Video Subtitling Site Viki Puts K-Pop Content in Spotlight

Published on 2012/05/25 | Source

Razmig Hovaghimian

Global video site Viki provides internationally popular TV shows, music videos and films with subtitles in multiple languages. Since some graduate students at Stanford University started the company as a venture project in 2007, it has grown into a global IT business.

Now Viki will work as an advance guard for spreading K-pop by signing a deal with LOEN Entertainment, a major music distributor in Korea. Netizens from around the world will be able to watch music videos, interview clips and performances from concerts of idol star Lee Ji-eun, girl band Brown Eyed Girls, hip-hop artist Drunken Tiger and more, translated into up to 150 languages including Romanian, Tagalog and Arabic.

When the Chosun Ilbo met Viki CEO Razmig Hovaghimian (38) at Music Matters, Asia's largest music business conference, held in Singapore, the CEO said surging demand compelled them to feature K-pop as main content.

Viki's success hinges on its network of 1 million translators. They rank as the company's most important intellectual property as they build communities, provide translations and correct errors without seeking any financial reward.