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Busan Metropolitan City Approves 29 Companies in First Half of “Boogi” Copyright Free-Use Program

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that it has approved a total of 29 companies through the first-half application process for the 2026 municipal communication character “Boogi” copyright opening project.

The “Boogi” copyright opening project grants free permission for local small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners in Busan to use the “Boogi” character copyright in producing and selling products and content.

Approved companies may use the “Boogi” character for online and offline product development and content production for three years from the approval date by utilizing rights including reproduction, distribution, and the creation of derivative works. Companies may also extend the usage period through reapplication before expiration.

A total of 32 companies applied during the first half of this year, representing an increase of 13 companies (68%) compared to 19 companies during the same period last year.

Busan Metropolitan City selected the approved companies through a comprehensive review process that considered applicant qualifications, business plans, appropriateness of character usage, and potential image damage.

The approved companies applied to utilize the “Boogi” character across a wide range of fields, including tourism souvenirs, character merchandise, food packaging, lifestyle and beauty products, digital content, and pet-related products.

In particular, applications increased in digital content fields beyond conventional tourism souvenir uses such as keychains, figurines, and stationery. New applications included game characters, 3D video content, and unmanned photo booth frames.

In addition, the use of the character expanded into packaging production and brand promotion linked to regional specialty foods such as fish cakes, seaweed tea, and dried seafood products. The scope of utilization has also broadened into areas closely connected to everyday life, including pet products and lifestyle and beauty items.

Since launching the copyright opening project in 2021, Busan Metropolitan City has approved the use of the “Boogi” character copyright for a total of 129 companies as of May this year, supporting the development of character products by local businesses.

The city also plans to continue reviewing design drafts and managing product quality while further expanding the foundation for “Boogi” character utilization through support measures such as entry into the Naver Smart Store “Boogi Town” and participation in merchandise pop-up events.

Oh Mi-kyung, spokesperson for Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “The range of products and content utilizing the ‘Boogi’ character is becoming more diverse, and interest from local businesses continues to grow. We will continue doing our utmost to expand the foundation for utilizing the ‘Boogi’ character so it can promote the appeal of Busan and grow together with local companies.”