IPX secures South Korean IP rights for Naruto and Sgt. Frog

IPX announced on October 29, 2026 that it has acquired the South Korean IP business rights for Naruto and Sgt. Frog, according to techm.kr. The company will act as the official Korean licensing channel for Naruto, covering product development, licensing and pop-up events.

Sgt. Frog, known in Korea as 개구리 중사 케로로, is drawing renewed attention after news of a new TV series, following its first theatrical film in 16 years.

Naruto remains one of the most widely recognised Japanese manga and anime properties. On October 10, 2026, fans gathered in Sinchon, Seoul, dressed as Naruto characters to mark the birthday of protagonist Uzumaki Naruto. The same day, at New York Comic Con 2026, a new Naruto anime after nine years and a new manga serialization by creator Masashi Kishimoto were announced.

Character business built over 15 years

IPX has more than 15 years of experience in the IP business and developed its own characters through Line Friends and minini; Brown and friends first became known 15 years ago through LINE stickers. The company has also collaborated with global brands including Maison Kitsuné, Bang & Olufsen and Starbucks.

In April 2026, IPX announced a collaboration between Sailor Moon and Line Friends original characters for Brown's 15th anniversary. In 2017 it launched BT21 with BTS and later expanded it through the BT21 Universe animated content, and it has since launched ZO&FRIENDS with G-DRAGON and MIGHTEEZ with ATEEZ. Joguman began global IP business with IPX in 2023, and its average annual IP transaction volume grew more than 200% as of 2025.