NEWS
Content startup OI-Studio announced on July 14th that it participated in Asia’s largest content trade show, Content Tokyo 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 2 to 4, where it showcased its first-person spatial audio technology OI-Sounds and short-form webtoon video format, marking the beginning of its full-scale entry into the Japanese market.
Over the three-day event, more than 300 visitors per day visited the OI-Studio booth. Through numerous on-site meetings and technical demonstrations, OI-Studio secured tangible business collaboration opportunities.
The studio's proprietary mobile media-focused spatial audio technology OI-Sounds drew attention from Japanese audio technology giants such as Sony, Yamaha, and Panasonic, as well as automotive audio companies like Toyota and Honda. It also caught the interest of content IP and entertainment companies such as Sanrio, Bandai Namco, Universal, and SoftBank. Additionally, OI-Studio engaged with major broadcasters and production companies including TV Asahi Video, NHK Enterprises, and Tokyo Sound Production, confirming the potential for expanding spatial audio-based content in the Japanese content market.
The studio's flagship short-form webtoon video format particularly resonated with the Japanese market, where vertical comics are already popular. This format, which utilizes vertically formatted images to create short-form video content, offers higher production efficiency and viewer immersion compared to animation. It is being recognized as a secondary utilization model for digital comic IP. During the exhibition, OI-Studio attracted interest from animation studios, IP holders, and entertainment companies, leading to actual sales of content packages.
During the event, OI-Studio also held business meetings with Swiss AI-based IP development company Largo.ai to discuss potential collaboration on data-driven IP co-development. At the Tokyo Innovation Base, a startup hub in Tokyo, the company presented a pitch to major Japanese angel investors and venture capitalists, showcasing the scalability and collaborative potential of its technology-driven content business.
https://m.mt.co.kr/renew/view_amp.html?no=2025071414425864380
(Source: Money Today, Reporter Lee Dong-oh)
Hello,
This is OI-Studio.
We are pleased to announce our participation in "Content Tokyo 2025," Asia’s largest content exhibition held annually in Tokyo, Japan.
Dates: July 2 (Wed) – July 4 (Fri), 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Booth Location: Immersive Zone / 8-12
We sincerely invite your interest and support.
Starting with this exhibition, we aim to showcase the excellence of our K-content powered by proprietary technology and grow as a leading force in Japan’s rapidly digitalizing content market.
Thank you.
The Original Creator of Karma Anticipates a Gripping New Adaptation
On March 27, Kakao Entertainment released a statement from Choi Hee-sun, the original creator of the Kakao Webtoon Karma, ahead of the upcoming Netflix series of the same name based on the webtoon.
Karma is drawing attention as a prime example of Kakao Entertainment's IP value chain synergy, produced in-house and based on the Kakao Webtoon original.
▲ Photo = Kakao Entertainment
The webtoon Karma, serialized on Kakao Webtoon for ten months starting in April 2019, gained popularity for its intense portrayal of tangled fates between multiple characters. With a suspenseful narrative, it follows a man with malicious intent trying to repay private loan debt, another man who ends up disposing of a body, and a woman carrying an unhealed emotional wound—all becoming entangled through a series of events that build toward a gripping conclusion.
Choi Hee-sun, known for works like Encounter (46 million views), Motel Oasis, and The Man Who Rips Smiles, consistently delivers original plot twists and thrills. Karma, which has accumulated around 10 million views, has long been awaited by fans for a screen adaptation.
Ahead of the Netflix premiere on April 4, Choi shared her thoughts and the inspiration behind creating the original webtoon. "From the very beginning, I approached Karma thinking, ‘How can I deceive the reader?’ I often incorporated tricks in my short stories, and expanding that approach into a full-length series is how Karma began," she said. "Though the stories of the different protagonists seem disconnected at first, readers were drawn in by how everything came together."
Regarding the upcoming series, she added, "As someone more familiar with print comics than webtoons, I had dreamed of releasing a physical book. So seeing it adapted into a series feels surreal. I’m looking forward to watching it as a viewer myself and hope it’s a binge-worthy, captivating show."
Karma (directed and written by Lee Il-hyung) also highlights the full scope of Kakao Entertainment’s capabilities across the entertainment spectrum. Produced by a Kakao Entertainment-affiliated studio label with a track record of global hits, the crime thriller follows six people bound by inescapable, twisted ties of fate. It marks director Lee Il-hyung’s first series, following films like The Prosecutor and Remember, and stars Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-jun, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon.
