Models pose for a photo to promote children-related content launched by KT Corp. (image: KT Corp)
SEOUL, May 14 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean mobile carriers are expanding their release of content targeting children users through their artificial intelligence platforms, industry watchers said Monday, as the IT industry for younger consumers is anticipated to continue to grow sharply down the road.
The country’s No. 2 mobile carrier KT Corp. currently provides audiobook content for children such as those customized for various ages from preschool to elementary years through its AI speaker.
SK Telecom Co. also installed its AI platform Nugu on smartphones especially designed for children, and South Korea’s top portal operator Naver Corp. provides the vocabulary learning program Papago Kids.
According to the research conducted by KT Economic Research Institute, the South Korean market for children-related industries, including baby products, came to 38 trillion won (US$35.5 billion) in 2015, rising sharply from 27 trillion won in 2012.
Industry watchers said the low birth trend in the country led parents to spend more money on their single child, with the demand for childcare services increasing as more mothers tend to work in South Korea.
“As (tech companies) can also improve their brand reputation among potential customers of the future, the competition for the market is expected to escalate,” an industry watcher said.
(Yonhap)
