Barunson, Studio Behind Parasite, to Launch nPLUG IP Remixing Platform on Story and Bring Flagship IP Onchain
John: Hey there, folks! I’m John, a veteran writer at Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down the latest in Web3, crypto, and blockchain in simple, everyday language. Today, we’re diving into an exciting development: Barunson, the studio famous for the Oscar-winning film Parasite, is teaming up with Story Protocol to launch nPLUG, a platform for remixing intellectual property on the blockchain. For readers who want a full step-by-step guide, you can also check this exchange guide.
Lila: Hi everyone, I’m Lila, John’s curious assistant always eager to learn more about this crypto world. John, this sounds like a mix of movies and blockchain—what exactly is nPLUG, and how does it let people remix famous IPs like from Parasite?
What is nPLUG and Story Protocol?
John: Great question to kick things off, Lila. nPLUG is a new IP remixing platform being launched by Barunson E&A, the South Korean studio behind the 2019 hit Parasite. Announced on 2025-09-22, it’s set to debut in Q4 2025 and runs on Story Protocol, which is the world’s first Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for intellectual property.
Lila: Layer-1 blockchain? That sounds technical—can you explain it like it’s a foundation of a house?
John: Absolutely, think of a Layer-1 blockchain as the sturdy base layer of a building, handling the core operations without needing add-ons. Story Protocol, launched earlier in 2025 (specifically around February 13, as per CoinDesk reports), allows creators to register, license, and monetize IP onchain. With nPLUG, users can legally remix licensed content into short-form videos, mint them as blockchain assets, and even automate royalty splits through smart contracts.
Background on Barunson and Their Move to Blockchain
John: In the past, Barunson made waves with Parasite, which won four Oscars in 2020, including Best Picture. They’ve been exploring blockchain since at least 2020, when they partnered with Hiblocks for an investment platform, and in 2022, they announced NFT plans with Lambda 256, according to Korea Herald.
Lila: Wow, from Oscar wins to NFTs—that’s quite the leap! Why are they jumping into this now?
John: As of now in 2025, Barunson is aiming to turn their flagship IPs into participatory assets. Through this partnership with Story, they’re bringing key content onchain, letting fans and creators remix and share revenue. It’s like evolving K-content from just watching to actively building on it (and hey, who wouldn’t want to remix a Parasite scene with their own twist, as long as it’s legal?).
How nPLUG Works: The Tech Behind It
John: Let’s break it down simply. nPLUG embeds programmable licensing right into short-form media. Users can take licensed IP from Barunson, remix it into new videos, and mint these as onchain assets on Story’s blockchain.
Lila: Minting? Is that like stamping a coin?
John: Spot on—minting means creating a digital token on the blockchain that represents your remixed content. Smart contracts handle everything: tracking who created what, enforcing licenses, and splitting royalties automatically. For example, if you remix a clip from a Barunson film and it goes viral, the original creators get a cut without chasing payments.
Potential Use Cases for Creators and Fans
John: Looking at use cases, this opens doors for global collaboration. Fans could create fan edits of Parasite scenes, editors might produce short memes or tributes, and even brands could license remixes for marketing.
Lila: That sounds fun! Any real-world examples we can think of?
John: Sure, imagine a K-drama fan remixing a romantic scene with new music—the platform tracks attribution and pays out via blockchain. Story’s IP Vault, launched just a week ago as per Crypto.news, adds programmable access to onchain IP data, making it easier for AI tools to use licensed content ethically.
Risks and Safeguards in IP Remixing
John: Of course, with great power comes responsibility. Risks include potential IP misuse or disputes over remixes, but Story’s smart contracts enforce terms to minimize that.
Lila: What about security? Blockchains can be hacked, right?
John: True, but Story is built with provenance tracking, meaning every change is recorded immutably. As a safeguard, always verify licenses before remixing. Regulatory wise, this aligns with evolving crypto laws, but users should stay informed via sources like Cointelegraph.
Tips for Getting Started with nPLUG
John: If you’re excited to try this, here are some beginner tips:
- Start by exploring Story Protocol’s official site for IP registration basics—it’s free to learn.
- Wait for the Q4 2025 launch; sign up early for beta access via Barunson’s announcements.
- Use wallets compatible with Story’s chain, like MetaMask, and practice with small remixes.
- Always check royalty terms—some IPs might split 50/50 with creators, based on smart contract setups.
- Follow trusted news like Crypto Daily for updates to avoid scams.
Lila: These tips make it seem approachable—thanks, John!
Looking Ahead: The Future of Programmable IP
John: Looking ahead, Story Protocol is positioning itself for the AI era, as noted in a Forbes article from 2025-03-25. By 2026, we might see more studios adopting this for fan-driven content.
Lila: Will this change how we consume movies?
John: Possibly—it could make IP more dynamic, turning passive viewers into active participants. Barunson’s move is a big step, especially with their history of innovation since Parasite’s success in 2020.
John: Well, that wraps up our chat on Barunson’s nPLUG and its blockchain-powered remixing magic—it’s a fresh way to blend creativity with crypto. Remember, this is all about empowering creators fairly. And if you’d like even more exchange tips, have a look at this global guide.
Lila: Super insightful, John! My takeaway: Blockchain isn’t just for coins—it’s revolutionizing storytelling too. Can’t wait to see what fans create!
This article was created using the original article below and verified real-time sources:
- Barunson, Studio Behind Parasite, to Launch nPLUG IP Remixing Platform on Story and Bring Flagship IP Onchain
- Barunson, Studio Behind Parasite, to Launch nPLUG IP Remixing Platform on Story and Bring Flagship IP Onchain – Crypto Daily
- Story Protocol Launches to Let People to Register IP and Get Paid for It – CoinDesk
- Reprogramming IP: Story Builds A Blockchain For The AI Era – Forbes