Daewon Media
Daewon Media is a publicly listed South Korean cultural content company that produces and distributes animation, licenses global IP brands, operates retail stores and exhibitions, and distributes Nintendo games and trading cards, generating over 3.4 trillion KRW in FY2025 revenue.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersYongsan, South Korea
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Daewon Media does
Daewon Media Co., Ltd. (KOSPI: 048910) is a publicly traded South Korean cultural content company founded in 1980 and headquartered in Seoul. It operates as a vertically integrated animation production, distribution, licensing, and retail platform, generating 3,428.4 billion KRW (approximately $2.4 billion USD) in consolidated FY2025 revenue — a record high — with Q1 2026 revenue accelerating 74.6% year-over-year to 1,025.2 billion KRW. The company's revenue model spans eight major streams: animation content licensing (domestic broadcasters SBS/KBS/EBS plus Netflix, Disney+, Watcha), global IP brand licensing (exclusive Korean partner for Studio Ghibli, plus San-X, Bandai Namco, Takara Tomy, Animate, Kodansha), toy and hobby distribution (Good Smile Company, Megahouse, Hot Toys, Banpresto, SEGA), trading card games (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel, Cardfight!! Vanguard, SCC), Nintendo Korea game distribution, theatrical animation film importation, webtoon/web novel publishing (via Haksan and Storyzak subsidiaries), and exhibition/F&B operations (Daewon Museum, Popcorn D Square, Koriko Cafe, Popabble).
The company manages a portfolio combining owned original IPs — most prominently Armored Saurus (remade as Armorsaurs via the 2026 MGA Entertainment co-production premiered on Disney+ and Disney XD), Muziktiger, and Time Traveler Luke — with master licenses for global properties including Studio Ghibli, Crayon Shin Chan, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Doraemon, SpongeBob, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, and Marvel. Its technology stack includes 100% domestic CG animation capabilities, full 3D animation production, an OSMU (One Source Multi Use) exploitation model for owned IP, and digital infrastructure spanning Popcorn D Play (a May 2026-launched integrated content platform), daewonshop.com e-commerce, Kujibikido online lottery shop, and Kollect.cards-based digital collectibles.
Daewon Media serves both consumer and enterprise customers through a hybrid GTM: owned retail (DAEWONSHOP Nintendo specialty stores across Seoul, Daegu, and Incheon; Popcorn D Square complex cultural space; Dotori Soop Ghibli shops; Animate Korea; Marvel Collection — Asia's first official Marvel store; Banpresto flagship; Chiikawa Store) complemented by global B2B distribution partnerships (CAKE handling Armorsaurs outside Korea/Japan/China; Disney Branded Television and BBC for Western broadcast; Toho for Japan; Walmart/Target/Amazon for toy retail) and wholesale to over 200 Korean hobby shops. Customer segments span children and families, anime collectors and hobbyists (TCG players, figure collectors), MZ generation consumers driving pop-up and collaboration cafe demand, gaming enthusiasts, and enterprise IP partners seeking Korean market entry.
Daewon Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Daewon Media
- Legal name
- DAEWON MEDIA CO., LTD.
- Website
- https://daewonmedia.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Daewon Media is a publicly listed South Korean cultural content company that produces and distributes animation, licenses global IP brands, operates retail stores and exhibitions, and distributes Nintendo games and trading cards, generating over 3.4 trillion KRW in FY2025 revenue.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Daewon Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animation Distribution and Brand Licensing
- NAICS
- Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (459120)
- SIC
- Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pop Culture Collectibles Retail (Figures, Statues, Funko, etc.) (CRALAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Collectibles, Trading Cards & Blind Box Toys Retail (CRALAFAI), Gaming Collectibles, Merchandise & Toys Retail (CRACAFAI), Party Games, Novelty & Impulse Toy Distribution (CRAOAMAI)
Keywords
Where Daewon Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Yongsan
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices10 records
Markets served
Daewon Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Animation and Content Licensing: Daewon Media produces and distributes animation content globally. Revenue comes from domestic broadcasting rights (SBS, KBS, EBS), international licensing deals (Netflix, Watcha, Disney+), and content production investment returns. Owns original IPs including Armored Saurus, Muziktiger, and Time Traveler Luke.
