International Business

Introduction to MAMA and Its Origins The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), established in 1999 by South Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ ENM, began as the Mnet Video Music Awards. Initially focused on recognizing achievements within South Korea’s music industry, the ceremony mirrored the format of the MTV Video Music Awards, aiming to honor outstanding music … Read more

Introduction K-Pop has rapidly transformed into a global cultural force, with its stars gaining massive followings across continents. As part of this global influence, major international brands have strategically collaborated with K-Pop groups to expand their market reach. These partnerships serve as a dual strategy: K-Pop acts as a cultural bridge to diverse audiences, and … Read more

Introduction to JYP Entertainment’s Localization Approach JYP Entertainment, a leading South Korean music label, has pioneered a “globalization by localization” strategy to penetrate international markets. This approach involves creating idol groups composed of local talents, trained under JYP’s renowned system, and tailored to resonate with the cultural and musical preferences of specific regions. By doing … Read more

Introduction BLACKPINK, formed by YG Entertainment in 2016, has rapidly ascended to global stardom, becoming one of the most influential K-pop groups worldwide. Their success is not solely attributed to their musical talents but also to a meticulously crafted global marketing strategy that has captivated audiences across continents.​ Distinctive Branding and the “Girl Crush” Concept … Read more

Introduction BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, has emerged as a global phenomenon, significantly influencing the international music scene. Central to their success is HYBE Corporation (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), the agency behind BTS. HYBE’s innovative strategies have not only propelled BTS to unprecedented heights but have also redefined the business models within the … Read more

Case Study: Ryanair’s Success Story Ryanair has become Europe’s most successful low-cost airline, carrying 119 million passengers annually across 34 countries and 200 destinations, with 1,800 daily flights. Starting 30 years ago with just one daily flight between Ireland and England, the airline now offers fares approximately 50% lower than major European carriers, sometimes as … Read more

Introduction: The Digital Evolution of K-Pop Commerce The K-Pop industry, renowned for its innovative engagement strategies, is embracing blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to revolutionize merchandise and music sales. This integration aims to enhance fan interactions, ensure authenticity, and create new revenue streams in the digital era. Understanding NFTs and Their Role in K-Pop … Read more

Introduction: Financing the Korean Wave The rapid global rise of Korean content—from K-pop and K-dramas to webtoons and films—has created increasing demand for innovative financing strategies. Traditional production budgets are often insufficient to meet the international quality and scale expected by global audiences. As a result, South Korea has turned to a mix of domestic … Read more

Introduction: Cultural Exports in a Financially Integrated World K-pop, South Korea’s vibrant pop music industry, has evolved into a significant cultural export, influencing not only global music charts but also the nation’s economic landscape. The interplay between K-pop album sales and fluctuations in the foreign exchange market underscores the deep integration of cultural products within … Read more

Introduction: M&A as a Gateway to Global Influence South Korea’s cultural and digital industries have rapidly expanded beyond Asia, propelled by strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A). CJ ENM, a major force in media and entertainment, and Netmarble, a top-tier game developer, exemplify how Korean companies have used overseas M&A to enhance global reach, diversify portfolios, … Read more