[WEEKENDER] Beyond Korea: Foreign entrepreneurs turn Korean culture into business opportunities

The global popularity of Korean culture continues to surge, with K-pop, dramas, food and beauty products captivating audiences worldwide. This fascination extends beyond mere consumption for some foreign nationals, who see opportunities to turn their interest in Korean culture into business ventures, thereby bringing the country's cultural assets to global markets.

However, launching a business in a foreign nation presents its own set of challenges, ranging from navigating unfamiliar administrative processes to adapting to distinct business practices. The Korea Times interviewed foreign entrepreneurs behind two enterprises aiming to disseminate Korean culture globally, delving into the prospects and obstacles they have faced.

French citizens Christophe Diez and Jeanne Dubresson are endeavoring to link Korean content creators with international viewers through the streaming platform Kyool. Diez's intrigue with Korea surfaced in 2015 when he stumbled upon a Korean romantic comedy series while brainstorming fresh narratives. The endeavor prompted him to investigate Korean cultural offerings further.