'2025 International Streaming Festival' Kicks Off in Busan

The '2025 International Streaming Festival' (International Streaming Festival), the only international event specialized in the streaming industry in Korea, kicked off in Busan on the 22nd. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Busan City, this event will run until the 25th at the Paradise Hotel Busan and the Busan Cinema Center with a variety of programs.

Now in its third year, this festival will focus on the theme 'Streaming Industry, Heading to the Next', delving into the latest trends in the OTT (Over-The-Top), content, and technology sectors. In particular, it will spotlight key issues in the streaming industry such as artificial intelligence (AI), ad-supported free streaming services (FAST), and advertising, while actively supporting domestic companies in attracting investment and expanding overseas.

The festival aims to expand participation from overseas investors and will hold a networking event to match ads with K-FAST content, providing practical business opportunities. The 'Global OTT Awards' will take place on the 24th at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center, where domestic and international OTT platforms, production companies, actors, directors, and writers will gather to select and award over 20 works in 19 categories.

Notable K-content such as Netflix's 'The Glory', 'Emergency Center', 'More Beautiful Than Heaven', 'The Great Escape', Tving's 'Unknown Seoul', 'World of Street Woman Fighter', Disney+'s 'Hyperknife', 'Lighting Store', 'Nine Puzzle', and Prime Video's 'Good Boy' have been nominated.

At the International Streaming Summit on the 22nd, global market research and analysis firms Omdia and Statista presented on 'Global Streaming Industry Trends and Outlook' and 'Content Personalization and Global Expansion Strategies Driven by AI Technology', respectively.

From the 23rd to the 24th, a showcase for attracting investment will be held at the Paradise Hotel. An investor relations (IR) session for AI-based OTT and media technology companies will take place, and on the 24th, excellent content planning proposals from domestic broadcasters and production companies will be presented. Additionally, various programs such as K-FAST advertising business meetups, Media & Brand Day, series screenings, and OST concerts are planned.

Jo Yu-jang, Director of the Busan City Culture Department, stated, "This event is expected to be a global cooperation platform that provides an overview of the latest trends and innovations in the global streaming industry and promotes overseas expansion."