Project Overview: Who IRYS Is
IRYS is building a Layer-1 programmable datachain that combines low-cost data storage with verifiable compute and AI coordination, positioning itself as an L1 optimized for data programmability and provenance. This approach extends beyond traditional storage to enable logic written directly on data for smart contracts and agents, aiming to make data more valuable and usable onchain.
The project rebranded from Bundlr (the scaling layer that historically handled the majority of Arweave uploads) to IRYS as it broadened from payment-bundled data storage to a programmable datachain mission. Founder and CEO Josh Benaron publicly leads the effort, emphasizing IRYS's focus on a datachain that increases the value of data.
IRYS Platform: Programmable Datachain Infrastructure
- • Technology: Layer-1 programmable datachain
- • Storage: Low-cost data storage solution
- • Compute: Verifiable compute capabilities
- • AI Integration: AI coordination platform
- • Legacy: Evolved from Bundlr network
- • Focus: Data programmability and provenance
- • Leadership: Josh Benaron, Founder & CEO
- • Mission: Increase onchain data value
Current Status: Development and Business Progress
IRYS continues to communicate around mainnet readiness and TGE-adjacent milestones in 2025, with ecosystem chatter noting "finalising the last steps before going mainnet" and TGE-related sequencing questions, indicating that token-related launch planning is approaching or in motion. Public materials present IRYS as a first-of-its-kind L1 datachain for verifiable, programmable data and AI use cases, reflecting active product and ecosystem development.
Strategic Context: Why Korea
Korea is one of the world's most active retail crypto markets, with KRW-denominated volumes and exchange activity frequently ranking among the top globally. Research indicates KRW trading volume reached significant global scale in 2024, and Upbit has maintained dominant domestic share, underscoring the market's concentration and the outsized impact of local KOLs and communities on discovery and liquidity.
Market Opportunity & Expected Benefits
Korea's crypto market value and participation accelerated into late 2024 and 2025, reflecting sustained retail engagement and exchange profitability, which reinforces why pre-TGE awareness and community building in Korea can translate to strong early liquidity and active community feedback loops.
IRYS's Korea Market Objectives
Market Characteristics:
- • Active retail crypto engagement
- • High KRW trading volumes globally
- • Upbit market dominance (69% share)
- • Strong KOL community influence
Strategic Benefits:
- • Localized narrative fit (datachain + AI)
- • Pre-TGE curiosity and awareness
- • Highly engaged Korean retail funnel
- • Sustained post-launch participation
Korean Crypto Market Analysis & IRYS Positioning
Campaign Details: IRYS x Lily x MAGIC AMA
The AMA was strategically designed to maximize Korean market penetration through established local KOLs while maintaining simple participation mechanics that encourage both pre-commitment and live engagement. The campaign structure balanced breadth with premium incentives, a proven approach in Korean markets.
Schedule and Format
The event was hosted on September 11, 2025, at 10:00 PM KST via Twitter Space, featuring Josh Benaron as the main guest with co-hosts Lily and MAGIC providing localized community building expertise and Korean market insights.
AMA Event Structure & Hosting Details
Event Details:
- • Date: September 11, 2025
- • Time: 10:00 PM KST
- • Platform: Twitter Space
- • Host Space: Lily's X Space
Participants:
- • Guest: Josh Benaron (IRYS Founder)
- • Co-host: Lily (@lilykuma_S2_)
- • Co-host: MAGIC (@IPALAU1)
- • Format: Interactive Q&A session
Reward Structure & Prize Distribution
The campaign featured a comprehensive 121-item prize pool designed to maximize participation across different engagement levels, from pre-AMA question submission to live attendance verification.
Comprehensive Reward System & Prize Distribution
Pre-AMA Rewards:
- • Winners: 10 participants
- • Prize: Chicken gifticons
- • Selection: Best pre-submitted questions
- • Engagement: Community-driven Q&A
Live Verification Rewards:
- • Coffee: 100 winners
- • Baemin Vouchers: 10 winners (₩10,000 each)
- • Department Store: 1 winner (₩50,000)
- • Total: 111 live participation prizes
Participation Process & User Journey
The participation framework was designed to create multiple touchpoints with the IRYS brand while maintaining low friction for Korean users familiar with similar community-driven campaigns. The process emphasized verifiable engagement through established social platforms.
Official Announcement and Participation Flow
The campaign launched through Lily's established Korean community channels, leveraging her credibility and reach within the Korean crypto ecosystem to ensure authentic engagement and quality participation.
Step-by-Step Participation Requirements
Required Actions:
- • Like and RT the AMA announcement
- • Comment a pre-AMA question
- • Join the live Twitter Space
- • Take verification screenshot
Submission Process:
- • Submit proof via Google Form
- • Random draw for reward selection
- • Verification-based distribution
- • Community-focused engagement
Participation Funnel & Engagement Flow
Results Analysis & Campaign Outcomes
The AMA scheduled for September 11, 2025, concluded successfully as of September 18, 2025. The campaign effectively advanced IRYS's Korean narrative and funneled targeted interest ahead of mainnet and TGE milestones through strategic alignment with high-signal Korean KOLs.
Campaign Performance & Strategic Impact
The structure maximized low-friction participation while tying rewards to verifiable engagement. The 121-item prize pool balanced breadth with premium anchor prizes, which is a proven mechanic in Korean markets to drive both pre-commitment through question comments and live attendance.
Campaign Success Metrics & Achievement Summary
Engagement Quality:
- • High-quality pre-AMA questions
- • Active live participation
- • Verified community building
- • Authentic Korean engagement
Strategic Outcomes:
- • Pre-TGE awareness building
- • Korean narrative establishment
- • KOL relationship strengthening
- • Community foundation creation
Market Positioning:
- • Datachain concept introduction
- • AI utility messaging
- • Technical differentiation
- • Founder visibility increase
Early Insights & Qualitative Assessment
The campaign structure successfully converted pre-TGE curiosity into engaged community participation. The alignment with established Korean KOLs provided credibility and reach, while the simple verification process ensured quality engagement without creating barriers to participation.
Campaign Impact Analysis & Community Growth
Next Steps & Future Opportunities
The successful AMA campaign establishes a foundation for IRYS's continued expansion in the Korean market, providing multiple pathways for sustained engagement leading up to and following the TGE launch.
Strategic Recommendations & Future Campaigns
Building on the established Korean community foundation, IRYS can leverage the relationships and awareness generated through this campaign to create ongoing engagement opportunities that maintain momentum through the TGE period and beyond.
Future Growth Strategy & Expansion Opportunities
Immediate Opportunities:
- • Follow-up community AMAs
- • Technical deep-dive sessions
- • Korean language content creation
- • Local partnership announcements
Long-term Strategy:
- • TGE launch campaign preparation
- • Korean exchange listing support
- • Developer community building
- • Enterprise partnership outreach
"The IRYS x Lily x MAGIC AMA demonstrates that strategic partnerships with established Korean KOLs, combined with clear value propositions and simple participation mechanics, create effective pathways for pre-TGE awareness and community building in Korea's sophisticated crypto market."