To coincide with the series release, Kakao Webtoon is also hosting various in-app events. Through May 11, the "Choi Hee-sun Creator Showcase" offers a chance to win 5,000 cash credits for readers who view over 50 episodes of works such as Karma, Motel Oasis, The Man Who Rips Smiles, and Encounter. Until April 10, readers of Karma can also enter lucky draws for webtoon passes, cash, and coffee vouchers. Additionally, starting April 4, pre-orders begin for a limited-edition collector’s package of Encounter, which includes a DVD and photobook. Produced exclusively for mobile with spatial audio technology, the audio webtoon provides a unique content experience that differs from the original comic.
Park Ah-reum, Newsen
jamie@newsen.com
Source: https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202503270950431910
Choi Hee-sun’s next masterpiece following Netflix’s Karma — Encounter!
👇👇👇 Audio Webtoon: Encounter 👇👇👇
Hello, this is OI-Studio.
We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as a contributing company to the cultural content industry in Incheon for 2024, and we have been awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Mayor of Incheon.
Based on our identity as a South Korean cultural content company, we will strive to grow into a key player that influences the thoughts and values of people around the world.
In the current economic situation in South Korea, where there is a strong need for new growth drivers based on fresh ideas and conceptual designs, we will fulfill our responsibilities and roles as a startup company.
Thank you.
Question.
Think.
Action.
Hello, this is OI-Studio
We are pleased to announce that we have been selected for the 2024 Startup Growth Technology Development Project, Stepping Stone R&D 3rd Phase, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency (TIPA).
This project is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting the innovative growth of technology-based startups and advancing our nation toward becoming a global leader in entrepreneurship.
Through this project, OI-Studio plans to further enhance our first-person spatial audio technology, OI-Sounds, which is specialized for mobile media, and develop it into a fifth-generation technology.
To implement spatial audio with traditional audio solutions, both consumers and providers needed separate licenses and expensive specialized equipment.
In contrast, our OI-Sounds technology eliminates entry barriers for consumers and delivers optimal spatial audio based on widely accessible personal audio devices (such as earphones and headphones) that are now common among the public.
We will continue to bring sound technology and exclusive content that align with the mobile-centric content media environment.
Thank you.
The popular webtoon The Encounter (written by Choi Hee-sun), which has accumulated over 50 million views on KakaoPage and Kakao Webtoon, will be produced as an audio webtoon by Yugijineng Studio.
The Encounter is a crime thriller that unravels everyday incidents through an omnibus format, with the author's unique sense of twists and immersive storytelling, gaining a loyal fan base.
In addition to the captivating story of the original, this audio webtoon, which features realistic voice acting by actors, excellent sound design, and spatial audio technology, is expected to lead the era of "see and hear" webtoons, garnering significant attention as a new and exciting form of content.
Hyeon Taeho, CEO of Yugijineng Studio, who produced the audio webtoon 'The Encounter', stated, "Audio webtoons, with significantly higher production efficiency compared to animation, are gaining attention as a new growth engine for the webtoon industry as it expands into the global market. Through the first-ever crime thriller genre audio webtoon *The Encounter*, I hope to contribute to both the quantitative and qualitative growth of the entire webtoon market, which is currently in a slump."
Since its establishment in 2019, Yugijineng Studio has been producing a variety of content based on its proprietary first-person spatial audio technology, OI-Sounds. The studio is currently focusing on mobile-exclusive content such as audio webtoons, reel-toons, and cinematic docents, in line with the ongoing shift toward mobile-based content consumption trends.
Source: Daily Economy (http://www.kdpress.co.kr)
http://www.kdpress.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=133685
Source: Hankyung Magazine (https://magazine.hankyung.com)
Photo provided by OI-Studio
Yugijineng Studio announced on the 1st that the popular webtoon 'Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' will be produced as an audio webtoon and released through crowdfunding.
'Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' is a work that combines Greek and Roman mythology with Norse mythology in a munchkin genre, gaining a fan base with its unique and captivating story and distinctive characters. The audio webtoon version goes beyond traditional text-based webtoons and is created in a "see and hear" format, enhancing the action-fantasy elements of the original work.
The audio webtoon 'Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' applies Yugijineng Studio's first-person spatial audio technology, OI-Sounds, to maximize immersion. This sound technology draws listeners into the first-person perspective of the characters, providing a unique content experience optimized for mobile environments using commonly available smartphones and earphones. Additionally, it is planned as mobile-exclusive content tailored to the trend of mobile-centric content consumption, increasing both convenience and immersion for users.
