Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Event-Driven

<h2>M&amp;A of Lionheart Studio by Kakao Games Corp </h2>In this insight, we discuss the increasing likelihood of an IPO of Lionheart Studio post its controlling stake purchase by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kakao-games-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26730:1" rel="noopener">Kakao Games Corp (293490 KS)</a>.  Kakao Games first made its investment in Lionheart Studio in May 2020 and the partnership between the two companies started in August 2018. On 1 November, <a href="https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2021&amp;no=1033976" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kakao Games</a> announced that it will acquire an additional 30.37% stake in Lionheart Studio Corp, raising its total stake to 52%.Lionheart Studio is well known for its blockbuster mobile game Odin: Valhalla Rising which was launched in Korea in June 2021 and it was ranked as the top grossing mobile game for 18 weeks in a row at Apple and Google Play app stores in Korea. Kakao Games Corp's subsidiary Kakao Games Europe B.V. will acquire a 30.37% stake in Lionheart Studio by paying 450 billion won for this stake. Lionheart Studio is now valued at 1.5 trillion won. The upfront payment for this acquisition will be made on November 23, 2021. The final acquisition amount will be finalized after Lionheart Studio provides its final business performance through June 30, 2022. Overall, we believe that this M&amp;A of Lionheart Studio and the potential IPO of Lionheart Studio will likely have a positive impact on Kakao Games Corp shares as the company's Odin: Valhalla Rising mobile game has been so successful in reaching top market share for mobile games in Korea.

M&amp;A of Lionheart Studio by Kakao Games Corp In this insight, we discuss the increasing likelihood of an IPO of Lionheart Studio post its controlling stake purchase by Kakao Games Corp (293490 KS).  Kakao Games first made its investment in Lionheart Studio in May 2020 and the partnership between the two companies started in August 2018. On 1 November, Kakao Games announced that it will acquire an additional 30.37% stake in Lionheart Studio Corp, raising its total stake to 52%.Lionheart Studio is well known for its blockbuster mobile game Odin: Valhalla Rising which was launched in Korea in June 2021 and it was ranked as the top grossing mobile game for 18 weeks in a row at Apple and Google Play app stores in Korea. Kakao Games Corp's subsidiary Kakao Games Europe B.V. will acquire a 30.37% stake in Lionheart Studio by paying 450 billion won for this stake. Lionheart Studio is now valued at 1.5 trillion won. The upfront payment for this acquisition will be made on November 23, 2021. The final acquisition amount will be finalized after Lionheart Studio provides its final business performance through June 30, 2022. Overall, we believe that this M&amp;A of Lionheart Studio and the potential IPO of Lionheart Studio will likely have a positive impact on Kakao Games Corp shares as the company's Odin: Valhalla Rising mobile game has been so successful in reaching top market share for mobile games in Korea. 

M&A and IPO of Lionheart Studio & Put Option Clause for Its Executives - Impact on Kakao Games

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

There were four new<a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211013001007" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> metaverse related ETFs</a> were launched in Korea on 13 October for the first time ever in the Korean stock market. The first three ETFs (KBSTAR iSelect Metaverse, Hanaro Fn K-Metaverse MZ, and Tiger Fn Metaverse) are passive funds. KODEX K-Metaverse Active is an active fund. These four new ETFs are as follows:1) Tiger Fn Metaverse (managed by Mirae Asset Global Investment)2) KBSTAR iSelect Metaverse (managed by KB Asset Management)3) Hanaro Fn K-Metaverse MZ (managed by NH Amundi Asset Management)4) KODEX K-Metaverse Active  (managed by Samsung Asset Management)The stocks that are included in these metaverse related names also tend to be higher beta ones that could perform much better in a rising market environment. However, because these stocks tend to be higher beta stocks with high valuation multiples, it could be challenging for these stocks to outperform the market when the market downturn occurs.

There were four new metaverse related ETFs were launched in Korea on 13 October for the first time ever in the Korean stock market. The first three ETFs (KBSTAR iSelect Metaverse, Hanaro Fn K-Metaverse MZ, and Tiger Fn Metaverse) are passive funds. KODEX K-Metaverse Active is an active fund. These four new ETFs are as follows:1) Tiger Fn Metaverse (managed by Mirae Asset Global Investment)2) KBSTAR iSelect Metaverse (managed by KB Asset Management)3) Hanaro Fn K-Metaverse MZ (managed by NH Amundi Asset Management)4) KODEX K-Metaverse Active  (managed by Samsung Asset Management)The stocks that are included in these metaverse related names also tend to be higher beta ones that could perform much better in a rising market environment. However, because these stocks tend to be higher beta stocks with high valuation multiples, it could be challenging for these stocks to outperform the market when the market downturn occurs. 

