InterviewKorea's user-driven, viral digital pop culture ideal for AI development: Blockchain expert

Ani, head of global marketing at SNPIT / Courtesy of SNPIT

Korea is known for highly enthusiastic retail investors. It has one of the most active retail investment communities, and Koreans are optimistic and willing to support innovative projects.

This culture fosters early adoption and significant traction for new blockchain and digital asset initiatives, a blockchain expert based in the United Arab Emirates said Wednesday.

Also of significant note is Korea’s community-driven spread of trends, as evidenced by the unmatched power of its digital communities.

Further bolstering this is Korea’s creator-driven culture, where platforms like Cyworld, AfreecaTV and Kakao have long thrived.

“Korea’s viral digital culture aligns perfectly with gamified and social elements,” said Ani, head of global marketing at SNPIT, a blockchain tech firm with a focus on photography, in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

“When a project gains momentum, communities amplify its reach organically, leading to rapid adoption and mainstream visibility. This aspect is critical," he said.

Creator-driven culture

Korea has a long-standing history of creator-driven platforms, including Cyworld, AfreecaTV and Kakao.

They have shaped how users generate, share and monetize content.

These are not SNPIT's competitors but rather partners for whom it can provide an additional Web3-powered option for photography enthusiasts, crypto users and blockchain gamers.

Web3 is a next-generation, blockchain-backed internet. The widely used current internet is Web2.

By leveraging blockchain technology, SNPIT can, for example, enhance the use of photos in ways that were previously unavailable, he said. “More will be able to participate in Web3 activities without disrupting their existing digital habits, fully rooted in Korea’s culture of digital creativity.”

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Gaming, lifestyle and blockchain

The expert said Korea’s gaming and lifestyle culture, as well as blockchain tech, can redefine digital engagement.

“We merge gaming, lifestyle and blockchain through something as simple and universal as photography. Users take photos, earn tokens and engage in gamified challenges, creating a fun and interactive digital experience that appeals to both casual and dedicated Web3 users.”

The blockchain firm also integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its photo database, ensuring that the images collected on the platform can be used for AI model training.

This adds a real-world utility to the ecosystem, strengthening the functions of not only gaming and entertainment but also a valuable AI data provider.

“By combining simple participation, AI integration and blockchain-based rewards, digital engagement in Korea can be reshaped where gaming, content creation and technology have always been deeply intertwined," he said.

Ethical data use

One of the strengths of the blockchain firm is transforming digital engagement while addressing a growing challenge in the AI industry.

This comes amid a pressing need for ethically sourced, high-quality data, prompted by AI firms facing increasing scrutiny over the use of copyrighted material for model training, resulting in lawsuits and legal uncertainties.

The company provides a decentralized solution with its world repository of unprocessed photographs, ensuring that AI developers and businesses can access legally compliant, diverse image datasets without infringing on intellectual property rights.

“Users are encouraged to contribute their own original photos, helping fill a critical gap in the AI ecosystem,” he said.

Many Web2 users can experience Web3 without any complexity, in his view.

They can take photos, earn tokens and participate in the ecosystem, with no crypto knowledge or prior blockchain experience.

This low-barrier entry enables many to become more familiarized with Web3. Seasoned Web3 users will enjoy long-term engagement.

The blockchain company seeks partnerships with Kakao, Line and other leading Korean entertainment agencies, as their platforms and industries align with photography.

“Photography is an integral part of various sectors, including travel, entertainment, food and beverages, as well as fashion, making it a seamless fit for diverse collaborations,” he said.

Partnerships with large, established firms in Korea will help the firm expand its use cases and integrate Web3 into everyday digital interactions.

“This approach ensures that users can benefit from blockchain technology without having to navigate its complexities, making adoption effortless and accessible," he added.