"Expanding Communication Among Koreans in LA and New York via KakaoTalk"...North American "Local News" Tab Launched

[Financial News] Kakao has launched a "Local News" tab on KakaoTalk in North America. The service gathers everyday information scattered across online and offline sources and provides it by region and topic. The initiative aims to improve access to information for Korean users in North America while giving local businesses opportunities to promote themselves and communicate with customers. Kakao also plans to develop KakaoTalk services tailored to the daily lives of users overseas and expand the platform's global utility.
According to industry sources on the 15th, Local News is a community information service for Koreans that brings together KakaoTalk Channels operated by Korean businesses in North America, updates from overseas diplomatic missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and open chat rooms joined by local users. Anyone using KakaoTalk in North America can access the service through KakaoTalk's third tab without installing a separate app.
Local News allows users to browse information about various Korean businesses in North America by region. Users can check promotions, including products, events, and discounts, on the KakaoTalk Channels operated by each business. Depending on the channel, they can also make inquiries via chat messages. Businesses can use KakaoTalk Channel messages and the channel's news feature to share store information and promotions without installing a separate app. Channels selected as recommended channels will be displayed in the main Local News section.
Users can also quickly and conveniently check overseas safety information, consular service notices, and other updates provided by overseas diplomatic missions in North America. To support this, Kakao signed a memorandum of understanding with MOFA on the 14th for the "provision of overseas safety, consular administration, and other notice services in North America." MOFA will provide relevant information for Korean nationals and overseas Koreans in North America, while Kakao will support its smooth distribution.
Users can also join open chat rooms created directly by local Koreans. Through open chat rooms covering topics such as the economy, parenting, and hobbies, the service helps users in North America share information they need and communicate based on common interests.
Meanwhile, Kakao is expanding its global advertising business for KakaoTalk, starting with North America. Kakao officially launched KakaoTalk advertising in North America in April last year and operates various advertising products, including message ads and display ads. On October 1, it also plans to officially launch KakaoTalk advertising in Japan.
[email protected] Jang Min-kwon Reporter