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Streaming Connects the World: ‘Korea International Streaming Festival 2026’ Opens Today (June 18) for Four Days

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Park Heong-joon, announced that it will jointly host the Korea International Streaming Festival 2026 with the Ministry of Science and ICT from today (June 18) through June 21.

Held under the slogan “Streaming Connects the World,” the festival is designed to explore the convergence of OTT and FAST services with next-generation AI and media technologies while supporting Korean companies in strengthening their global competitiveness and expanding into overseas markets.

This year, the event strengthens its brand identity and reinforces Busan’s status as a city of visual media by consolidating most programs at Busan Cinema Center, which had previously been divided across multiple venues. The Investment Showcase will be held separately at Paradise Hotel Busan.

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) programs, including the Global OTT Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious streaming awards ceremonies, as well as the OST Concert, Series Screenings, and Platform Day, an audience-participation festival.

The Global OTT Awards, which recognize innovative platforms, creators, and content from across the global streaming industry, will be held on June 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Busan Cinema Center Roof Theater.

This year’s awards will honor excellence across 19 categories, including 14 competitive categories and 5 invitational categories. A total of 231 entries—50 from Korea and 181 from overseas—were submitted from 14 countries and underwent a rigorous final judging process.

Hosted by actors Kang So-ra and Ahn Jae-hyun, the ceremony will feature Kim Eui-sung as chief judge, alongside jury members including Koyuki and Vivian Sung. Nominees such as Shin Hye-sun, Jung Sung-il, Dahyun, Nana, and Lee Ki-taek will walk the red carpet.

K-content titles including Made in Korea and Culinary Class Wars 2 will compete alongside major Asian hits such as The Royal Family and If the Sun Had Never Shone. In addition, a partnership with Kyungsung University will introduce the Best Short-form Award, supporting the development of an AI-driven short-form content ecosystem.

Audience-participation programs will also take place throughout Busan Cinema Center.

The OST Concert will feature renowned composer Yoon Il-sang, the WE Philharmonic Orchestra, and singer Lee Eun-mi. Visitors can also enjoy Platform Day, which includes Netflix lectures and AI experiences, as well as Series Screenings and audience talks featuring the cast of Taxi Driver 3.

Information on the awards ceremony, detailed schedules, and participation methods for audience programs is available on the official website at https://www.kisf.kr.

The International Streaming Summit, held on the opening day, June 18, at the Haneulyeon Theater of Busan Cinema Center, will provide in-depth discussions on strategies adopted by major domestic and international streaming platforms and global expansion case studies from media technology companies.

The summit will feature a keynote address by Maria Rua Aguete, Senior Vice President at Omdia, on global media trends and the Korean Wave, as well as a presentation by Lee Gwi-ho, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, on the future vision of Connected TV and FAST services.

Panel discussions will include representatives from CJ ENM Mnet Plus, Studio Dragon, NC AI, and Hudson AI, who will explore AI-driven innovation in drama production and strategies for global expansion through technology convergence.

The Investment Showcase, taking place from June 19 to 20 in the Sicily Room at Paradise Hotel Busan, will facilitate practical business matching opportunities for outstanding Korean creators and media technology companies.

Jo Yu-jang, Director General of the Culture Bureau at Busan Metropolitan City, said, “This festival will serve as a meaningful platform where cutting-edge AI technologies and globally recognized K-content come together to lead paradigm shifts in the worldwide streaming industry from Busan.”

He added, “We will continue to strengthen global business networks and build an innovative media ecosystem so that Busan can emerge as the center of the global streaming market and a hub for collaborative growth and cooperation.”