✨ K-content now stands at the center of investment and consumption.
Netflix's animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' topped global viewing charts, accumulating 220.8 million hours watched. Its OST 'Golden' achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Alongside this, virtual idol groups and idols born from fan-participation projects are also achieving success in the global market. Recently, one virtual idol group surpassed 1 million copies in initial sales for their debut album alone and exceeded 500 million cumulative YouTube views.
K-content is becoming a massive trend connecting culture and consumption within the daily lives of fans worldwide. According to data compiled by a Korean startup investment database platform, domestic and international investors have invested approximately 67.7 billion won in K-pop entertainment startups as of 2025. This represents an increase of over 225% from the 20.8 billion won invested during the same period in 2020.
Source: National Museum of Korea
Moreover, traditional Korean culture featured in films is receiving enthusiastic responses worldwide. The number of foreign visitors enjoying Korea's cultural heritage has also surged significantly. This summer, museum and temple visitors increased substantially compared to last year, with visitors to the National Museum of Korea rising by 122.7%.
Meanwhile, sales of cultural merchandise known as Museum+Goods (Muz) also recorded 11.5 billion won in the first half of this year alone, continuing its steep growth trajectory. The online store alone saw 260,000 daily visitors, and goods featuring traditional motifs like magpies and tigers sold out immediately upon restocking.
🐯 Making a tiger and a magpie by hand
This traditional culture craze is also leading to new funding projects Wadiz.
Makers are capturing supporters' attention by reinterpreting traditional materials and characters in a modern way. A prime example is the Ho Jakdo DIY paper toy kit.
What is Ho Jak Do?
The Tiger and Magpie painting is a representative Joseon Dynasty folk painting depicting a tiger, symbolizing power and dignity, and a magpie, symbolizing good fortune. It was traditionally hung on doors during the New Year to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to the household.
The tigerfrom folk paintings, made famous through K-pop Demon Hunters ,is well known as a guardian protecting homes, while the magpieis recognized as an auspicious bird bringing joy and good fortune.
The painting of the hawk and the phoenix, which incorporates both symbols, has long been cherished as an image that wards off evil spirits and brings good tidings.
With the Paper Toy Kit, you can meet a tiger without the complicated process of cutting and gluing.
Easy and simple assembly—just tear off the paper and snap it into place (Source: Wadiz funding detail page)
DIY Paper has reinterpreted this traditional meaning in a modern way. It's a simple method that requires no cutting or gluing—just tear and snap the paper pieces together to complete the model. Yet it faithfully captures the three-dimensional curves and intricate details, bringing the tiger and magpie to vivid life.
Even before the funding campaign launched, the response was overwhelming. A staggering 725 supporters signed up for launch notifications, generating significant buzz even before the official release. What appealed to supporters was the chance to create symbols of Korean folk art themselves and enjoy them in daily life—going beyond a simple toy.
🃏 Discover Korean cultural heritage with every card you turn
Efforts to reinterpret tradition in new ways continue. Among them, one unique ideahas gained attention for going beyond simple play, allowing people to naturally feel closer to Korea's cultural heritage while playing games.
Design Ga-anchae's 'K-Poker Card Series' has been professionally crafting products rooted in traditional culture for over a decade. It captures Korea's cultural heritage within a card game.
Traditional Folk Paintings on K-Poker Cards (Source: Wadiz Funding Details Page)
The poker card set, consisting of five distinct series, features cultural treasures we could only see in museums—such as auspicious motifs from folk paintings, the National Treasure No. 1 Sungnyemun Gate, and Shin Yun-bok's Double Sword Dance—captured on each card. Beyond simply enjoying the game as you shuffle through the cards, you can experience the beauty and wisdom of our history together.
The crowdfunding campaign achieved a staggering 2,718% of its goal, and on launch day, the single-item collector's cards sold out completely, generating an explosive response. Due to supporters' requests, additional quantities have been made available, and its popularity continues to grow steadily.
English description of cultural heritage included with the card (Source: Wadiz funding detail page)
In particular, each card includes English and Korean explanations, making it enjoyable for both locals and foreigners alike. This feature has drawn attention as a global item promoting Korean cultural heritage.
🌟 Why is it getting attention?
K-content fandom now seeks to enjoy content in more diverse ways, going beyond simply listening to K-pop or watching movies.
In this process, crowdfunding projects serve as a vital medium. Makers reinterpret traditional culture into modern products to present to supporters, who in turn consume K-culture in new ways through these projects.
Ultimately, a virtuous cycleis emerging where the expansive reach of K-content and the value of K-heritage interlock and grow together.
👣 Wadiz: Connecting the value of creation with the world
As K-content gains global attention, Wadizis creating a stage that connects creators and fandom, going beyond a funding platform.
Wadiz Mu Museum 2025: A Large-Scale Art and Culture Fair for Creators (October 23–November 5)
The stage beginswith thelarge-scale art and culture fair'Moojiam 2025', running for two weeks starting October 23rd. Under the concept of 'exhibitions without discrimination, boundaries, or thresholds', we've prepared an open platform where anyone—from newcomers to masters—across diverse fields like art, publishing, and e-books can participate.
Wadizwill continue to provide full support—from funding and marketing to global connections—so that the creations of Korean makers can reach global fans beyond domestic borders.
👉 Now, in the global spotlight of K-content, cheer on your favorite creations from the front row.
Discover your own K-culture through Wadiz funding.
