Seoul, 20 May, 2025 — Chiliz, the leading blockchain provider for the global sports and entertainment industry, is proud to support Naver Pay’s latest digital asset initiative, which has seen over 50,000 users engage with NFT ticketing and digital collectibles through the Naver Pay Wallet. This collaboration underscores the growing integration of blockchain technology into mainstream digital services in South Korea.
During the 2025 NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, held from May 9 to 11 as part of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, Naver Pay introduced NFT-based ticketing for the first time at a major domestic sporting event. Tickets were issued on the Chiliz Chain and distributed through Naver Pay’s digital wallet platform, enabling attendees to access the venue via QR codes and take part in on-site experiences. Digital collectibles were minted for each tournament round, with special rewards available based on ticket ownership.
The event drew approximately 30,000 in-person attendees and an additional 20,000 viewers through Chzzk – Naver’s Twitch-like live streaming platform. To further expand engagement, NFTs were also minted for streamers featured on Chzzk, adding a creator-centric dimension to the initiative and broadening the digital asset ecosystem.
The KLPGA Tour, recognized as one of the most competitive women’s golf tours in Asia, has seen rapid growth in recent years. The successful deployment of NFT ticketing at such a prominent event highlights the potential of blockchain technology to enhance fan engagement and provide new monetization opportunities in the sports industry.
Chiliz has already partnered with Naver Pay to launch the Naver Pay Digital Assets Wallet, integrating the Chiliz Chain as its inaugural blockchain. With over 33 million users, Naver Pay’s adoption of Chiliz’s technology signifies a major step toward mainstream acceptance of blockchain-based digital assets in South Korea. To commemorate the launch, users who sign up receive commemorative NFTs minted on the Chiliz Chain.
“Our collaboration with Naver Pay marks a pivotal moment in bringing blockchain technology to mainstream Korea,” said Jay Lee, Head of Business Development in South Korea for Chiliz. “By integrating Chiliz Chain into Naver Pay’s services, we’re offering millions of users a secure gateway to explore digital assets and unlock exciting possibilities in sports and entertainment.”
Looking ahead, Chiliz plans to expand its presence in the Korean sports industry through partnerships with local leagues and tech companies. Future efforts will include initiatives involving fan tokens, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and broader NFT-based fan experiences.
