Technology
Introduction: Toss Expands Its Reach Toss, operated by “Viva Republica”, is rapidly becoming a household name not only among Koreans but also among the growing foreign community in Korea. In the first half of this year, Toss reported a remarkable 30% surge in its foreign user base, reaching 460,000 users compared to 360,000 in the … Read more
Convenience or New Social Obligation? The Digital Gifting Boom in Korea Digital gifting has become a defining trend among young Koreans, especially Generation Z. What started as a simple, convenient way to send small tokens of appreciation has rapidly evolved into a widespread cultural phenomenon. With the integration of gifting features in popular messaging apps, … Read more
The Commodification of Fandom The Rise of Paid Communication Platforms K-pop fandom has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with the introduction of paid communication platforms fundamentally changing the way fans interact with their idols. Today, platforms such as Bubble, Phoning, and Fromm allow fans to pay a monthly fee to receive messages from their … Read more
A Landmark Legal Battle Over In-App Payment Fees Background: The Legal Showdown Begins The Korean publishing industry has taken a bold step by filing lawsuits against two of the world’s largest tech companies in the United States. Two major Korean publishing associations have initiated legal action against Google and Apple, challenging their mandatory in-app purchase … Read more
Seeking Validation in Korea The Rise of Online Approval-Seeking In South Korea, social media has become a central stage for people seeking validation for everyday decisions. From choosing what to wear for a car test-drive to deciding on lunch menus or wedding guest attire, countless Koreans now turn to online polls and community boards for … Read more