Korean internet giant Naver Corp. has introduced “Fanship” designed to connect stars and their fans directly through live video streaming service V Live, the company said Tuesday.

Fanship is a digital membership card that is accessed through smartphone. Upon installing the membership app, a special icon appears on the screen for accessing the virtual home of Fanship subscriber’s favorite entertainer. As a start, Naver is opening Fanship service with four Korean pop stars – Stray Kids, Sunmi, Kard, and Chung Ha – this week.

Naver said Fanship is created to offer a chance for fans to more freely interact with entertainers and media content creators as well as to help entertainment industry unearth new business opportunities.

Fanship offers various services to its subscribers ranging from advance ticket sales and special live video to invitations to offline events. Naver also plans to add online store at Fanship.

Naver said the membership services offered through Fanship is created by each star entertainer while the company manages general operation of the mobile service platform and provides technological supports.

It is also planning to add “Fanship Studio” through which entertainers can learn more about their fans such as their favorite contents.

By Lee Dong-in and Cho Jeehyun

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