership with SK Group, the country’s third-largest conglomerate, which began collaborating with Ava Labs last year. The partnership focuses on implementing NFT-based ticketing systems for K-pop concerts, leveraging SK Group’s extensive technological infrastructure.

Kim added that collaborating with large, established companies is crucial for retail adoption as these companies already have a substantial user base, which smaller web3 startups often lack.

Kim said using NFTs for K-pop merchandise will allow artists to have a “clear and transparent record of sales” that will ensure appropriate compensation and address a “long-standing issue in the industry.”

Expanding web3 tech

Ava Labs has also invested in Titan Content, a creative studio that blends K-pop with NFTs and other web3 innovations. Titan Content is led by Han Se-min, the former head of SM Entertainment, South Korea’s largest K-pop agency, known for managing popular groups like EXO and NCT.

Additionally, Ava Labs is exploring opportunities in South Korea’s vibrant online gaming market. In March, the company announced plans to bring Nexon’s popular game MapleStory into the crypto space by incorporating NFTs as in-game assets, facilitating easier trading among players.

As Ava Labs continues to expand its presence across Asia, with offices in Japan, Vietnam, and India, the company’s innovative approach to integrating blockchain technology into mainstream industries highlights its commitment to driving digital transformation.

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