“Look at that, it seems like a person is about to break through!”

At the end of last month, at the Gwanghwamun intersection in Seoul, the attention of citizens waiting for the signal was drawn to the Dong-A Media Center. This was due to an amazing scene unfolding on ‘LUUX’, the largest digital signage in Korea, which appeared to wrap around the building's corner. Behind a subtle purple curtain, the silhouette of a giant began to move. As if a giant trapped inside the screen was trying to break out, the hands and face pushed out forcefully, causing the flat electronic display to bulge like a rubber membrane. The overwhelming three-dimensional effect, as if it would break the glass and pop out at any moment, captivated citizens, leaving them in a state of ‘digital daze’. It was a moment when a simple outdoor billboard transformed into a media art canvas in the heart of the city.

This video was produced using anamorphic technology, a collaboration between Channel A B&C and KaleidoWorks, showcasing the innovative technology of a major media company and a startup. The large video that captured the attention of passersby was produced by the Gyeonggi-based startup ‘KaleidoWorks’. The broadcast of the video that day is evaluated as evidence that the ‘Coexistence Open Innovation’ led by the Gyeonggi Content Agency (GCA) has firmly established itself as a ‘growth gateway’ for content startups.


● Content Takes Flight with Major Companies

In ‘2025 Coexistence Open Innovation’, six companies, including RBW, Hyundai Dream Tour, Channel A B&C, LG Uplus, Danal, and EBS, participated as partners. Starting with the ‘Coexistence Market’ held in Pangyo, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, in May this year, 10 startups conducted Proof of Concept (PoC), and each startup was provided with KRW 50 million in execution funds and mentoring. As a result, more than half of the 10 projects led to actual contracts, and follow-up investment discussions are ongoing. The achievements in the entertainment sector are particularly noteworthy. The startup ‘Audioguy’ utilized the intellectual property (IP) of RBW artist ‘Youngpaci’ to present a spatial audio audiobook applying Dolby Atmos technology. This content, praised for maximizing realism, celebrated a double joy by signing a contract and winning the ‘Innovation Premier 1000’ award. ‘Voice Match’ verified AI-based multilingual dubbing technology using the IP of idol band ‘ONEWE’, confirming the global expansion potential of K-pop.

● AI Technology Innovates Industrial Sites

In addition to content, cases of industrial innovation incorporating AI technology in the travel, telecommunications, and education sectors continue. ‘TripBuilder’ combined Hyundai Dream Tour’s extensive travel data with its generative AI-based recommendation technology to unveil a chatbot proposing customized travel itineraries. Recognized for its technological prowess, it is also on the verge of being selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ private investment-led technology startup support program, ‘TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup)’.

Companies collaborating with LG Uplus are also accelerating commercialization. ‘Wish’ developed a multi-modal AI solution that analyzes marketing data to predict trends, and ‘NextK’ developed a solution that automatically summarizes and translates video content subtitles. Both companies have completed testing with LG Uplus’ internal labs and are currently discussing commercialization contracts. Additionally, ‘United Associates’ and ‘Ace Edu’, collaborating with EBS, developed Korean language education content using digital humans and virtual idols, bringing fresh air to the edutech market.

The true value of this program is also evident in the continuous post-performance outcomes. Companies that participated in the 2024 program have been delivering good news on the global stage.

Representative cases are ‘Newjak’ and ‘Ilmanbaekman’. Newjak, which transformed apartment community facilities into metaverse spaces in partnership with Hoban Construction last year, was recognized for its related technology and won innovation awards in two categories, Metaverse and Content & Entertainment, at ‘CES 2025’, the world’s largest electronics and IT exhibition. Ilmanbaekman, which developed a solution to automatically convert article text into card news in cooperation with the Dong-A Ilbo, also won a CES innovation award in the mobile device category.

● The Value of ‘Coexistence’ Proven by Three Years of Persistence

The efforts of GCA are clearly confirmed by the cumulative indicators over the past three years. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 129 startups participated in the Coexistence Open Innovation program. During this period, 424 business meetings to assist startups in entering the market and more than 150 professional consultations were conducted.

Beyond simple meetings, it also led to sales and job creation directly linked to corporate survival. Participating companies achieved cumulative sales of KRW 26.6 billion and created 240 new jobs. This year alone, with three actual contract signings, 40 new hires, KRW 2.5 billion in investment attraction, and KRW 8.8 billion in sales, the program has proven to be qualitatively advancing year after year.

Additionally, participating startups had the opportunity to verify their technology (PoC) and secure references using the infrastructure of large corporations, while large and mid-sized companies had the opportunity to infuse innovative ideas and technology from outside to enhance existing businesses or discover new ones. A ‘win-win’ innovation structure that complements each other's deficiencies has been established.

Tak Yong-seok, Director of GCA, stated, “Coexistence Open Innovation is a core platform that connects the potential and technology of local content startups to actual business,” adding, “We will spare no effort in discovering and supporting partners so that innovative services can enter the market stably and grow into global unicorn companies.”

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