FastView Partners with SmartNews to Boost K-Content in Japan

FastView Expands K-Content Distribution in Japan

In a strategic move to foster the presence of Korean media and K-content in the Japanese market, FastView has formed a partnership with SmartNews, Japan's leading news application. This collaboration aims to establish a robust framework for the translation and distribution of Korean content, leveraging SmartNews’ extensive user base.

SmartNews, which operates in both Japan and the United States, boasts one of the largest user bases in Japan. Currently, it collaborates with over 3,000 media outlets, including major television networks and newspapers, providing a diverse array of news categories. The app is widely recognized as a daily staple for Japanese users seeking quality news.

On September 9, SmartNews officially announced its partnership with FastView, highlighting plans to expand the Japanese translation and distribution of news originating from South Korea. The initial offerings include an array of Korean media outlets that have never been available in Japan before, such as Culture Daily, K-Muse, MHN, Insight Online, Star Light Report (Wikitree), and Star Fashion.

This partnership enables Korean media organizations and content creators to tap into the Japanese market without incurring additional personnel or network expenses. Notably, within just over a month since the partnership's inception, FastView has successfully collaborated with over ten Korean content providers, reportedly achieving 19 million page views in the initial period. This remarkable statistic underscores the demand for Korean-origin news in Japan, showcasing its potential consumption viability.

Looking ahead, FastView plans to serve as a primary conduit for Korean content on SmartNews, gradually expanding its content categories and media lineup. The goal is to create a stable ecosystem where Korean media can efficiently localize and monetize their offerings in the Japanese market.

Landon Hong, Vice President of JP Media Business at SmartNews, commented on the partnership, stating, “As the consumption trends for Korean content, including K-POP and K-beauty products, have risen, we aimed to address the demand for real-time, reliable coverage of related news among Japanese users. Through this partnership, we hope to provide a broader perspective for users to engage with diverse Korean content.”

FastView’s CEO, Park Sang-Woo, expressed that this partnership allows Korean media to secure a distribution framework to enter the Japanese market without needing additional manpower or costs. He added that FastView aims to continue positioning itself as the most efficient partner for domestic media seeking to connect with global audiences.

FastView operates under an AI-based content distribution solution called ViewUs, which supports a comprehensive revenue model encompassing content creation, processing, global distribution, and commerce. By analyzing a massive volume of social media data—about 800 million page views monthly—ViewUs provides precise recommendation support based on user interests and offers localization and distribution infrastructure for media and content ownership to expand internationally.

In addition, FastView achieved significant financial milestones in 2024, recording revenues of 33 billion won and an operating profit of 1.5 billion won, marking a successful transition to profitability. With a foundation of financial stability, the company is accelerating its business expansion in global markets, including Japan.