The signing ceremony took place on September 24 in Seoul’s Jongno district. IAA Korea and Clebus agreed to work together to develop new business models for both the domestic and international art markets. Their plan covers not only painting and sculpture but also illustration, animation, and accessory design, transforming these into NFT-based content for exhibition, sale, and rental.
IAA Korea President Lee Kwang-soo, who also serves as a board member of the IAA headquarters in Paris, said he expects the partnership to serve as "an important turning point for the global art market."
The two sides plan to focus on creating an NFT-linked art trading platform while developing joint revenue models such as pre- and post-purchase arrangements and consignment sales. IAA Korea has invited Clebus to the IAA World General Assembly set for October 29 and is preparing to extend the partnership to the IAA’s Paris headquarters to strengthen global cooperation.
One of the most eye-catching outcomes of the agreement is that Clebus’s art characters have been designated as official mascots of the IAA. It is an unusual move for a K-character to represent an international art organization, and both sides see it as a key step toward promoting K-art on the global stage. Clebus said it hopes the two characters will "grow into globally beloved K-characters, following the success of 'Kpop Demon Hunters.'"
Founded in 2019, Clebus is a technology firm that has expanded into blockchain services. Since 2022, the company has provided NFT certification and membership platforms to luxury brands such as Hansung Motor, an official Mercedes-Benz dealer in South Korea, demonstrating its technical expertise and market experience.
The collaboration between IAA Korea’s international network and Clebus’s NFT technology is expected to accelerate the digital transformation of South Korea’s art scene and open new opportunities for K-art in global markets.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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