Growth in Korea's game and story-content markets is slowing. This report uses Netmarble's new distribution channels and Kakao Entertainment's merger of three story studios to show how Korean content firms are widening their reach and extending IP life cycles rather than relying on new hits.
Netmarble Pairs a New Japan Title with Domestic Distribution Deals
Netmarble is bringing an original subculture title to Japan while widening domestic distribution through a banking app and the Galaxy Store
Key Issues
An original IP, not a licensed one: 'Pearl in Blue' will be shown for the first time at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe. Unlike Netmarble's two other entries, it is an original IP, built on a 'monthly rom-com' concept that adds a new heroine and story each month.
A banking app as a user-acquisition channel: Netmarble is running an event for 'StoneAge: Idle Adventure' inside Hana Bank's Hana 1Q app through September 30, rewarding players with in-game currency and app cash. Hana Bank says joint promotions will follow.
The first Galaxy Store launch: 'Seven Knights Re:BIRTH' opened pre-registration on August 18 ahead of its September 3 Galaxy Store launch, the first Netmarble title to appear on Samsung's storefront.
Kakao Entertainment Merges Three Story Studios into One
Kakao Entertainment is merging three story-content subsidiaries as story revenue slides and adaptations drive readers back to the original webtoon
Key Issues
Three content providers become one: The boards of Samyang C&C, Intime and Feelyeon Management approved the merger on August 12; the three wholly owned units will operate as Samyang C&C.
A response to slowing story revenue: Kakao's second-quarter story revenue fell 16 percent from a year earlier to 210.7 billion won, after a 14 percent drop in the first quarter. The company says it will stretch each IP's life cycle further into drama and animation.
Adaptations lift the original webtoons: After MBC’s “A Bona Fide Killer” began airing, views of the original Kakao webtoon increased tenfold. Baram Pictures, a production subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment, co-produced the drama. Meanwhile, “Mousetrap,” a Netflix series based on the Kakao webtoon “Field Mouse,” premieres on August 28.
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