Makestar

Makestar operates as a global entertainment platform with a core focus on the K-pop industry, effectively bridging the gap between artists and their international fanbase. Founded in December 2015 by CEO Kim Jae-myeon, a co-founding member of FNC Entertainment, the company was born from his firsthand experience of a disconnect between the burgeoning international K-pop fandom and the artists themselves. With over 15 years in the industry, Kim identified the need for a dedicated channel to connect global fans with K-pop content and stars.

The company's primary business model revolves around a specialized crowdfunding platform where fans can financially support projects for their favorite artists. This model allows fans to transition from passive consumers to active participants, or 'honorary producers', by funding the creation of albums, photobooks, concerts, and other exclusive merchandise. In return for their financial contributions, fans receive rewards, which can range from limited edition goods to exclusive experiences like video calls or fan signing events with the artists. This approach de-risks production for entertainment agencies by confirming audience demand and securing profits upfront. Makestar's revenue is driven by these projects, with a significant portion, approximately 80%, originating from overseas markets, highlighting its global reach to users in over 230 countries. The company has demonstrated substantial financial growth, reporting sales of 95.6 billion won in 2023, a more than twenty-fold increase from 2019.

A key service developed by Makestar is the "poca album" (photo card album), introduced in 2022. These are more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional CD albums, featuring photo cards and an NFC tag or QR code for digital music access via a proprietary mobile app. Beyond its crowdfunding and merchandise sales, Makestar provides valuable fan data analytics to entertainment agencies, helping them strategize for global promotions and artist development. The company operates its own logistics center to manage global shipping and has a dedicated multilingual customer service team. Having collaborated with over 700 artist groups and 369 labels, including major players like SM Entertainment and HYBE, Makestar is expanding its scope to include dramas, films, and even producing its own K-pop boy group.

Keywords: K-pop crowdfunding, fan engagement platform, music production funding, artist-fan connection, global K-pop market, entertainment technology, poca album, photo card album, K-pop merchandise, fan events, video call events, crowdfunding rewards, artist support, fan data analytics, Korean wave, Hallyu content, music crowdfunding, entertainment finance, fandom platform, K-culture