Collaboration with the World Children Taekwondo Union on Mascot and Animation Content Development Joint Operation of a Short-Form Animation Platform Featuring Projects like the Tentatively Titled Taekwondo Boy Squad CEO Kim Il-kwon: “We will develop and distribute Taekwondo-themed content based on 20 years of expertise.”
BethelSoft (CEO Kim Il-kwon) is set to enter the global Taekwondo market through animated content, forming a strategic partnership with the World Children Taekwondo Union (WorldCTU, President Rhee Sang-gi).
On July 31, the two parties signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the WorldCTU headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, pledging mutual cooperation.
BethelSoft stated, “Based on our capabilities in webtoon and animation production, we will leverage the WorldCTU's network spanning over 50 countries to carry out strategic joint projects.”
Founded in 2000, BethelSoft (formerly Dream Pictures 21) is a cultural content production company. It has produced broadcast animations for channels such as EBS and MBC, games, and Kakao Webtoons like Poison-Eating Healer. The company has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Recently, BethelSoft signed a 40 billion KRW (approx. $30 million USD) investment deal with partners like Yeonhwa Holdings to develop Bible-based content for children and youth worldwide using AI technology and to actively expand into global business.
CEO Kim Il-kwon stated, “Based on more than 20 years of accumulated infrastructure in video and sound production, and content creation expertise, we plan to collaborate with the union to develop webtoons and characters centered around children's Taekwondo.” He also added, “We will actively work to integrate this with our existing value chain, including Bible-themed cultural educational materials.”
Rhee Sang-gi, President of the WorldCTU, commented, “The union works with local associations in more than 50 countries—including Korea, China, Japan, India, Germany, and the UK—to promote the health of young Taekwondo practitioners, emphasize etiquette and adherence to social norms, and foster harmony among Taekwondo families.” He added, “We aim to expand our character business in connection with content such as 'Brain Poomsae and Meridian Poomsae'
The World Children Taekwondo Union, established in 1996, is a nonprofit organization promoting balanced growth, concentration improvement, and family harmony among youth worldwide through Taekwondo-based content.
It also leads the development and dissemination of wellness-focused techniques such as meridian therapy and Poomsae designed for older adults. Each year, it co-hosts the “Children's Cup” with the European Taekwondo Union in Germany.
Lee Changwoo reporter cwlee@nvp.co.kr