Photo provided by OI-Studio
The crowdfunding, which will be released through Tumblbug, offers not only the audio webtoon consisting of 20 episodes but also premium merchandise, such as limited-edition character-based figurine keychains and sweatshirt t-shirts, all based on the webtoon’s characters.
Hyeon Taeho, CEO of Yugijineng Studio, which is responsible for the planning and production, said, "We have created a high-quality package that appeals not only to the original fandom but also to the general public who prefer rare premium goods. By introducing the new content of audio webtoons to the public, we’ve enhanced satisfaction with collectible merchandise that offers great value."
Meanwhile, the audio webtoon 'Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' is a joint project between the startup content production company Yugijineng Studio and StoryWiz, a content production and distribution company under KT, drawing attention for the collaboration between a large corporation and a startup.
Original article:
https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2024110115413276657
The 2024 International Security Industry Exhibition was successfully held at Songdo Convensia, and during this event, Yugijineng Studio introduced the "Exhibition Tour Guide" utilizing its first-person spatial audio technology.
Yugijineng Studio explained that the "Exhibition Tour Guide" goes beyond the traditional exhibition guides, which were limited to paper leaflets and group voice docents. The new guide is designed to help visitors better understand and enjoy the exhibition and participating companies with ease.
Beyond simply providing company information, the Exhibition Tour Guide offers an immersive storytelling experience, as if a real tour guide is personally guiding visitors, using spatial audio technology.
Especially, the Exhibition Tour Guide provided through the specialized exhibition application, OI-Salon, maximizes user convenience on-site while focusing on creatively delivering company introductions. Through auditory storytelling, including the voice of the representative, listeners can learn about the company’s history, philosophy, and key products. The immersive spatial audio technology makes it feel as though visitors are directly hearing explanations of each company’s booth, providing a lifelike experience.
Yugijineng Studio CEO Hyeon Taeho stated, "The first-person spatial audio-based tour guide showcased at the exhibition is not just a technology promotion; it is an attempt to offer visitors a new type of offline content experience and create active connections between buyers and companies." He further explained that through this exhibition, the studio aims to expand the opportunities to integrate this technology not only in traditional exhibition arts but also in various industrial exhibition fields.
Meanwhile, the International Security Industry Exhibition is being held at Songdo Convensia until the 26th, where visitors can explore security-related technologies and key products from various domestic and international companies, including Hyundai Motor, KT, SNT, and Motorola Solutions Korea.
Korea Economy Business original article:
https://magazine.hankyung.com/business/article/202410246220b
Eom Jeong-han, Partner Patent Attorney at BLT Patent Law Firm
The digital content market is evolving rapidly. While simple text or image-based webtoons were dominant in the past, there is now an active push to go beyond these limitations.
Yugijineng Studio (CEO Hyeon Taeho) is one of the startups leading this change, aiming to transform the market through a new genre called "audio webtoons."
The "audio webtoon" proposed by Yugijineng Studio goes beyond simply reading a comic; it offers an experience where the story of the comic is heard through sound. By combining sound with existing webtoons, it maximizes immersion and creates a turning point where the reader transforms into a listener.
To achieve this, the company utilizes its self-developed "OI-Sounds," a first-person spatial audio technology. This technology differentiates itself from conventional spatial audio systems that require expensive equipment and complex licenses, allowing anyone to easily experience spatial audio with just a mobile device.
Introduction of Yugijineng Studio's spatial audio technology, "OI-Sounds." [Photo: Yugijineng Studio]
The OI-Sounds technology is specifically developed with mobile environments in mind. This technology, easily applicable on mobile devices, allows users to enjoy various media content in '16:9' or '9:16' aspect ratios. This technological foundation is helping Yugijineng Studio's content not only remain within the domestic market but also target the global short-form content market.
Audio webtoons are opening new possibilities as "secondary works" within the webtoon industry. Typically, secondary works of webtoons are often adapted into animations or dramas. However, Yugijineng Studio has focused on expanding secondary works using audio content. As a result, audio webtoons have been created, offering efficient production at about one-tenth the cost of animation. Yet, they still provide an immersive experience comparable to animation for readers.
Audio Webtoon 'Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' [Photo: Yugijineng Studio]
'Audio Webtoon: Gods' Part-Time Kingdom' is one of Yugijineng Studio's most successful cases. This work uses first-person spatial audio technology to provide readers with an experience that makes them feel as if they are directly participating in the story, earning high praise. The production of audio webtoons based on this "original IP" shows the potential for future collaboration and expansion.
