Kpop NFTs: Binance and YG partnership will prioritize sustainability

A new partnership between global crypto exchange Binance and South Korean entertainment company YG will see the two companies strive for a more sustainable framework for future NFTs collaborations.

YG manages a number of notable Kpop stars including BLACKPINK, BIG BANG, and WINNER. The Feb. 8 announcement stated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will reportedly give Binance access to develop digital assets based on the IP (intellectual property) associated with these artists.

Although the two companies didn’t provide any specific details for any upcoming NFT collections, they did confirm that creating NFTs in an “eco-friendly way” will be one of the primary concerns of their future collaborations.

Global Head of Binance NFT Helen Hai said the platform will be working “closely with YG to create an eco-friendly ecosystem for NFTs.” She added that the company believes “that it is important to promote the use of sustainable blockchain platforms.”

YG CEO Bo Kyung Hwang shared the sentiment, adding that the companies hope to “steadily build an innovative and eco-friendly NFT ecosystem.”

Binance NFT is a multichain platform that uses the PoSA (Proof of Staked Authority) network, a consensus agreement protocol that is more eco-friendly and energy-efficient than Bitcoin’s.

As well as upcoming collaborations in the NFT space, the two companies also mentioned plans to develop Binance Smart Chain-based games and collaborate on building Metaverse projects.

An announcement about the MoU stated: “Binance will provide the NFT platform and technology infrastructure while YG will supply NFT content and gaming assets.”

Related: Singapore suspends exchange Bitget’s license over K-pop coin promotion

The partnership won’t be the first collision between Kpop and Web3. Most recently, U.S.-based Metaverse concert organizer Animal Concerts partnered with South Korea’s Klaytn blockchain network in January.

With a goal of bringing Kpop stars to the Metaverse, Animal Concerts will organize virtual concerts, as well as creating NFTs and merchandise for some of its top recording artists.

Meanwhile, in November last year Animoca Brands announced it will partner with Korean record label Cube Entertainment to build a “K-pop metaverse.”