Cyworld, Once Korea's Dominant Social Network, Plans November Revival
Cyworld, the social network that once held the online records of 32 million South Koreans, is planning a mobile app beta launch for late November. Sigma Chain, the company behind the revival, states this initial phase will focus on helping former users recover accounts, restore "ilchon" connections (mutual friends), and use basic communication features.
The beta launch prioritizes re-establishing core social connections and account access, a strategy that leverages Cyworld's historical appeal to its large former user base. By focusing on features like "ilchon" ties and basic communication, the company aims to tap into the network's past popularity, which was significant in South Korea during the early and mid-2000s.
Beyond nostalgia, Sigma Chain intends to develop Cyworld into a platform for content creation and monetization. This includes plans for a marketplace where creators can sell content for features like "minirooms" (customizable personal spaces). The company is also exploring the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for digital assets such as background music and skins, alongside a proposed revenue-sharing model that would allocate 40% each to users and creators, with 20% to the company, as an incentive for participation.
A medium- to long-term plan includes an "AI life minihompy" feature. This artificial intelligence component would organize users' old photos and posts, connecting past and present records into thematic timelines. This suggests an effort to offer a personalized, value-added experience that extends beyond simple data restoration, aiming to foster deeper engagement by making historical content more accessible and meaningful.
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