A recent trend gaining attention in the digital content market is "short-form content." Short, intense stories distributed through platforms are gaining global popularity. Yugijineng Studio quickly recognized this trend and developed a strategy to target the global short-form content market. Particularly, audio webtoons have the potential to evolve into even stronger content when combined with short-form live-action films or dramas. Through this, Yugijineng Studio aims to achieve over 5 billion KRW in sales within the next three years.
Yugijineng Studio is not only focused on content production but also on developing and expanding its own IP. This is a crucial element for staying competitive in the content industry and serves as the driving force behind Yugijineng Studio's ability to continually provide unique and differentiated content.
Exhibition Community Application OI-Salon [Photo: Yugijineng Studio]
Founded in 2019, Yugijineng Studio has accumulated various achievements.
In 2019, the studio began by planning and producing its first audio movie, 'Sapiens Mating', and signed an MOU with the leading domestic podcast platform, *Podbbang*. It further solidified its position in the market by producing numerous audio films and audiobooks.
Notably, audio films like 'Public Servant' and 'Utopia on Mars' gained significant popularity on Apple Podcasts, each successfully attracting millions of listeners. In 2022, the company launched its first-person spatial audio technology, OI-Sounds, presenting new possibilities for audio content. Listeners are no longer just hearing a story; they can experience the immersion as if they are part of the story itself. Through this technology, Yugijineng Studio continues to innovate in the content market by offering a variety of audio webtoons and audio films.
Yugijineng Studio is setting a new paradigm for audio content, securing its competitiveness in the digital content market. With this innovative approach, the studio aims to become a leading company in the short-form content market, like Pixar (PIXAR). By combining technology and content, the studio is creating new markets, and its future growth toward a broader stage is highly anticipated.
Article source:
https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/031/0000877362?sid=004
[Seoul Economy]
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) has selected 40 companies to participate in the “2024 TRY OUT Public-Private Demonstration Program” hosted by Incheon Startup Park.
According to IFEZ on the 29th, TRY OUT is a flagship demonstration program of Incheon Startup Park that systematically supports the commercialization of innovative startup products and services in collaboration with 9 public institutions, 9 private companies, and 7 universities. This initiative, launched in 2020, has yielded meaningful outcomes for 274 companies up to last year.
This year, the program focuses on supporting business models with early commercialization potential through on-site demonstrations by utilizing IFEZ’s specialized resources, such as airports and ports. On-site demonstrations involve directly implementing and testing products or services in real environments to enhance technological stability.
The public demonstration program collaborates with 9 public institutions to provide verification support for 26 startups by leveraging specialized public resources.
The selected startups are △Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority-3 companies (Sharepeace, Furgae, Lucas) △Incheon International Airport Corporation-3 companies (Last Mile, iPin Labs, Hypercloud) △Incheon Port Authority-3 companies (Piaspace, Kotem, Movik Lab) △Incheon Urban Development Corporation - 3 companies (WeDrive, EcoIn, EMCT) △Incheon Tourism Organization - 3 companies (OI-Studio, Dr. K Healthcare, Goblin) △ Incheon Environmental Fine Arts - 2 companies (BI Milligram, Nalda) △ Incheon Facility - 2 companies (Let's go for the stars, BMC) △ Incheon United -4 companies (Better Exercise, BNC Tech), Uniuni, Annie) △Incheon Transportation Corporation - 3 companies (i-Captain, Deeply, Meteor Simulation).
The private demonstration programs are △ GS Caltex - 1 company (with P) △ POSCO International - 4 companies (Pentagate, Avirtual, Pampro, Neotech) △ Celltrion - 1 company (First Lab) △ Samsung BioLogics - 1 company ( IESG) △Taejeon Group - 2 companies (Bandal Company, Penguin Point) △LG Science Park - 1 company (City iLab) △SSG Landers - 2 companies (Leaps, Anna), etc. We support the verification of innovative technologies of 14 startups in demand technologies from a total of 9 private companies.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) has launched a new initiative called the "Demonstration Product Pilot Procurement Support Program" as part of a collaboration with the Incheon Procurement Service that began on July 2. This initiative aims to connect excellent demonstration products to public procurement opportunities.
As part of the program, IFEZ will support market entry by providing innovation product designation consulting for outstanding products from 17 companies and linking them to public procurement consultation sessions hosted by the Procurement Service.
Incheon = Reporter An Jae-kyun (ajk@sedaily.com)
Original Article Link:
https://n.news.naver.com/article/011/0004385724?sid=102
OI-Studio