Skip to content

Pinkfong's Stock Soars 9.3% in Market Debut After Baby Shark Fame

From a YouTube sensation to a $407M company—how Baby Shark propelled Pinkfong's blockbuster IPO. But can new characters keep the momentum alive?

The image shows a paper with a cartoon of Little Umijiji and the baby elephant go fishing. The...
The image shows a paper with a cartoon of Little Umijiji and the baby elephant go fishing. The cartoon depicts the two elephants in a fishing stance, with one elephant holding a fishing rod and the other holding a fish. The background of the cartoon is a bright blue sky with white clouds. The text on the paper reads "Little Umiji & the Baby Elephant Go Fishing".

Pinkfong's Stock Soars 9.3% in Market Debut After Baby Shark Fame

Pinkfong, the South Korean company behind the viral Baby Shark Dance, made a strong stock market debut this week. Shares jumped 9.3% on the first day of trading, lifting its market value to 596 billion won ($407 million). The firm's YouTube hit remains the most-watched video ever, with 16.4 billion views since 2020.

The company sold 2 million shares at 38,000 won each, raising 76 billion won. This matched the top of its targeted price range. During trading on the Kosdaq, shares peaked at 61,500 won before settling at 41,550 won by the close.

Despite its popularity, Pinkfong's financial performance has weakened recently. In the first half of 2025, revenue fell 2.4% to 45.2 billion won, while net profit dropped 67% to 3.8 billion won. The brand has expanded beyond *Baby Shark*, developing new characters like Bebefinn and Sealook for television, musicals, and educational apps. Co-founded by Kim Min-seok, who retains a 15.9% stake, the company plans to use IPO funds for growth. By 2028, it aims to launch three new intellectual properties and acquire a studio specialising in 3D children's content.

The IPO success highlights Pinkfong's enduring global influence, driven by its iconic video and expanding media ventures. Funds from the share sale will support new projects and acquisitions, reinforcing its position in children's entertainment.

Read also: