Global streaming experts to converge in Busan for festival next week

Poster for the International Streaming Festival 2025 Courtesy of the Ministry of Science and ICT — The official poster for the upcoming International Streaming Festival. Courtesy of the Ministry of Science and ICT

SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - Global developers, producers, IT professionals and other experts are expected to gather for an event to be held in South Korean southern port city of Busan next week, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release on Wednesday.

The annual International Streaming Festival, in its third year this year, is set to kick off its four-day run on Aug. 22 under the theme of "Streaming What's Next," with participants exploring the latest trends in streaming platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

The festival will highlight cutting-edge developments including AI integration, free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services, and advertising innovations while strengthening support for domestic companies seeking overseas expansion and investment opportunities.

Organizers plan to encourage local industry workers and advertisers to join networking sessions with international investors, helping them make inroads into global markets.

On the sidelines of the festival, an awards ceremony recognizing the best works on streaming platforms will be held on Aug. 24 at the Busan Cinema Center, an outdoor theater that serves as the main venue for the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

Netflix’s hit South Korean series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" will compete for an award along with popular series from other streaming platforms including China's Youku and the U.S.’ Disney Plus and Prime Video.

At another event on Aug. 22 during the festival, industry leaders from global research firms Omdia and Statista will deliver keynote speeches on market trends and strategies, followed by two days of relevant sessions.

"This year's festival will serve as a stage for global exchange and collaboration among platform operators in AI technology and related content businesses," a ministry spokesman said.

Organizers' selection of Busan as the festival venue seems intended to bridge conventional films and streaming content, as the coastal city hosts BIFF annually, with this year's fest scheduled for next month.

Kim Dong-young davekim0807@ajupress.com