- Video Game Distribution: Daewon Media is the official distribution partner of Nintendo Korea and handles PlayStation box packages and goods for Blizzard Entertainment. Distributes games including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Animal Crossing, Zelda, Splatoon, and various Nintendo Switch titles.
- Brand Licensing: Daewon Media licenses global IP brands including Studio Ghibli, Crayon Shin Chan, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Doraemon, SpongeBob, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, San-X characters (Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi), and manages brand partnerships, collaborations, and merchandise licensing.
- Trading Card Games: Daewon Media distributes Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game, Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Dual, and Cardfight!! Vanguard in Korea. Revenue from card sales, tournament events, and card festival activities.
- Toy and Hobby Distribution: Distribution of toys and figures including Takara Tomy, Bandai Namco, Good Smile Company, Megahouse, Hot Toy, Banpresto, and Sega goods to hobby shops and retail stores across Korea.
- Exhibition and Retail: Revenue from exhibition tickets (Daewon Museum, Popcorn D Square), character cafe operations (Popabble, Koriko Cafe), and retail store sales including Dotori Soop (Ghibli store), Chiikawa Store, and various pop-up stores.
- Movie Distribution: Import and distribution of theatrical animation films in Korean multiplex theaters. Imports Studio Ghibli films, Jujutsu Kaisen movies, One Piece films, Doraemon movies, and My Hero Academia films.
- Publishing: Webtoon and web novel publishing through subsidiaries including Haksan Publishing and Storyzak. Manga and comic book publishing and distribution.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Video game software pricing varies by title |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Event-based pricing for Yu-Gi-Oh! Festival |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels6 records
Daewon Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Daewon Media produces, distributes, and licenses animation content (original IPs such as Armored Saurus and Muziktiger, plus master licenses for Studio Ghibli, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Doraemon, Crayon Shin Chan, and Marvel). It operates physical retail stores and exhibition venues (DAEWONSHOP, Dotori Soop, Koriko Cafe, Popcorn D Square, Daewon Museum, Marvel Collection, Animate Korea) and distributes Nintendo Switch games, Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card games, and toys/figures from Takara Tomy, Bandai Namco, Good Smile Company, Megahouse, Hot Toys, and Banpresto.
Product overview
Daewon Media is a Korean cultural content company operating across brand licensing, film distribution, exhibition management, video game publishing, trading card games, and retail businesses. The company manages a portfolio of original IPs including 'Armored Saurus' (now 'Armorsaurs' via MGA Entertainment partnership), 'Muzik Tiger', and 'Chiikawa', while also holding master licenses for global properties like Studio Ghibli, Crayon Shin Chan, Doraemon, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Power Rangers, and Marvel. Physical retail operations include DAEWONSHOP (Nintendo), Dotori Soop (Ghibli), Koriko Cafe, Popabble character cafes, Marvel Collection, Animate Korea, Ichiban Kuji, and Banpresto stores. The company operates exhibition venues including Daewon Museum, Space Galleria, and Popcorn D Square. Trading card game operations cover Yu-Gi-Oh!, Vanguard, and SCC. Video game publishing includes titles like Sumikko Gurashi rhythm games, with Daewon Media Game Lab handling Nintendo platform ports. A new integrated content platform 'Popcorn D Play' was launched in 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Popcorn D Square (팝콘D스퀘어): Complex cultural space featuring exhibitions, performances, character goods shops, and collaboration cafes.
