‘how to connect users and who to be linked.’ That was the critical moment when we started focusing on developing new value through the tools of ‘connection’ and ‘communication.’ (image: Kakao)
“Continuous service innovation, aimed at creating brand new value, is the key to enriching mobile user experience.”
SEOUL, June 17 (Korea Bizwire) – Kakao Corp. co-chief executive Lee Sirgoo, who was a keynote speaker at Mobile Asia Expo 2014 (MAE 2014) held in Shanghai, China, stressed that a successful mobile platform should be firmly based on creating new value in the first place.
Kakao Corp., the creator of KakaoTalk, one of the world’s fastest growing mobile platforms and Korea’s biggest messaging application, has brought global attention to its success story behind its smash-hit mobile platform.
KakaoTalk is a free mobile Instant messaging application for smartphones with free text and free call features. It was launched on March 18, 2010 and is currently available on iOS, Android, Bada OS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha and Personal Computer. KakaoTalk currently has 140 million users and is available in 15 languages.The app is also used by 93% of smartphone owners in South Korea. (Wikipedia)
Under the theme of ‘Rich Services, the New Driver of Mobile,’ Lee said the secrets of Kakao’s success lies in their continuous efforts to develop various platforms that need to provide new value in the area of social, marketing and content.
He said in his speech, “To my surprise, the answer came easily after I rephrased the question: Rather than focusing on ‘how to make profit and what to sell,’ which was the question I was obsessed with, I would think about ‘how to connect users and who to be linked.’ That was the critical moment when we started focusing on developing new value through the tools of ‘connection’ and ‘communication.’”
Kakao Corp. co-chief executive Lee Sirgoo presents a keynote address at Mobile Asia Expo 2014 (MAE 2014). (image: Kakao)
Lee also said, Kakao plans to expand in major ASEAN markets including Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia as it seeks to close the gap with the international success of local competitor Naver Corporation’s Line service.
Last month Kakao bought Daum Communications, South Korea’s No. 2 Internet portal firm, in a $3.3 billion stock deal, showing its ambitions in a global industry that’s attracted a flurry of big-money acquisitions.
Written by Jerry M. Kim (jerrykim@koreabizwire.com)
