Lotte World, a major amusement park in Seoul, has witnessed a remarkable 17% surge in its visitor count. This increase is attributed to the “ENHYPEN effect,” a phenomenon stemming from the boy group’s immense popularity. The iconic Magic Castle of Lotte World was recently transformed into the Dark Moon Castle. This change isn’t merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the collaboration between HYBE and Lotte World.
@enhypen
The park has morphed into a vast stage for the Naver Webtoon Dark Moon: Altar of the Moon. This webtoon, boasting over 100 million views, is a testament to HYBE’s innovative approach to storytelling. It’s not just a webtoon; it’s an original story IP, a concept that HYBE has been pioneering. Based on the artist IP of the boy group ENHYPEN, the story has been reborn in a visual format, captivating fans and newcomers alike.
Moreover, this collaboration isn’t just about visuals. It’s an immersive experience. Visitors to the park can purchase official merchandise from the Dark Moon series and even experience the Drexelius Party Room, a setting straight out of the webtoon. This room, located on the third floor of the Magic Castle, is designed to emulate the party space of the seven vampire boys from the webtoon.
For the love of ENHYPEN
It’s not just a hit among local fans; international enthusiasts from countries like China, Japan, and even the US flock to this attraction. One such international fan, a 25-year-old named Xing from Shanghai, expressed her excitement: “I came from Shanghai because I love ENHYPEN.” Such testimonies highlight the global appeal of this collaboration. The event also offers limited-edition photo cards and special admission ticket packages, further enhancing the experience for the group’s fans.
[BIRTHDAY VLOG] 🎂 LOTTE WORLD//ENHYPEN DARK MOON 🌚
This collaboration signifies a broader trend in the K-pop industry. It’s not just about music anymore; it’s about creating a universe, a narrative that fans can immerse themselves in. HYBE’s strategy of blending artist IPs with diverse storytelling formats is a testament to this evolution. As Hwang Bo-sang, the business representative of HYBE’s Story Business Division, aptly put it, “In the future, we will strive to deliver a more diverse and immersive content experience to fans who love artists and stories.”
The success of this collaboration between HYBE, ENHYPEN, and Lotte World underscores the potential of such innovative ventures. It’s a blend of music, storytelling, and real-world experiences, creating a synergy that’s hard to replicate. And as the numbers suggest, it’s a formula that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Right now, walking through the park is like walking straight into the pages of the webtoon. Source: X/@PRODBYENGENE.