- Daewon Museum (대원뮤지엄)
- Daewon Contents Live (대원콘텐츠라이브)
- Daewonshop (대원샵)
- Dotori Soop (도토리숲)
- Koriko Cafe (코리코 카페)
- Popable (팝퍼블)
- Marvel Collection (마블컬렉션)
- Chiikawa Store
Products and services
- DAEWONSHOP (Nintendo Specialty Store) Official Nintendo specialty stores operated by Daewon Media as the exclusive distribution partner of Nintendo Korea, offering Nintendo Switch games, character goods, and accessories with game experience zones across three locations (Seoul, Daegu, Incheon).
- Dotori Soop (도토리숲) Official Studio Ghibli character shop in Korea offering Ghibli-themed merchandise from films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, with locations in Yongsan, Jamsil, Suwon, and Jeju.
- Koriko Cafe (코리코 카페) Kiki's Delivery Service-themed character cafe providing desserts, drinks, and Ghibli merchandise, recreating the atmosphere of the animated film. Yeonnam branch and additional locations in Korea.
- Popabble / POPABLE CAFE Character cafe chain operated by Daewon Media hosting various IP collaboration pop-up cafes including Crayon Shin-chan Bakery Cafe, Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe, and other themed collaborations.
- Marvel Collection (마블컬렉션) Asia's first official Marvel shop operated by Daewon Media in partnership with Disney Korea, offering over 1,000 Marvel goods including Hot Toys scale figurines.
- Animate Korea Official Animate Korea shop operated in partnership with Japan's Animate Corporation, offering anime merchandise, manga, games, and comics at locations including Hongdae.
- Banpresto Flagship Store First Banpresto Flagship Store in Korea operated by Daewon Media, featuring popular character figures and prize merchandise at Lotte World Mall.
- Ichiban Kuji (제일복권) Official distributor of Banpresto Ichiban Kuji in Korea, operating official directly managed lottery/kuji stores offering character goods lottery products.
- Play One-Piece Only official One Piece character goods shop in Korea, located at Lotte World Mall B1, offering exclusive One Piece merchandise.
- Chiikawa Store Korea Official Chiikawa character goods store in Korea offering character merchandise including exclusive Hanbok edition items.
- Daewon Museum (대원뮤지엄) Permanent exhibition space operated by Daewon Media hosting animation and character exhibitions including SpongeBob, Crayon Shin-chan, Studio Ghibli, and other major IP exhibitions at Popcorn D Square, Yongsan.
- Space Galleria Dedicated exhibition space at AK Plaza Hongdae in Seoul, specializing in creative worlds across animation, comics, novels, games, theater, and art genres, and home to the San-X official store.
- Popcorn D Square (팝콘D스퀘어) Indoor complex cultural space at I'Park Mall Yongsan combining exhibition halls, live performance venues, character goods shops, and collaboration cafes under one roof.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game Trading card game based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, distributed in Korea by Daewon Media, featuring over 10,000 cards with strategic gameplay and tournament event support including the Yu-Gi-Oh! Festival.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel Beginner-friendly version of Yu-Gi-Oh! with simplified rules, distributed in Korea by Daewon Media, making the franchise accessible to new players of all ages.
- Cardfight!! Vanguard 1-on-1 battle card game distributed in Korea by Daewon Media with multimedia expansion into animation and comics.
- SCC (Sports Collection Card) Sports collection card brand featuring autographed player cards, jersey cards, and limited-edition collectibles of domestic Korean sports players.
- Armored Saurus (Armorsaurs) Daewon Media's original Korean animation featuring dinosaur-mech hybrid characters where teenage pilots fight alien forces using armored dinosaurs. Remake titled Armorsaurs premiered via Disney+ and Disney XD in 2026 through MGA Entertainment and Studio Eon partnership.
- Muzik Tiger Original Korean tiger character popular with the MZ generation, created and managed by Daewon Media subsidiary Studio Muzik (스튜디오무직). Has collaborated with over 200 brands including Baskin Robbins, Gucci, CASETiFY, Amorepacific, and 7-Eleven.
- Popcorn D Play (팝콘D플레이) Daewon Media's integrated digital content platform aggregating its diverse animation, licensing, and retail content for digital consumption.
