INNOCEAN

INNOCEAN: Overview

INNOCEAN is a global marketing and communications agency that evolved from Hyundai Motor Group's in-house advertising division. Founded in 2005 through the merger of Geumgang Communications (established in 1982) with Hyundai-Kia Motors' advertising divisions, INNOCEAN has grown into a brand experience solution company that operates independently while maintaining its affiliation with Hyundai Motor Group.

What sets INNOCEAN apart is their position as a "Brand Experience Solution Company" that transforms data into insights and crafts innovative brand experiences driven by the latest technology and data. The agency describes itself as diving in to seek new answers, rising with solutions, and changing the game—a philosophy rooted in the words of Hyundai's founder Chung Ju-Yung, who emphasized continuous innovation and challenging conventional approaches.

The agency achieved a major milestone in July 2015 with its initial public offering on the KOSPI market, reducing Hyundai Motor Group's shareholding to 29.99% and allowing greater operational independence. INNOCEAN has pursued aggressive global expansion through strategic acquisitions, including the 2015 establishment of Canvas Worldwide (a joint venture with Horizon Media) and the 2018 acquisition of David & Goliath, the American agency behind Kia's iconic hamster commercials.

Since its founding, INNOCEAN has experienced remarkable growth, reporting gross profit of 941.9 billion KRW, operating income of 155.7 billion KRW, and net income of 116.1 billion KRW as of 2024. The agency operates 32 global networks across 23 countries with a team of more than 4,100 employees.

What Services Does INNOCEAN Provide?

INNOCEAN offers comprehensive brand experience solutions that combine creative excellence with technology and data-driven insights:

Strategy & Brand Development

• Brand architecture, targeting, and positioning
• Marketing and communications strategy
• Customer journey mapping and relationship management
• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Trend and SWOT analysis
• Predictive and prescriptive analytics

Creative & Content Production

• Video content production (TVC, short-form, and long-form)
• Creative concept development
• Traditional media (radio, print, outdoor advertising)
• Experiential marketing and brand activations

Digital & Technology Solutions

• Digital activation across web, mobile, and app platforms
• Data transformation and insights
• AI-driven chatbot development
• Generative AI applications for marketing

Campaign Management

• Full-service campaign development and execution
• Real-time response marketing
• Event marketing and promotions
• Performance tracking and optimization

What Social Platforms Does INNOCEAN Help With?

While specific platform details aren't extensively documented on their website, INNOCEAN maintains an active presence and creates content for major social platforms:

INNOCEAN emphasizes creating innovative brand experiences across digital touchpoints, with their work spanning from traditional advertising to cutting-edge digital activations. Their campaigns demonstrate expertise in multi-platform storytelling that drives engagement and measurable business results.

What Industries Does INNOCEAN Serve?

INNOCEAN has developed specialized expertise across diverse industries with a strong focus on automotive:

Automotive

• Mass-market automotive brands
• Luxury automotive
• Electric vehicles
• Urban air mobility

Consumer Goods & Services

• Food and beverage
• Retail
• Sports equipment
• Home appliances

Healthcare

• Hospital systems
• Medical centers
• Healthcare services

Technology & Services

• Consumer technology
• Digital services
• Financial services (past clients include Hyundai Card)

The agency's strongest specialization lies in the automotive sector, where they serve as the lead agency for major global automotive brands. This deep automotive expertise is complemented by growing capabilities in healthcare, food and beverage, and sports marketing.

What Brands Has INNOCEAN Helped?

INNOCEAN's client portfolio includes major global brands, particularly in the automotive sector:

Automotive Brands

• Hyundai Motor America
• Genesis Motor America
• Kia Motor America
• Supernal (Hyundai's urban air mobility division)

Consumer & Retail

• TaylorMade Golf
• Wienerschnitzel
• Signature Kitchen Suite
• Jinro

Healthcare

• Hoag Hospital
• UC Davis Health

Technology

• Google Korea

Notable Campaign Highlights:

• Google Korea "All Day Assistant, Gemini": Featured campaign showcasing Google's AI assistant capabilities
• Hyundai "It's OK" and "Most Electric EV Lineup": Drove 64% increase in retail sales for electric vehicles in Q4
• Hyundai "HeyHyundai": Generative AI chatbot development
• Hyundai "Welcome Back to the Commute": Won Shorty Award for auto industry and NY Festivals Advertising Award for best use of real-time response in film
• Genesis GV80 Campaign: Achieved #1 spot in AdForum's "Best Auto Ads of the Month" (September 2025)
• Hyundai "Night Fishing": Gold winner at ADFEST 2025
• Gilbert Baker Foundation "Invisible Flags": Multiple global awards including Think LA Awards, Shorty Awards, and NY Festivals Advertising Awards
• Hyundai Card "One Life One Alphabet": Recent featured campaign

Awards & Recognition:

• Most-Awarded Agency at the 2025 Korea Advertising Society Awards
• Grand Prix at the 2025 Consumer's Choice Good Advertising Awards
• Five awards at ADFEST 2025
• 10 industry awards in 2024 (three regional and seven global)
• Named "Top 100 Job-Creating Company" for three consecutive years

Key Differentiators

• Automotive Expertise: Originally founded as in-house agency for Hyundai and Kia, with deep specialization in automotive marketing and challenger brand positioning
• Global Scale with Local Presence: 32 offices across 23 countries with 4,100+ employees and multilingual teams representing 30+ nationalities
• Data-Driven Innovation: Brand experience solutions powered by the latest technology, predictive analytics, and AI capabilities
• Strategic Acquisitions: Expanded capabilities through partnerships with Canvas Worldwide (Horizon Media joint venture) and acquisition of David & Goliath
• Proven Performance: 82% client retention rate and 17% organic growth in 2024, demonstrating strong client relationships and business momentum
• Publicly Traded Independence: KOSPI-listed company operating with greater autonomy while maintaining Hyundai Motor Group affiliation
• Award-Winning Creative: Consistent recognition from major industry awards including ADFEST, Shorty Awards, and NY Festivals

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