Listing of 4 New Metaverse Related ETFs in Korea

<div class="content-highlight">
In this insight, we provide 8 examples of how metaverse is revolutionizing numerous businesses in Korea. We also provide a list of Korean companies that are actively trying to expand their metaverse businesses. Because metaverse is in the initial stages of growth for many of these businesses, their contributions to their companies' sales and profits may not be meaningful right now. However, they are experiencing a significant popularity. Metaverse is certainly one of the key industry trends that is likely to have a multi-years impact on the companies mentioned in this insight.
The term "metaverse" was first coined by the writer Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel <a href="https://digiday.com/marketing/wtf-is-the-metaverse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snow Crash </a>where metaverse refers to a popular virtual world where the main characters are equipped with augmented technologies. 
Metaverse refers to a computerized domain where the users can share their virtual encounters. Still in the beginning phases of advancement, metaverse has become more important in key industries industries including technology, media, and telecom. In addition, metaverse is also impacting other major industries such as retail, gaming, and fashion. 
Metaverse will empower its users to be more engaged in online shopping, web-based media, entertainment, and share virtual encounters. Metaverse is often considered as a "coming together" of numerous technologies including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), 5G, smartphones, and distributed computing. Up until recently, the gaming industry has been driving the demand for metaverse. However, greater improvements in technologies have allowed metaverse to flourish in other industries as well. 
South Korea is one of the key countries driving the metaverse industry globally. This is one of the leaders in this area and there will be numerous, interesting opportunities involving metaverse in Korea. 
</div>


In this insight, we provide 8 examples of how metaverse is revolutionizing numerous businesses in Korea. We also provide a list of Korean companies that are actively trying to expand their metaverse businesses. Because metaverse is in the initial stages of growth for many of these businesses, their contributions to their companies' sales and profits may not be meaningful right now. However, they are experiencing a significant popularity. Metaverse is certainly one of the key industry trends that is likely to have a multi-years impact on the companies mentioned in this insight.
The term "metaverse" was first coined by the writer Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash where metaverse refers to a popular virtual world where the main characters are equipped with augmented technologies. 
Metaverse refers to a computerized domain where the users can share their virtual encounters. Still in the beginning phases of advancement, metaverse has become more important in key industries industries including technology, media, and telecom. In addition, metaverse is also impacting other major industries such as retail, gaming, and fashion. 
Metaverse will empower its users to be more engaged in online shopping, web-based media, entertainment, and share virtual encounters. Metaverse is often considered as a "coming together" of numerous technologies including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), 5G, smartphones, and distributed computing. Up until recently, the gaming industry has been driving the demand for metaverse. However, greater improvements in technologies have allowed metaverse to flourish in other industries as well. 
South Korea is one of the key countries driving the metaverse industry globally. This is one of the leaders in this area and there will be numerous, interesting opportunities involving metaverse in Korea. 


How Is Metaverse Revolutionizing Businesses in Korea? Virtual Humans Rozy & Lucy Are Just a Start

Cross Asset Strategy

<blockquote><a href="https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1432647669864878083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1432647669864878083%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fsouth-korea-passes-law-with-major-implications-for-apple-vs-epic%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Korea</a> is first in open platforms! Korea has rejected digital commerce monopolies and recognized open platforms as a right. This marks a major milestone in the 45-year history of personal computing. It began in Cupertino, but the forefront today is in Seoul. (Tim Sweeney - Founder of Epic Games)</blockquote>In a landmark case (an amendment of the Telecommunications Business Act), the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-apple-hit-in-south-korea-by-worlds-first-law-ending-their-dominance-over-app-store-payments-11630403335" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Korean government</a> announced on 31 August that Google and Apple will need to open their app stores to alternative payment systems in South Korea. This change in regulation is likely to negatively impact Google and Apple's lucrative commissions on digital sales.A new bill was passed by the Korean National Assembly on 31 August which will significantly reduce Google and Apple's dominance of digital sales on their app platforms. The final step is for President Moon to sign this bill but it is almost a near certainty that he will sign this bill. The following are the major companies/sectors that could benefit from the change in law:<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/naver-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16029:1" rel="noopener">Naver Corp (035420 KS)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kakao-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15002:1" rel="noopener">Kakao Corp (035720 KS)</a></li>
<li>Korean Telcos</li>
<li>Korean Game Companies</li>
<li>Korean Entertainment/Music/Movies/Drama Companies </li>
</ul>