- Daewon Media Game Lab Daewon Media's video game publishing brand that ports domestic, indie, retro, and PC games to Nintendo platforms for global publishing, leveraging its official Nintendo Korea partnership.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2025 annual revenue of 3428.4 billion KRW - all-time record high
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Daewon Media
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Daewon Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Daewon Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- Titan ContentsminorMOU signed for joint business on virtual idol 'WINKX' IP. Collaboration for digital content development and IP expansion.
- MGA EntertainmentcoreMGA Entertainment partnered with Daewon Media and Studio Eon to develop Armorsaurs, a remake of the 2021 South Korean show Armored Saurus. MGA produced the new series and plans expanded toy offerings and full licensing program as part of franchise treatment.
- Disney Branded TelevisioncoreDisney picked up Armorsaurs to premiere on Disney+ and Disney XD on February 18. Series is part of a two-season deal with CAKE for distribution. Greenlit for second season.
- BBCmajorBBC signed UK broadcast deal with Cake for two seasons of Armorsaurs live-action VFX series. First season premiered on CBBC and iPlayer in February 2026. Positioning Armorsaurs as multi-platform global brand.
- CAKEcoreCAKE signed a two-season deal with Disney Branded Television to distribute Armorsaurs globally. CAKE manages all global media distribution rights excluding China, Japan, and Korea where Daewon Media retains control. The franchise is planned to expand across toys, digital content, lifestyle products, and games in 2026.
- Blizzard EntertainmentmajorDaewon Media became official Korean partner for Blizzard Entertainment, handling PlayStation box package and goods distribution. Distributing Diablo IV and related merchandise with plans for official Blizzard Brand Store on Naver.
- Toho CompanymajorToho Company handles Japan media distribution for Armored Saurus. Series premiered on TOKYO MX on April 18 with additional distribution through Amazon Prime Video and major platforms.
- Com2uBTSminorMOU signed for metaverse IP content collaboration. Exploring opportunities for IP content in metaverse environments using Daewon Media's character IPs.
- Studio GhiblicoreDaewon Media is the sole official business partner of Studio Ghibli in Korea. Operates Dotori Soop (Ghibli character shop), Koriko Cafe (Kiki's theme cafe), and holds exclusive rights for Ghibli exhibitions, merchandise, and all Ghibli-related business in Korea.
- San-XmajorDaewon Media is the official Korean business partner of San-X Co., Ltd., handling distribution of Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and other San-X characters in Korea. Operates Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Plus by San-X stores.
- Nintendo KoreacoreDaewon Media is the official distribution partner of Nintendo Korea. Operates DAEWONSHOP Nintendo specialty stores, distributes Nintendo Switch games and products to various retail channels across Korea.
- Animate CorporationmajorJoint business with Animate Corporation - Japan's largest anime merchandise retailer. Daewon Media operates Animate Korea with stores in Hongdae, bringing Japanese anime subculture merchandise to Korean market.
- Walt Disney Company KoreacoreDaewon Media holds Marvel brand license agreement with Walt Disney Company Korea for toy/figure distribution in Korea. Operates Marvel Collection - Asia's first official Marvel store. Also handles Disney and Pixar merchandise.
- Bandai Namco EntertainmentmajorDistribution partner for PAC-MAN video game and related merchandise. Handles various Bandai Namco IP goods and toys in Korean market.
- KODANSHAmajorLong-standing partnership for GON animation adaptation from original Japanese comic book. Daewon Media and Kodansha co-produced GON animation series for Korean and international distribution.
- Takara TomymajorStrategic partnership with 100-year history Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy. Local marketing and distribution of various toys including Zoids Wild, Bottle Man, Railbot products in Korea.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Daewon Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Konami: Japanese entertainment company and owner of Yu-Gi-Oh! IP. Daewon Media distributes Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game, Yu-Gi-Oh! Rush Duel, and hosts Yu-Gi-Oh! Festival in Korea; comparable through TCG and anime IP monetization.
