Open Session #5

• K-POP has developed a sustainable IP ecosystem by expanding artist worlds into webtoons, animations, and storytelling content; creating platforms like Weverse and Bubble for fan engagement; and building diverse digital and offline experiences. In this session, IP executives from SM Entertainment and HYBE share strategies for monetizing fandom and transforming creative worlds into long-term business assets that merge music, brands, and community.

• Sanghwa Lee leads SM Entertainment’s IP Expansion Center, drawing on prior experience in live and music-contents planning at CJ ENM, Live Nation, and HYBE.

• Oversees the planning, production, distribution, and commercialization of artist-IP-driven media—running a studio that brings fan content, entertainment formats, and documentaries to OTT, TV, and theaters.

Open Session #6

• Streaming charts and social metrics alone can’t tell the full story of global success. Programmers from SXSW, The Great Escape, and LUC Fest explore how showcase festivals and music markets support artists in building lasting international careers. This session introduces new performance indicators and tracking methods, while offering creative strategies and practical frameworks that help artists and teams measure impact and plan sustainable global growth.

• Weining Hung is the founder of 9 KICK Agency, an international music agency representing leading Asian artists such as Phum Viphurit (Thailand), ADOY (Korea), and WIM (formerly HYBS, Thailand). She is also the founder and curator of LUCfest, a showcase festival based in Tainan, Taiwan. With over a decade of experience in Europe and a master’s degree in sociology, Weining brings deep cultural insight and strategic vision to the global development of Asian music. Her work spans international touring, urban festivals, tourism partnerships, and cross-border collaboration. As a consultant, she advises governments and creative sectors on cultural policy, show design, and global market strategies.

• Nathalie joined Swiss Music Export in 2013, supporting artists' international growth through showcases at festivals like The Great Escape. In 2015, she joined MAMA Festivals, working on events including Wilderness, Lovebox, Citadel, and The Great Escape. She became Event Executive at TGE in 2016, managing international trade partnerships and The Alternative Escape. Since 2019, she has served as Event Manager, overseeing planning, sponsorships, budgeting, and team coordination.

• James Minor is a seasoned music industry professional, cultural strategist, and global talent advocate with over 25 years of experience. He served as Vice President of the SXSW (South by Southwest) Music Festival, where he played a pivotal role from 2011 to 2025 in expanding international programming, curating innovative showcases, and fostering cross-cultural exchange. He introduced groundbreaking projects such as Perfume’s live-CG hybrid performance, Max Richter’s SLEEP, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Family Hour, helping elevate SXSW’s experimental and global reputation. He also took the lead in resolving issues around visas, mobility, and logistics to support artists’ access to global stages, and played a key role in bringing artists from emerging markets into the international spotlight.

Workshop #3

• Is there a formula for a global hit from day one? Experts across production, publishing, and sync will simulate a unified release strategy for one demo targeting Korea, the U.S., and Brazil. Spanning creation, publishing/sync, marketing, and KPIs, the session delivers a practical playbook for thinking and acting beyond single territories toward the global market.

• Robin Jenssen is the CEO (Head of Europe) at KREATION Music Rights Europe, bringing three decades of expertise in music rights and publishing. As founder of Dsign Music in 2004, he pioneered the globalization of K-Pop, placing nearly 700 songs in Asia with over 350 Billboard No.1s, 15 billion streams, 200 million physical sales, and two Grammy nominations. Widely regarded as both an influential executive and creative mentor, he continues to serve as a cultural bridge-builder in the global music community.

• Mark Frieser is the Founder & CEO of Sync Summit and an internationally recognized leader in music, media, and technology. He also founded Sonvue, an AI-powered music company protecting creators’ rights, and has over 25 years of leadership across digital, mobile, and media. His work and insights have been featured in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Forbes, The New York Times, and the BBC.

• Victoria Lallman is the Founder & CEO of Toniq, a music-tech company reshaping how emerging artists are discovered and supported. At 26, she brings global experience across fashion, tech, and entertainment, leading campaigns with Vogue, JTBC, and Show Me The Money. At Toniq, she is building tools that reduce bias in music discovery, connect artists with audiences, and provide new signals for industry and brands.