SBA to Host 'Changjak Seonsudan: the Next Creator' to Help Content Creators Enter the Market

[Financial News] As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes even the way content is produced, programs for nurturing emerging creators are expanding beyond simple talent discovery to include hands-on production and support for entering the market. The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) is also launching a support program for emerging creators in webtoons and web novels, short-form video and animation, and character design and illustration. The program will connect AI training and portfolio development with actual content production.
 According to industry sources on the 4th, SBA will hold “Changjak Seonsudan: the Next Creator” at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) showroom on the 18th and 19th.
 The program is designed not only to discover creators’ ideas but also to connect them with actual content production and eventual entry into the market. A conference will examine the changing content landscape and the role of creators in the AI era. Participants will then assess their strengths and potential through one-on-one portfolio mentoring from industry professionals.
 Participants in the web and video content categories will also take part in an AI-based hackathon. Teams of two or three will spend two days and one night developing an idea and fictional universe around a single theme, then turning it into actual content. The completed works will undergo final pitching and judging, and the first-place team will receive 10 million won in prize money.
 The program covers web content, video content, and design content. Recruitment will focus on webtoons and web novels for web content; short-form video and animation for video content; and characters and illustration for design content. Anyone may participate, except creators affiliated with or registered on major platforms.
 The conference will be attended by approximately 200 emerging creators. Creators and experts will discuss the changing content-production environment, ways to use AI, and how to turn creators’ distinctive perspectives and creative worlds into competitive strengths.
 During the portfolio mentoring sessions, working professionals from the web, video, and design fields will assess participants’ work one-on-one. The review will cover not only the quality of the work but also future content-planning and production directions, as well as the creators’ potential to enter the market.
 SBA is broadening the scope of its creator-development efforts because the spread of AI has lowered the barriers to entering content production, while making the ability to differentiate creators’ original ideas and creative worlds even more important.
 Moon Gu-seon, head of SBA’s Creative Industries Division, said, "As the content-production environment changes rapidly, it is becoming increasingly important to develop not only AI skills but also creators’ own ideas and creative worlds." Moon added, "Through this event, we hope creators with unique personalities and potential will discover new possibilities and gain an opportunity to grow to the next level." Applications are open until the 10th.
[email protected] Kim Hyeon-cheol Reporter