“We will actively support the development of Korean art.”
The Korea Gallery Association, which is holding Frieze SEOUL, one of the world's three major expositions & Kiaf SEOUL in Seoul, has partnered with Wemade, a legendary game developer in Korea.
On the afternoon of the 1st, at SETEC in Daechi-dong, Seoul, an official event was held with the satellite fair Kiaf PLUS announcing the first start of the global festival.
At this event, stars from the domestic art world, including Kiaf Chairman Hwang Dalseung, gathered in one place, but there was one person who particularly drew attention. He was Jang Hyun Kook, CEO of 'Wemade', a global game company.
Wemade is the lead sponsor of Kiaf SEOUL & Kiaf PLUS. The reason why he shined on this day is not because of his qualifications as a lead sponsor, but because of the unconventional moves that Wemade has shown in recent years.
Wemade has been concentrating its capabilities on a new business model that combines blockchain(NFT) and games for several years. In fact, WeMade is a legendary Korean company that left a myth in the world game world by developing the 'Legend of Mir' series of online games in the past.
the art market has also been paying attention to the digital field, including NFT, for several years.
Wemade set up booths in two exhibitions, Kiaf Seoul and Kiaf Plus respectively. Wemade is introducing two types of NFTs from 'DAO & NFT' platform 'Nile' under the theme of 'Expansion of a healthy art ecosystem and evolution of life led by NFT'. If you go to this booth, you can enjoy NFT appreciation as well as experience events, and in the experience space, you can transform yourself into a character in the NFT and take a picture.
Wemade CEO Jang Hyun-guk, who attended the opening ceremony of Kiaf Plus on the 1st as a distinguished guest, said in a short interview with SayArt.net, “New technology can bring about new changes in art. Among them, I think that NFT can create new art and expand the field of art as it is a field that matches art. In particular, the basis for globalization of Korean art will be WeMix 3.0. WeMade will continue to support Kiaf in Korea so that it can grow into an international art event. As Korean art becomes global, we will be happy if we can become supporters and stepping stones.”
Wemix 3.0, which CEO Jang mentioned, is a blockchain platform launched by Wemade. WeMade plans to expand various digital ecosystems based on WeMix 3.0 in the future. It is explained that this platform can provide opportunities for artists who are preparing to expand into new areas as well as traditional art. In addition, CEO Jang also said “We’ll open various businesses to support these artists and continue to invest in them.”
WeMade plans to open a forum for in-depth discussion during this festival. WeMade will participate in the talk-show of 'Kiaf Seoul 2022' held at Studio 159 on the 2nd floor of COEX on the 5th, and will present WeMade's own insights under the theme of 'New Future' by inviting Lee Mi-kyung, director of the NFT business division.
Meanwhile, from the 2nd, Frieze SEOUL and Kiaf SEOUL start to welcome the audience at COEX Halls A~D in Samseong-dong, Seoul.
Sayart.net
Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com
