IPX, the digital intellectual property entertainment company formerly known as LINE FRIENDS, plans to introduce a payment service using minicoin at its LINE FRIENDS online and offline stores. The initiative aims to integrate digital asset payments into the purchase of physical merchandise, connecting the company’s retail operations with a broader Web3-based ecosystem.

The service is designed as a natural extension of the fan experience. It links fans’ interactions with character intellectual property directly to the point of sale. IPX has spent more than a decade developing its character IPs through products, content, and pop-up events across global online and offline channels. The new payment option builds on that foundation by incorporating digital asset technology into merchandise transactions.

Minicoin and Its Role

Minicoin is a utility coin developed and issued by Mini Labs. It operates under an official license from IPX that permits use of the company’s popular minini character IP. The associated blockchain-based ecosystem records activities arising from interactions between the IP and its fans. These activities include creation, consumption, and transactions, which are then connected to registration and settlement processes.

By accepting minicoin for physical goods, IPX seeks to create a new model of digital IP commerce. Customers in Korea and other markets will gain an additional payment method for items sold through LINE FRIENDS channels.

Rollout Timeline and Market Context

The company plans a phased introduction of the minicoin payment service across LINE FRIENDS stores in Korea and international locations. The target window is the first half of 2027. The offering is expected to appeal particularly to international visitors and overseas fans seeking flexible payment choices.

Supporting this outlook is the performance of K-POP SQUARE, which opened in Seoul’s Hongdae district in June 2025. The location attracted more than one million visitors in its first year. Approximately 80 percent of those visitors were international fans representing more than 90 countries. Growing global acceptance of digital assets as payment methods is viewed as a factor that could drive demand for the new service.

Company Background

IPX is the current corporate name of LINE FRIENDS. The brand originated with characters such as BROWN, CONY, and SALLY, which were created as stickers for the LINE mobile messenger application and its approximately 200 million active users worldwide. The company has since expanded its strategy to accelerate global growth of its IP businesses. This includes diversifying portfolios for audiences of all ages and advancing both digital and retail operations.

Current IP offerings include BT21 associated with BTS, ZO&FRIENDS linked to G-DRAGON, minini, and JOGUMAN. IPX has formed partnerships with companies such as Netflix for original animated series and HoYoverse for Genshin Impact collaborations. These efforts have reached more than 50 million Millennials and Generation Z consumers. The firm operates in 18 markets, including Seoul, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Shanghai, and maintains eight online sales platforms.