Korea is first in open platforms! Korea has rejected digital commerce monopolies and recognized open platforms as a right. This marks a major milestone in the 45-year history of personal computing. It began in Cupertino, but the forefront today is in Seoul. (Tim Sweeney - Founder of Epic Games)In a landmark case (an amendment of the Telecommunications Business Act), the Korean government announced on 31 August that Google and Apple will need to open their app stores to alternative payment systems in South Korea. This change in regulation is likely to negatively impact Google and Apple's lucrative commissions on digital sales.A new bill was passed by the Korean National Assembly on 31 August which will significantly reduce Google and Apple's dominance of digital sales on their app platforms. The final step is for President Moon to sign this bill but it is almost a near certainty that he will sign this bill. The following are the major companies/sectors that could benefit from the change in law:
Naver Corp (035420 KS)
Kakao Corp (035720 KS)
Korean Telcos
Korean Game Companies
Korean Entertainment/Music/Movies/Drama Companies 


Korean Government Forces Google & Apple To Open Their App Stores to Alternative Payments

Korea / Special Situations, Clepsydra Capital

Sanghyun Park

Korea / Special Situations

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing

Clepsydra Capital

Investigate special situations, pairs, and index rebalancing trades in Korea.

Equity Capital Markets

<h2>Listing date</h2>The listing date of Krafton has been confirmed as August 10th.<table class="table table-striped">
<colgroup>
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Schedule"}'>Krafton IPO schedule</td></tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Book open"}'>Book open</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44391}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 7. 14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Book close"}'>Book close</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44404}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 7. 27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Allotment"}'>Allotment</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44406}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 7. 29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Subscription"}'>Subscription</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44410}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 8. 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Payment"}'>Payment</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44413}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 8. 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Listing"}'>Listing</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":44418}' data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":5,"2":"yyyy. m. d","3":1}'>2021. 8. 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> - Kakao Bank's listing</td>
<td>2021. 8. 5</td>
</tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Source: DART"}'>Source: DART</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table><ul>
<li>The initially scheduled date was August 10th. However, as Kakao Pay's listing date was set for August 12, Krafton could not easily finalize the listing date due to the issue of mutual interference for retail investors with Kakao Pay.</li>
<li>The fact that Krafton confirmed the listing date as soon as Kakao Pay's listing schedule was delayed shows how sensitive Krafton was to this retail interference issue.</li>
</ul><div class="content-highlight">
The listing date of Kakao Bank is August 5, and there is a gap of 3 business days until the listing date of Krafton. However, in this case, Krafton is in a position to absorb retail demand from Kakao Bank. More importantly, Kakao Bank must draw less attention from retail investors than Kakao Pay in terms of business nature, so there is no need to worry too much about potential interference with Kakao Bank.
And then, at least until the end of August, there is no major listing. That is, there is enough temporal buffer for Krafton to drive retail demand.
</div>

Listing dateThe listing date of Krafton has been confirmed as August 10th.





Krafton IPO schedule

Book open
2021. 7. 14


Book close
2021. 7. 27


Allotment
2021. 7. 29


Subscription
2021. 8. 2


Payment
2021. 8. 5


Listing
2021. 8. 10


 - Kakao Bank's listing
2021. 8. 5

Source: DART


The initially scheduled date was August 10th. However, as Kakao Pay's listing date was set for August 12, Krafton could not easily finalize the listing date due to the issue of mutual interference for retail investors with Kakao Pay.
The fact that Krafton confirmed the listing date as soon as Kakao Pay's listing schedule was delayed shows how sensitive Krafton was to this retail interference issue.

The listing date of Kakao Bank is August 5, and there is a gap of 3 business days until the listing date of Krafton. However, in this case, Krafton is in a position to absorb retail demand from Kakao Bank. More importantly, Kakao Bank must draw less attention from retail investors than Kakao Pay in terms of business nature, so there is no need to worry too much about potential interference with Kakao Bank.
And then, at least until the end of August, there is no major listing. That is, there is enough temporal buffer for Krafton to drive retail demand.


Krafton Listing Date Confirmed as August 10th: Rebalancing Trading Timeline

South Korea

Pearl Abyss Corp. operates as a computer games making company. The Company offers games development, games exporting, and other services. Pearl Abyss serves customers worldwide.

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Pearl Abyss (263750 KS)

M&A and IPO of Lionheart Studio & Put Option Clause for Its Executives - Impact on Kakao Games

In this insight, we discuss the increasing likelihood of an IPO of Lionheart Studio post its controlling stake purchase by Kakao Games Corp (293490...

Douglas Kim

How Is Metaverse Revolutionizing Businesses in Korea? Virtual Humans Rozy & Lucy Are Just a Start

In this insight, we provide 8 examples of how metaverse is revolutionizing businesses in Korea. We also provide a list of Korean companies that are...

Douglas Kim

Korean Government Forces Google & Apple To Open Their App Stores to Alternative Payments

In a landmark case, the Korean government announced on 31 August that Google and Apple will need to open their app stores to alternative payment...

Douglas Kim

Krafton Listing Date Confirmed as August 10th: Rebalancing Trading Timeline

The listing date of Krafton has been confirmed as August 10th. So, this post examines the index rebalancing trading timeline.

Sanghyun Park

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