(2,148 participants from 660 companies from 45 countries and an increase of $54.09 million in sales)

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA (Yonhap News) – The Busan Content Market (BCM 2024), held last month, from May 22 to 24 at BEXCO's Exhibition Hall 1, achieved record-breaking transaction figures.

According to a June 10th report by Busan Metropolitan City Government, BCM 2024 attracted 660 companies and 2,148 media buyers and sellers representing 45 different countries.

First launched in 2007, BCM has become a globally-recognized content market facilitating more than $100 million in media transactions every year. This year, as it marks its 17th anniversary, the market saw a total transaction volume of $221.58 million (approximately 302.4 billion KRW), marking an increase of $54.09 million compared to last year. This is the first time BCM has surpassed the $200 million mark.

A deal made between TV Chosun and Japan's NTT DoCoMo Studio & Live to produce a Japanese version of "Mr. Trot," widely regarded as the main driver of the Trot craze in Korea, was a noteworthy moment. This partnership will facilitate international marketing for "Mr. Trot 3" contestants, starting with the Japanese market.

Korean content producers signed numerous agreements with domestic and international investors, five of which surpassed 50 billion KRW in scope. Additionally, over 150 business matching sessions were held, providing investment opportunities for content startups new companies.

At the Busan OTT Series Awards 2024, several prestigious awards were presented. Niv Fichman, the executive producer of HBO's original seven-part series "The Sympathizer," received the Best Executive Producer award. Writer Park Ji-eun won the Best Writer award for "Queen of Tears." KT Studio Genie received the Best Production Company award, while the "Dr. Romantic" series won Best Medical Drama. Netflix's original medical drama "Daily Dose of Sunshine“ was honored with a Special Medical Drama Award.