KaKao Talk Turns 10

#. KaKao Talk Turns 10

 

Korea's most widely-used messaging app recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Since launching in 2010, Kakao Talk has expanded to become a major part of Korean society.

Kakao Talk first launched as an app for Apple's iPhones on March 18, 2010.

Then in August of the same year, the startup released a version of its app for Android phones.

It didn't take long for the little messaging app to become the preferred choice of most Koreans.

By 2011, Kakao Talk had been installed by about 40 million people in the nation.

According to experts, the secret to Kakao Talk's success is its convenience.

New users can simply register their smartphone number, and the free app can easily connect to their family and friends.

Also, the app includes a lineup of emoticon characters named Kakao Friends.

Ryan, Apeach, Frodo, and other characters made sending messages a fun experience for millions of Koreans.

Over the years, Kakao Talk has redefined the scope of a messaging app by adding new services and features.

Now, people use it to send presents and do their shopping and banking online.

Many office workers communicate with their colleagues and hold cyber-meetings through the Kakao Talk app.

Currently, Kakao Talk is used by nearly 44.9 million people domestically, and 51,5 million globally.

In Korea, almost all smartphone owners use the app, sending messages and files about 11 billion times per day.

"In 10 years, Kakao Talk has become an integral part of Korean life, " a media expert said.

 

• integral |ɪntɪɡrəl 필수적인, 필요 불가결한