Kidult market growing rapidly in Korea

Korea's so-called "Kidult" market is growing rapidly .
Young at heart consumers are collecting childhood toys, participating in auctions and even creating their own toy figures.
Kim Mok-yeon reports.

"Kidult" is a relatively new term which describes those who are young at heart and comes from combining the words kid and adult. It refers to adults who buy and collect children's toys.

At a recent "Art Toy" auction hosted by Seoul Auction, a total of 16 toy figures were sold to new owners.
A figure from the popular Star Wars movies sold at the highest bid of 1,340 U.S. dollars.
A Marilyn Monroe figure had the most bids and was eventually sold at 1,080 dollars.

"Before, people who collect toy figures were viewed with a stereotype that they are pathetic and immature. But now with the improved quality, this hobby is seen as collectible artworks rather than children's toys."

Later this month, another Kidult fair will be held, with more than 100 people expected to take part.
This time, participants will not only buy toys but will also have the chance to create figures based on their own life story.

Korea's kidult market has been growing in recent years and is currently valued at around 600 million dollars annually. Experts forecast that it will continue to grow in the coming years.

Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.

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