On the morning of the 30th, Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation unveiled "Jopams," characters that reinterpret the historical figures on Korea's currency, at the Gwangheungchang Currency Product Store in Seoul. "Jopams," a portmanteau of "Minting" and "family (Fams)," was created through an industry-academia collaboration project with Kookmin University that lasted about a year.
Since April last year, the corporation conducted in-depth interviews, strategy development, forums, and a business agreement with Kookmin University students to build the characters' identity. In particular, it focused on intuitive and creative expressions tailored to the sensibilities of the MZ generation (a term combining millennials and Generation Z).
A total of three characters were unveiled, characterized by reimagining the figures on currency in spirit form. "Hunmin (King Sejong)" symbolizes cultural projects, "Sunsik (Admiral Yi Sun-sin)" represents the medal and coin business, and "Daim (Shin Saimdang)" stands for the security printing business.
The corporation plans to use these characters to enhance brand value and business competitiveness. It will introduce products and behind-the-scenes production stories through its website, online mall, and social networking services (SNS), and aims to expand touchpoints with consumers. It also expects to broaden its customer base through character merchandise linked to the recently popular "currency goods" and through pop-up events.
President Seong Chang-hoon said, "Currency is more than a simple means of payment; it is a cultural asset that holds the nation's history and identity," adding, "We will shed the rigid image of a public institution and leap forward as a K-culture content corporations that inspires the public."