Korea Blockchain Week 2022: A Storm of Ideas
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2022 wrapped up two days of insightful discussions and lively networking. Despite some torrential downpour that drenched Seoul, spirits were high as thousands of enthusiasts and influencers packed the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas.
Metaverse Musings: What’s Next?
On the second day, conversations orbited around one central theme: the Metaverse. With passion and a sprinkle of humor, speakers explored how Web3 companies are navigating this digital realm.
- Janine Yorio, CEO of Everyrealm: Tackled misconceptions about the Metaverse, particularly the assumption that it’s all about wearing a VR headset. Who knew Spielberg could lead us so astray?
- Yat Siu, Co-founder of Animoca Brands: Advocated for digital property rights as essential for a thriving blockchain society. He believes Web3 is about sharing the data wealth.
- Jeffrey Zirlin of Sky Mavis: Expressed determination to cater to the Korean gaming market, emphasizing the challenge of localization in a landscape that’s still figuring the play-to-earn space out.
Networking Until Dawn: The Afterparties
KBW 2022 didn’t just settle for formal discussions. As the sun set beyond the high rises, attendees moved onto après-conference festivities. From 7:00 PM KST, an exclusive afterparty kicked things off at People The Terras in Gangnam-gu. But wait, the fun didn’t stop there! The “KBW Official After After Party” kept the party rolling until the early hours, proving once again that blockchain enthusiasts have more stamina than most.
Insights from the Stage
Those who missed the initial event were in luck, as the Cointelegraph crew highlighted the most significant moments from the conference. Here are some standout insights:
- Misconceptions of the Metaverse: Yorio highlights that VR is just a sliver of the broader Metaverse conversation.
- Ownership is Key: Siu argued that content creators should regain control—out with the old, in with the on-chain!
- Opening the Floodgates: With the new JavaScript SDK from Near Protocol, 20 million JavaScript developers are now free to dive into blockchain creation.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright (and Rainy)
KBW 2022 is a glowing testament to the resilience and enthusiasm of the Korean blockchain community. Even rainclouds couldn’t dampen the spirits of attendees. As they head into a week of side events and networking, we can only wait to see what innovative projects will emerge from this dynamic scene.
