Daewon Media

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.

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

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

• Animation content distribution
• Brand licensing
• Trading card games
• Character merchandise retail
• Video game publishing

Headquarters

HQ city

Yongsan

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Publishing: Webtoon and web novel publishing through subsidiaries including Haksan Publishing and Storyzak. Manga and comic book publishing and distribution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Titan ContentsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026MOU signed for joint business on virtual idol 'WINKX' IP. Collaboration for digital content development and IP expansion.
• MGA EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026MGA 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 TelevisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 February 2026Disney 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.
• BBCmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 January 2026BBC 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.
• CAKEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 September 2025CAKE 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 EntertainmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 May 2023Daewon 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 CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 April 2023Toho 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.
• Com2uBTSminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2022MOU signed for metaverse IP content collaboration. Exploring opportunities for IP content in metaverse environments using Daewon Media's character IPs.
• Studio GhiblicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDaewon 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-XmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDaewon 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 KoreacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDaewon 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 CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint 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 KoreacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDaewon 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 EntertainmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for PAC-MAN video game and related merchandise. Handles various Bandai Namco IP goods and toys in Korean market.
• KODANSHAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-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 TomymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/bereyong1
• Facebookfacebook.com/%EB%8C%80%EC%9B%90%EB%AF%B8%EB%94%94%EC%96%B4-1753336424895692
• Instagraminstagram.com/popcon_daewonmedia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/daewon-media

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Daewon Media