The global character IP industry is at a major turning point. Characters are no longer just entertainment properties; they’ve become brand assets that connect with consumers across various industries. From digital content and merchandise to retail and experiential marketing, character IPs are transforming into cross-industry platforms.
In Asia, Korea is quickly emerging as a central force in this evolution, backed by the global success of K-drama, K-pop, and iconic characters like Pororo and Pinkfong. And at the heart of this growing ecosystem is the Korea Character Licensing Fair 2025 (KCLF 2025), taking place this July in Seoul.
Unlike other global licensing events that span multiple categories, KCLF is the world’s only licensing fair dedicated solely to character IPs. This exclusive focus provides an environment where character creators and IP holders gain maximum visibility and buyers can efficiently discover new IPs aligned with their specific needs. By concentrating on character content alone, KCLF creates a highly curated platform that enhances business matching and streamlines decision-making.
Global Growth of Character IPs: The Rise of K-Characters
According to the 2023 Character Industry White Paper published by the Korea Creative Content Agency, character IPs are expanding across webtoons, animation, games, fashion, retail, and digital platforms, becoming central to the content industry as a whole. Globally, this trend is even more pronounced. Licensing International’s 2024 report reveals that in 2023, character licensing generated $14.76 billion in revenue—accounting for 41.4% of total global licensing income, surpassing even sports and fashion.
K-Characters are riding this wave. BT21, created by LINE FRIENDS and BTS, has collaborated with brands like UNIQLO and Converse. Molang, originally designed in Korea and developed globally by Millimages, has seen massive success through platforms like Netflix and Nickelodeon. And Pinkfong‘s Baby Shark has become a household name worldwide through co-productions with Nickelodeon and Paramount, as well as digital innovations including Amazon Alexa content and NFTs.
KCLF 2024 Recap and What’s Ahead in 2025
Last year, KCLF 2024 hosted over 230 companies and welcomed more than 20,000 attendees. The event facilitated around 600 business consultations. Notably, strong connections were made with buyers from Asia, Europe, and North America.
This year, it will be co-hosted with Korea’s leading board game exhibition, “Board Game Con,” offering a richer experience. The event will also spotlight rising Gen Z-focused character IPs, whose innovative designs and digital-native strategies are reshaping consumer engagement. Curated special zones will further support the growth of character IPs and provide deeper, more immersive experiences for both industry professionals and the general public.
Early Access, Exclusive Benefits: The KCLF Buyer Experience
KCLF 2025 offers a 1:1 business matching program to foster meaningful collaboration between exhibitors and buyers. In addition, pre-registered buyers may be selected through an internal screening process to become official invited buyers. Selected invitees will receive support for their journey to KCLF2025, including access to a buyer kit and networking party.
The earlier you register, the higher your chances of being invited—early registration is highly recommended.
KCLF 2025 is a platform where character creators, brands, industries, and buyers come together to explore both emotional connections and business opportunities.
Discover new possibilities for business growth at KCLF 2025!
▶ Visit the official KCLF 2025 website
▶ [Pre-register as a buyer]
