NewTimeSpace – 15 Jan 09:45 Global X K-Pop And Culture Etf (03158.HK) gapped +2.5% at the open and is now up >20% y/y. The fund offers one-click access to the global breakout of K-pop, K-drama and K-beauty, while its 0.4-0.5 correlation with A-share consumer names and HK internet counters helps dampen portfolio volatility.

HKEX data show 03158.HK tracks the Solactive K-pop and Culture Index, compiled by Germany’s Solactive AG and released 11 Dec 2023. Base date 13 Jan 2017 = 1,000, KRW-denominated, net total-return, rebalanced semi-annually on the second Friday of Jan & Jul. The basket currently holds 30 stocks with an aggregate cap of ~US$100 bn, covering the full “K-wave ecosystem” of entertainment, beauty, food, gaming and internet.

By segment, c. 38% is anchored in the Big 4 talent agencies (SM, HYBE, YG, JYP), directly levered to album sales, concerts and IP derivatives; 12% is allocated to Korean food (Nongshim, Samyang) and 11% to cosmetics (Amorepacific, Missha), capturing the “eat + use” halo spend; the remainder stretches to fandom platforms (Weverse, DearU), indie game studios and idol-economy SaaS, completing the “content → fan → spend” loop.

Omdia notes Korean content is the most in-demand non-English catalogue worldwide. Korean FAST channels boast both a massive domestic viewer base and global appeal, positioning them to ride the next wave of U.S. FAST market expansion.

Company filings (NewTimeSpace Research desk): HYBE posted 2024 sales of ₩527.8 bn but net profit of only ₩1.4 bn; 3Q25 loss widened, highlighting margin pressure. SM Entertainment booked 2024 operating profit of ₩16.0 bn, yet 3Q25 already delivered stronger cumulative figures. JYP’s 2024 net profit of ₩38.8 bn was followed by 3Q25 record highs in both sales and profit, underscoring stability.

NewTimeSpace Disclaimer: All content herein is the original work of NewTimeSpace. Any reproduction, reprinting, or use of this content in any other manner must clearly indicate the source as "NewTimeSpace". NewTimeSpace and its authorized third-party information providers strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, but do not guarantee the absolute correctness thereof. This content is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice. All transaction risks shall be borne by the user.