[Exclusive]BTS game opens a new genre, short-form as a strategic move..Jeong Min-chae (CEO) "I feel proud" [★Research Lab] [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] [★Research Lab] StarNews meets with people driving the entertainment industry, uncovering their unique know-how and success strategies. We introduce the practical experience and philosophy of those who quietly pave the way behind the glamorous stars.

Ten years after founding Take One Company, Jeong Min-chae (CEO) reflected, "We have tried various things in the content industry." Take One Company has expanded its reach across the entire content industry, including games, dramas, webtoons, animation, and original IP development. Jeong (CEO) was reading the potential of the short-form market amidst rapidly changing content consumption trends. However, his vision was not limited to simply "short videos" or temporary trends. It was about creating a powerful IP and building a content ecosystem that endures by expanding it into dramas, movies, games, and MD businesses. The future Jeong Min-chae (CEO) envisioned was far beyond what exists today.

Take One Company launched the cinematic mobile game 'BTS WORLD' in 2019, utilizing real-life footage of BTS. 'BTS WORLD' was released in 176 countries globally, recording the highest sales ever for an idol IP game.

Subsequently, in 2023, they successfully launched 'BLACKPINK THE GAME', and later that year, unveiled cinematic games utilizing K-POP artist IPs such as 'NCT ZONE' featuring NCT members and 'ENHYPEN WORLD : Eternal Moment'.

Jeong (CEO) stated, "The FMV (Full Motion Video) real-life games we created 10 years ago are now a trend, and many are being made. At that time, there wasn't even a term for it, so we are proud to have created a pioneering model." He added, "'BTS WORLD' opened a new genre, and having a lineup that includes BLACKPINK, NCT, and ENHYPEN was (the company's) biggest achievement."

Games based on famous idols are advantageous for securing initial buzz, but meeting users' sustained needs is considered a difficult challenge.

Jeong (CEO) emphasized that he found meaning precisely at this point. He said, "It was the same with BTS, but in the case of 'NCT ZONE', tens of thousands of users who downloaded it on the first day remained connected every single day throughout the service period." He described it as "a case showing tremendous loyalty and passion."

He further explained, "I believe it was meaningful in that it provided small, daily fun to such fans, allowing them to naturally continue their 'fan activities'."

Regarding future plans, he stated, "As the service period progresses, we are considering update directions and are also preparing good IPs and new games. We also plan to relaunch existing games in different formats and forms at the appropriate time."

Jeong (CEO) majored in media studies at the University of London and worked at Netmarble and Chorongbaem Media, handling overseas strategy and drama production (PD) roles, respectively. Take One Company, founded in 2016, is a company where Jeong Min-chae (CEO)'s such work experiences are fully reflected.

He established a subsidiary, Take One Studio, and officially began the business of discovering original IPs such as dramas and webtoons, and expanded the business by acquiring animation production company Ice Cream Studio.

"We have tried new things and lived busily over the past 10 years," Jeong (CEO) shared his thoughts and also conveyed his honest views on the trends of the content industry.

Jeong (CEO) said, "There was a period when the content industry was intensely in the spotlight, and our company also received many proposals and investment offers. Especially during the pandemic, OTTs surged, and Korean content gained global popularity, leading to fierce competition and a boom."

He continued, "But looking back now, I think the situation at that time was a kind of bubble. While the market has not recovered, overall costs such as production and labor expenses have risen, making it a very difficult time for content production companies."

Take One Company launched the global K-POP short-form platform 'KITZ' in January. Derived from 'Kinema Shortz', Kitz aims to be a space where one can enjoy sensory premium short-form dramas and K-POP content as if watching a movie. The premium short-form dramas promoted by Kitz are works starring K-POP artists produced by domestic top-tier production teams, characterized by beautiful cinematography and solid storytelling different from existing short-form dramas.

Kitz is strengthening its competitiveness by building its own content library, including 'Wind Up' starring NCT Zen and Jaemin, a premium short-form drama, 'Jump Boy LIVE' starring VERIVERY's Kangmin, and FMV content 'Kill the Romeo' starring CRAVITY's Hyungjun.

-Continuing to Interview ②

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*This content was translated by AI.