- CJ OliveNetworks’s live streaming platform will be applied to b.stage, diversifying channels to grow the fandom economy.

- The companies are expected to collaborate on various aspects, including an online payment service, CX, integrated marketing, and joint development of NFT?AI-based solutions.

CJ OliveNetworks, led by CEO Cha In Hyok, will join forces with bemyfriends, a startup dedicated to the global fandom business led by co-CEOs Lee Ki Yeong and Seo Woo Seok, to expand the creator economy ecosystem. 

The creator economy refers to a fast-growing industry in which content creators, such as writers and developers, can make money from their content on online and mobile platforms.

bemyfriends is the first global fandom business startup in Korea established on its profound experience in successfully nurturing fandom businesses from various fields, including K-pop, global brands, and content IP. The company is now operating an innovative bespoke platform builder of its own, “b.stage,” to help creators generate revenue from the content they own and communicate directly with their fans. 

CJ OliveNetworks jointly invested in bemyfriends with CJ Group in May to strengthen its competitiveness for future innovative growth and create a synergy effect with its existing businesses.

To build a stronger business relationship, CJ OliveNetworks and bemyfriends signed a strategic business agreement in the CJ OliveNetworks headquarters on September 13, in the presence of CEO Cha of CJ OliveNetworks and co-CEO Lee of bemyfriends.

The companies announced that, based on their business capabilities and technological prowess, they will closely collaborate through joint business operations, joint development of new technologies, solutions, and marketing campaigns to grow their presence in the creator economy. 

CJ OliveNetworks will connect its live streaming platform, packed with cutting-edge IT technologies and know-how in the field of broadcasting and media, with b.stage to enable creators to interact more actively with fans through meetings, performances, and other types of events. 

In addition, the company plans to introduce an online payment service, “Payment Gateway (PG)”, to offer convenience for users. They will also provide a consulting service for new owners on the b.stage platform on how to launch and operate their website for a better customer experience. 

The companies announced that they will continue cooperating in developing joint marketing campaigns, NFT?AI-based services, and digital solutions to further grow their synergy.

Lee Ki Yeong, co-CEO of bemyfriends, said he is looking forward to “expanding the scope of the b.stage service and diversifying the channels of revenue generation for creators and fandom management through the partnership with CJ OliveNetworks.” Lee added that “through the partnership, we will work together to support nurturing the creator ecosystem.” 

“We aim to lead the innovation of the creator economy and develop new businesses by putting together our business capabilities, technologies, and the competitive fandom platform," said Cha In Hyok, CEO of CJ OliveNetworks. "Together with bemyfriends, we will work as a partner to foster the creator economy ecosystem where IT and content converge.”