- Takara Tomy: Major Japanese toy manufacturer with 100+ year history (Transformers, Beyblade, Zoids). Daewon Media distributes Takara Tomy products including Zoids Wild and Bottle Man in Korea; both companies operate toy/hobby distribution with similar IP portfolios.
- Good Smile Company: Japanese figure manufacturer specializing in anime/game collectibles (Nendoroid, figma). Daewon Media distributes Good Smile Company products to Korean hobby shops; both companies compete in the anime collectibles and figure market.
- Bandai Namco Holdings: Japanese entertainment conglomerate combining IP creation (Dragon Ball, Gundam), toy manufacturing, and amusement operations. Highly comparable to Daewon Media — both license global animation IPs for toy/game distribution and operate character merchandise businesses at scale.
- Animate: Japan's largest anime merchandise retailer. Daewon Media operates Animate Korea as joint business; both companies specialize in anime/IP merchandise retail and represent highly comparable specialty retail business models targeting otaku consumers.
- San-X: Japanese character company behind Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi. Direct peer because Daewon Media is San-X's official Korean distribution partner — both monetize character IP through licensing, retail, and collaboration partnerships.
- Banpresto: Bandai Namco subsidiary producing prize figures and Ichiban Kuji lottery products. Daewon Media operates Banpresto flagship store and Ichiban Kuji distribution in Korea; both companies specialize in collectible figures and character goods.
- Toei Animation: Major Japanese animation studio producing Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Sailor Moon. Daewon Media distributes multiple Toei IPs in Korea including theatrical releases and merchandise; both companies generate revenue from animation production, IP licensing, and global content distribution.
- Aniplex: Sony-owned anime production and distribution company (Demon Slayer, Fate series). Comparable through animation IP licensing, theatrical distribution, and merchandise operations; both monetize Japanese anime IP globally across multiple verticals.
Broad incumbents
- CJ ENM: Korean entertainment conglomerate spanning film, drama, animation, music, and commerce (including TOO MUCH FRIENDS, KOCOWA). Broader incumbent with similar content distribution capabilities and OSMU approach but operates at significantly larger scale and broader scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Daewon Media social profiles
Digital presenceDaewon Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Daewon Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Daewon Media subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
Daewon Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Daewon Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Daewon Media
What does Daewon Media do?
Daewon Media produces, distributes, and licenses animation content (original IPs such as Armored Saurus and Muziktiger, plus master licenses for Studio Ghibli, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Doraemon, Crayon Shin Chan, and Marvel). It operates physical retail stores and exhibition venues (DAEWONSHOP, Dotori Soop, Koriko Cafe, Popcorn D Square, Daewon Museum, Marvel Collection, Animate Korea) and distributes Nintendo Switch games, Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card games, and toys/figures from Takara Tomy, Bandai Namco, Good Smile Company, Megahouse, Hot Toys, and Banpresto.
Is Daewon Media a public or private company?
Daewon Media is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Daewon Media founded?
Daewon Media was founded in 1980. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Daewon Media based?
Daewon Media is headquartered in Yongsan, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does Daewon Media make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Animation and Content Licensing is the primary driver. The others are video Game Distribution, brand Licensing, trading Card Games, toy and Hobby Distribution, exhibition and Retail, movie Distribution and publishing.
Who are Daewon Media's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Konami, Takara Tomy, Good Smile Company, Bandai Namco Holdings, Animate, San-X, Banpresto, Toei Animation and Aniplex. CJ ENM is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Daewon Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for Daewon Media.
What industry is Daewon Media in?
Daewon Media's product category is Animation Distribution and Brand Licensing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALAGAK, Pop Culture Collectibles Retail (Figures, Statues, Funko, etc.), with a secondary code of CRALAFAI, Collectibles, Trading Cards & Blind Box Toys Retail. Its NAICS code is 45912 and its SIC code is 5945.