'IIMC 2025,' an International Conference on Immersive Media and Content, to be Held

The 'International Conference on Immersive Media and Content 2025 (IIMC 2025),' co-hosted by Chung-Ang University's Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center and Virtual Convergence College, was held today (14th) at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel.

The event, which was held to discuss the latest trends and future directions of immersive media technology and content, featured experts from various fields as speakers who shared their research achievements and cases of industry-academia collaboration. A panel discussion among the experts also took place to have an in-depth debate on inter-industry convergence.

The event began with a welcoming address by Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of Chung-Ang University's Virtual Convergence College. "Technological advancements are redefining industries with immersive media and are transforming the way industries connect, create, and collaborate. However, at the same time, like most industries, we face a series of urgent challenges," he said. He added, "Transnational cooperation is necessary for global sustainability. I hope this becomes an opportunity to find clues to overcome the challenges we face by gaining insights into various disciplines with experts from all over the world."

 



▲ Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of Chung-Ang University's Virtual Convergence College

 

The keynote speech was jointly delivered by AI expert Kiyoshi Shin, CEO of AI Frog Interactive and a professor at Digital Hollywood University, and Dean Wi Jung-hyun. Kiyoshi Shin provided insights into the technological advancements and future prospects of generative AI today and shared how the Japanese game market views generative AI as a figure in the Japanese game industry.

Dean Wi Jung-hyun explained that to find a breakthrough for immersive technology, which is in the middle of a chasm of crisis, it's necessary to look at it from various angles, and ultimately, it's essential to create human needs and value. The solution he proposed on this day was a collaboration between South Korea and developing countries to use virtual technology to address the climate crisis.

▲ Kang Eun-kyung, a director at Kakao Healthcare

 

The lecture session in the afternoon featured presentations by experts invited from various countries around the world. Hanna Wirman, an associate professor from Copenhagen, shared a story about how changes in platforms bring about changes in functional and social elements, focusing on 'mahjong.' Professor Markus Wiemker from Germany provided an overall insight into the German game industry and introduced the synergy of extended reality on which Germany is focusing.

Lectures on immersive media were also included from the perspectives of various disciplines beyond the fields of gaming and entertainment. Paulina Pannen from Indonesia introduced the role of immersive media in developing Indonesia's higher education, and Kang Eun-kyung, a director at Kakao Healthcare, introduced the potential for utilizing immersive media technology in the digital healthcare field and shared innovative case studies.



Professor Hoon S. Cha of Salisbury University in the United States shared his research on the factors that influence consumers' adoption of VR technology. According to him, 'enjoyment' was found to be the key factor for consumers adopting VR technology more than any other factor.

Finally, a speaker from Vietnam, Do Trung Ahn, shared the current status of ICT and AR/VR technology development in Vietnam and announced that the country is focusing on XR to strengthen its industrial and economic potential.

After all the lectures concluded, the participants gathered on the stage for a panel discussion. The panel discussion, which was held under the theme of 'Synergy between Immersive Media and Advanced Technologies including Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development,' provided an opportunity for experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to share their experiences and insights.

Details of the lectures held at IIMC 2025 can be found through the link to the article collection below.



▲Panelists conducting a panel discussion.