Digital wallet via Korean’s chat platform KakaoTalk will look more like a real thing as it will carry IDs and licenses on top of pay system.

According to new services Kakao Corp. unveiled at annual conference on Wednesday, the chat platform that is used by almost all Koreans will add a digital wallet feature within the year, allowing users to carry their identification cards such as student ID cards, driver’s licenses, state-authorized certificates and social benefit cards for the disabled.

“Users will be able to prove their identification with the KakaoTalk app, which will bring us more convenience,” said Sean Joh, co-CEO of Kakao. “KakaoTalk will completely replace the real wallet,” he emphasized.

Contents and services will also be available for subscription through the messenger app starting the first half of next year.

Creators will be able to distribute their quality contents such as news, music, written stories and video on the KakaoTalk channel to enable users to enjoy diverse types of content that appeal to their taste.

Services to be available for subscription include rental for home appliances, regular delivery of food and cosmetics and home cleaning service, the company said. All the process for subscription from joining the membership to signing on a contract and payment will be done via the messenger app.

Product sellers can use KakaoTalk’s templates to create booking, subscription, delivery and ticket reservation functions. Small business owners can expand their services without creating new pages for the KakaoTalk.

“Users will be able to subscribe a delivery service for coffee from their favorite cafes or use it as an in-app gift for friends. Kakao aims to provide an upgraded digital experience by connecting users not only to large companies but also to small businesses,” said Mason Yeo, co-CEO of Kakao.

By Oh Dae-seok and Lee Ha-yeon

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