Origin Summit 2025, which surveys the convergence of the global IP (intellectual property) industry with artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, was held on the 23rd at Anderson C in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The event was co-hosted by Story, an IP-based blockchain platform corporations, and Blockworks, a U.S. blockchain-focused media outlet.
In the opening speech, Story Chief Executive Lee Seung-yoon said, "Korea is a country where IP, AI, and crypto are naturally integrated," adding, "Story's programmable IP will help dismantle the IP monopoly structure centered on existing large corporations and increase asset liquidity."
Leaders from Korea's entertainment sector drew attention at the event. The Black Label Chief Executive Jeong Kyung-in, HYBE APAC Chief Executive Yoo Dong-joo, and SM Entertainment CAO Lee Sung-su held a discussion on "K-pop IP and fandom in the AI era."
Jeong Kyung-in said, "K-pop fandoms go beyond merely consuming music to actively participating in content creation and dissemination as 'pro-sumers' and 'partners,'" adding, "Fan communities are promoting idols in various ways, including taking part in challenges, creating memes, and voting on chart rankings, and K-pop companies are also paying special attention to communication with them by increasing fan-participation stages."
CAO Lee Sung-su said, "Because Korea is a small market, K-pop was designed from the start with a global target," adding, "New technology has always shaken up the entertainment industry, and even this year, marking the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment's founding, its growth cannot be separated from a technology-based system together with fans."
Chief Executive Yoo Dong-joo said, "We are expanding fan participation through a multi-label system and fandom platforms," adding, "The biggest feature of K-pop is becoming diversity, not the 'K.'"
Kim Seo-joon, who chaired the session, said, "Unlike general pop, K-pop's biggest characteristic is that it has a universe," adding, "Although a 'K-pop crisis' is mentioned every year, it continues to grow year after year."
Also participating were major global figures including The Pinkfong Company co-founder Lee Seung-gyu of "Baby Shark," TRON founder Justin Sun, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, Morgan Stanley's Amy Oldenburg, Grayscale's Rei Hen Sharif-Asghari, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) Luca Netz, and Animoca Brands' Yat Siu.
Story said, "Origin Summit will be held sequentially in major hub cities around the world, starting with Seoul," adding, "Korea's strategic standing as a hub where IP, capital, and technology converge will be further highlighted." Detailed programs can be found on the official website (www.originsummit.xyz).