Kakao Entertainment introduces BERRIZ, its innovative new platform for all Korean IPs. Learn how this venture aims to become a universal fan platform.
Kakao Entertainment has officially launched Berriz, a global fan platform designed to bring together fans of K-pop, K-dramas, webtoons, and other Korean intellectual properties (IPs). The platform went live on March 25 and since then, it has changed the landscape of fan communities. Berriz redefines the fan experience by combining technology, personalization, and community-building into a seamless ecosystem for K-culture enthusiasts.
What is Berriz by Kakao Entertainment?
Berriz is a modular and fan-friendly platform where communities centered around different K-culture IPs can flourish. Whether it is artists, webtoons, or dramas, everyone has a place on Berriz. The platform is inspired by the idea that “berries become sweeter when brought together!” This community platform serves as a “digital playground” for fans worldwide to engage, celebrate, and interact across genres in Korean entertainment.
Berriz offers flexible tools tailored to the unique needs of each fandom. There’s livestreaming and AI-based content recommendations, customizable fan zones, and e-commerce integration. The platform is designed on an adaptive infrastructure. What it means is that both fans and IP holders can mold the platform experience to suit their evolving preferences.
One Platform, Many Passions
What makes Berriz different from all the other fan communities is that it combines human IPs with content IPs. It is a place for artists and creators as well as webtoons, dramas, and musicals.
Kakao Entertainment explained the platform’s mission with a metaphor:
“Despite having different sizes and shapes, berries become sweeter when they are put together. Like berries, Berriz will establish its presence as a playground where K-culture fandoms worldwide can communicate and discover joy together.”
Growing Artist Communities: KiiiKiii, Jung Seung-hwan, Monsta X, IU
To date, Berriz has onboarded several big names from the K-pop industry. Berriz’s pre-launch featured famous singer Jung Seung-hwan. The platform’s official debut on March 24 coincided with the entrance of KiiiKiii, a Gen-Z girl group under Starship Entertainment.
With their first album, UNCUT GEM, and breakout track “I DO ME,” KiiiKiii immediately attracted fan buzz, and now leverages Berriz to offer:
- Live streams and VOD content
- Interactive group and individual member profiles
- Community content tailored for fans of Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya
Monsta X, the K-pop superstars, have launched a new fan community to connect with their fans worldwide, MONBEBE, on Berriz. This launch also means Monsta X is back as a full group on Berriz Kakao Entertainment! Member Hyungwon is coming back to civilian life in May after finishing his military service. With 2025 coming up as the 10th anniversary of their debut, Monsta X plans to make sure fans have a blast on Berriz and make unforgettable memories together.
IU is the most recent A-lister to open her first-ever global fan community to connect with her global fandom, UAENA.
“IU, thriving globally as a singer and actress, will be able to shorten the distance with her fans and build stronger rapport via Berriz.”
– Kakao Entertainment
These artist communities create a multi-layered fan experience designed to foster personal connections and real-time engagement.
Drama Meets Webtoon: ‘Crushology 101’ Joins the Lineup
The fan community for “Crushology 101”, a new MBC drama adapted from Kakao’s popular webtoon is also on Kakao Entertainment Berriz. It has already amassed over 170 million views. Starring Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, and Cho Junyoung, the series blends romantic comedy with webtoon-style storytelling. The launch illustrates Kakao Entertainment’s broader IP crossover strategy, merging web novels, dramas, and music in a single fan environment.
On Berriz, fans of both the webtoon and the TV series can:
- Interact within dedicated communities
- Access special events and exclusive content
- Enjoy AI-curated experiences designed to enhance viewer engagement
Modular and Tailored Experiences
Unlike traditional fan apps, Berriz functions as a modular, customizable platform, allowing each artist or IP holder to design their own branded community. Key features include:
- Commerce integration
- Livestream and VOD capabilities
- Community layouts that can be adjusted in real-time
- AI-powered engagement tools
This flexibility ensures that Berriz isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” platform but a dynamic space where IP-specific needs and fan preferences are reflected directly in the user experience.
Built for Global Fans
Berriz is now accessible via web and mobile apps (Android/iOS) and supports 18 languages, including English and Korean. Kakao Entertainment brings its vast experience from managing digital platforms like Kakao Page, Melon, and 1theK to shape a new global fandom culture.
Notably, Jung Seung-hwan’s fan club, “US,” has introduced a members-only zone on Berriz, where fans can view archived content and new updates in a centralized space.
Kakao Entertainment is setting a new standard for global fandom engagement on Berriz by uniting K-pop stans, drama watchers, and webtoon readers. They all can come together into one vibrant, interactive platform. From AI-driven content delivery to modular community design, Berriz reflects the next evolution of fan culture. It is a Korean platform where connection, creativity, and content converge.
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