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Poster for Inkigayo in Paris. / Korea Creative Content Agency.

The “2026 K‑Expo France” will be held in Paris from June 16 to 19 to expand the Korean content industry’s presence in Europe.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the event will take place at the Palais des Congrès and Le Méridien Etoile Hotel. It follows the success of the K‑Expo held in Los Angeles in May, which drew 40,000 visitors over two days, generated more than 500 business consultations, and resulted in over 30 MOUs. KOCCA aims to build on this momentum to create tangible business opportunities in the European market.

This year’s expo carries added significance as Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The program includes K‑pop performances, demonstrations of AI and XR technologies, and experiences with K‑beauty and K‑food, showcasing both the present and future of Korean content.

From June 16 to 18, more than 60 Korean companies will participate in exhibitions across six zones: K‑IP Discovery, K‑Tech Connect, K‑Beauty Boutique, K‑Collaboration Zone, K‑Content Showcase, and K‑Food Market. Netflix Korea will present collaboration cases with Kumho Tire, Kia, and Nongshim, while CJ ENM and 12 AI content firms will screen the latest AI content in a theater‑style exhibition. The newly introduced K‑Tech Connect will allow visitors to experience interactive XR, AR, and AI content firsthand.

The K‑Beauty Boutique will feature the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute, Cosway, and FusionBio, highlighting the latest trends. The K‑Food Market, with participation from the Korea Agro‑Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and Nongshim, will offer experiences such as Han River ramen, seafood tastings, and rice tteokbokki demonstrations.

In the K‑Collaboration Zone, XR/VR specialist iStaging will showcase digital exhibitions combining Korean mother‑of‑pearl crafts, contemporary art, and collaborations with French luxury brand Louis Vuitton.

Stage programs are also planned. Actor Ryu Soo‑young will host “K‑Food: Taste & Talk,” demonstrating Korean temple cuisine and introducing its cultural features.

On June 17, “Inkigayo in Paris” will feature performances by SHINee’s Taemin, Monsta X, NCT Wish, 82Major, Stella Jang, and Hearts2Hearts, along with a special collaboration stage commemorating the 140th anniversary of Korea–France relations.

Business programs will be strengthened as well. From June 18 to 19, export consultations will be held at Le Méridien Etoile Hotel, with 46 Korean content, AI, and K‑beauty companies meeting one‑on‑one with over 100 major European firms, including French publishing group Media Participations, Europe’s largest media group Banijay, Fnac Darty, and Animation Digital Network (ADN).

Yu Hyun‑seok, acting president of KOCCA, stated, “This Paris event will mark a turning point for K‑content, expanding beyond cultural enjoyment into Europe’s daily life and industrial fields. On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Korea–France relations, we will further strengthen cultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries.”

K‑Expo will continue in Mexico City this September.

                                                                                                           Jeon Hye‑won