SK Telecom expects the metaverse platform ‘ifland’ to become the next big thing after smartphone, as metaverse, which refers to a virtual interactive space, is emerging as the next-generation platform where future generations will mainly communicate with one another.

“The service is the result of our day-and-night work since late last year,” said Jeon Jin-soo, head of metaverse division at SK Telecom during an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper. “We are already receiving enthusiastic favorable feedback from customers, but we will add more features to grow it as a ‘trendy audio service’,” she added.

Jeon said Ifland is more realistic than Zepetto and enables more lively communication than audio-only chat app Clubhouse because users can show their reaction by moving their Avatar. “We saw a great potential at Soonchunhyang University’s entrance ceremony, and have been well received by college students and office workers,” she said.

There are more than 10 types of space available on Ifland devoted to conferencing, playing games, and shopping.

Users can decorate their rooms with different colors. The company will provide more various types of rooms including college admission briefing rooms for high school seniors.

Ifland’s main customers are university students, according to Jeon. They use the virtual space to discuss and find their future career path.

Many companies and schools have offered to use the platform to communicate with students and customers, she said. Soonchunhyang University first asked the company to use the space to hold a welcoming ceremony for freshmen. Job portal Job Korea conducted a job fair and a commercial bank CEO held a meeting with young employees on the platform. It has been receiving relentless requests from public institutions, local governments and a variety of businesses, according to Jeon.

“The service is only in its beginning stage, and we will provide more spaces that can meet the individual needs of the customers,” she said. “We expect the platform could realize metaverse department stores, banks and exhibitions, and so on, and we could have the opportunity to help vulnerable people while operating the platform as part of our efforts for environmental, social and governance (ESG) management.”

By Lee Seung-yoon and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]