The 2025 Dunamu Professional Table Tennis League Series 1 has successfully concluded. The heated excitement and interest throughout the tournament transcended a mere sports event, becoming an opportunity to showcase new marketing models regarding the potential of Korean table tennis and the sports industry.
The success factors of this tournament were clear.
First, the foundation of all this success lies in Dunamu's continued sponsorship. Dunamu sponsored the Professional Table Tennis League in 2022 and 2023. Although the league was suspended in 2024, temporarily halting the sponsorship, it returned to support the new league concept of the newly launched Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTP) in 2025.
Dunamu's significant sponsorship participation in the Korea Table Tennis Association KTTP enabled stable operations and a high-quality stage configuration for the tournament. Beyond mere financial support, it laid the groundwork for enhancing brand value in the sport and expanding content.
Hyeon Jeong-hwa, the chairperson of the Korea Table Tennis Association, noted, "Thanks to Dunamu's continuous support, we were able to create a high-quality stage production and broadcasting structure, as well as a prize money system."
Stage production using Sports Presentation (SPP) and vibrant broadcasting through a special studio heightened audience engagement, and the performances of new players like Lee Da-eun (Korea Racing Authority) and Lee Seung-eun (Korean Air) brought fresh excitement.
In particular, the unprecedented total prize money of 100 million won sparked new interest in table tennis, which had been 'their league'.
Kang Hyung-seok, the competition manager, praised, "The players' eyes have changed. It felt like a real professional atmosphere. Previously, even winning would only earn us a certificate, which was not motivating, but this time it was really different. I saw potential."
The high quality of the broadcasts also became a hot topic. The improved broadcasting quality exceeded existing internet streaming quality, reaching a level that received evaluations akin to "Olympic broadcasts."
The Korea Table Tennis Association operated its own broadcasting team without relying on a broadcast partner, resulting in a justification for securing a leadership role in marketing effectiveness and content dissemination.
Audience reactions were also enthusiastic. Tickets sold exclusively through its own promotional channels recorded a complete sell-out, achieving sell-out numbers throughout the tournament despite ticket prices ranging from 10,000 won to 40,000 won. In particular, the high percentage of fans who repurchased tickets after the first day of the tournament is very encouraging.
Content on social media and YouTube has received explosive responses, with several contents already surpassing 10,000 views. Especially, women's division player Yoo Si-woo (Hwaseong City Corporation) and men's division player Park Kang-hyun (Mirae Asset Securities) are already garnering fan bases based on their outstanding appearances.
Praise has continued from players, table tennis enthusiasts, and media officials.
Park Kang-hyun (Mirae Asset Securities) expressed, "It's amazing to experience such a tense stage in Korea. Even the players from other teams who couldn't compete were envious. I'm really thankful to the tournament organizers," while struggling to contain his excitement.
Lee Tae-seong, president of the Korea Table Tennis Association, also said, "This stage was at the World Table Tennis (WTT) level. It will be a definitive stepping stone for Korean table tennis to gain international competitiveness. I'm really grateful to the Korea Table Tennis Association" with deep emotion.
Hyeon Jeong-hwa, the chairperson, conveyed, "I wanted to create a tournament that would truly warm the hearts of the players, and I believe this league will lead to skill improvement. It will certainly be a good stage to achieve great results in the Olympics."
Table tennis is gaining attention again.
This league was a stage that proved the possibility of a 'Korean sports success model' where the three elements of content, marketing, and branding are intertwined.
Ahn Guk-hee, the secretary-general of the Korea Table Tennis Association who planned the tournament, said, "It was surprising that even though we couldn't sufficiently promote it, all seats were sold out. In particular, foreign fans also visited, showing potential. We are planning products linked with foreign tourists for the next tournament," and added, "Though it was on a small scale, we secured the driving force to have sufficient self-sustainability. Particularly, the interest and participation of overseas fans, including from Taiwan, showed that professional table tennis could transform from a mere sport into a global festival. The cheers and enthusiasm emanating both inside and outside the venue indicate that professional table tennis is preparing for a new leap on the world stage."
At the very beginning of professional table tennis, there were also efforts to implement ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) values through sports rather than just simple sponsorship, creating a celebration.
Aside from the participating Dunamu as the title sponsor, various corporations from diverse industries, such as KTGRZ SPORTS, Neulchan Hospital, Rieun Food, and Grida Factory, have also joined as official sponsors.
Additionally, leading local companies and listed firms such as Axiom, Kyochon F&B, Nexy, Neps Lab, Bungeoro94, Original Beer Company, Downing, and Eco & End have participated as partners, demonstrating the potential for professional table tennis to grow into a platform that connects industry and society beyond just a sporting event.
Going forward, professional table tennis is expected to evolve into a stage for cultural and corporate ESG realization beyond spectator sports through corporate sponsorship and attracting investments. The synergy created by healthy collaboration between corporations and sports is illuminating an even brighter future for professional table tennis.
Lastly, Hyeon Jeong-hwa, the chairperson, remarked, "Inquiries from sponsors regarding the two remaining tournaments of this year are already coming in. We will analyze the effects of this tournament and create a stage where more teams and players can participate and be satisfied starting next year. We will also prepare thoroughly to ensure that not only the players but also fans, table tennis enthusiasts, and sponsors can all be satisfied."
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