[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Cafe24 Corp.(042000)is expanding its support for K-brands entering the Japanese market by leveraging a local influencer network in Japan. Beyond providing sales infrastructure, the company now offers support ranging from matching brands with local influencers to social media (SNS) advertising and affiliate marketing.

Cafe24 Corp. announced on the 16th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 3WELL, a Japanese influencer marketing firm, to support Korean brands’ entry into the Japanese market and expand their sales.

Under this agreement, Korean brands using Cafe24 Corp. can be connected with local Japanese influencers based on product characteristics, target demographics, marketing objectives, and budget.

The company will provide support tailored to each brand’s situation, ranging from social media collaborative ads promoting new product launches or discount events to affiliate marketing aimed at driving actual purchases.

Leveraging a Network of 20,000 Japanese Influencers

3WELL is a company specializing in influencer marketing and social media advertising, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

To date, the company has collaborated with over 600 clients and maintains a network of more than 20,000 influencers.

The company has run campaigns in the beauty, fashion, food, and household goods sectors on major social media platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

By leveraging accumulated data on individual influencers’ characteristics and content performance, the company selects influencers that align with specific brands and products and provides support from campaign planning through execution.

The company also offers an influencer affiliate program, a performance-based customer acquisition model.

15.5% Increase in Direct Online Sales in Japan

Cafe24 Corp. explained that as the Japanese online market expands, demand for marketing targeting local consumers is also growing.

According to the National Data Agency, online direct sales to Japan totaled 651.9 billion won last year, a 15.5% increase from the previous year.

Cafe24 Corp. believes this collaboration will reduce the burden on domestic brands of individually identifying and recruiting local marketing partners or influencers.

The company’s strategy is to expand its support beyond existing overseas sales infrastructure to include marketing assistance that creates direct touchpoints with local consumers.

Lee Jae-seok, CEO of Cafe24 Corp., stated, “To achieve success in the Japanese market, it is important not only to establish a sales foundation but also to effectively promote the brand and products to local consumers.” He added, “We will expand our collaboration with local expert partners to support K-brands in reaching new customers and broadening their sales opportunities.”