South Korean game publisher Krafton has acquired ADK, a prominent Japanese advertising and animation group, for 75 billion yen (US$517 million).

The deal, announced in a regulatory filing on June 24, 2025, allows Krafton to diversify its intellectual property (IP) portfolio beyond gaming.

ADK is one of Japan’s top three advertising firms. It has produced over 300 anime titles, including notable series such as Doraemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Crayon Shin-chan.

The company generates an annual transaction volume of around 348 billion yen. This acquisition marks the first instance of a Korean company owning a major Japanese anime studio.

It represents a strategic shift for Krafton, which is known for its hit game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).

The acquisition aligns with Krafton’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Asia, including investments in studios in India and Southeast Asia.