Domestic metaverse platform Ifland is making a full-scale entry into the global market.

SK Telecom announced on the 23rd that it is simultaneously launching its metaverse platform, Ifland, in 49 countries including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with support for English, Chinese, and Japanese. Android and iOS versions are being released simultaneously.

SKT plans to leverage K-pop content through iFriend to develop joint content with various overseas partners and continuously strengthen communication features within the service.

SKT will provide integrated domestic and international services through the existing app. The existing e-Friend app can function identically overseas, and users can select each country in the settings.

Ifland is promoting the slogan "The New Way of Socializing" in the global market and is pursuing the development of specialized features targeting specific regions and the joint production of popular local content through partnerships with major telecommunications operators in each continent. Regionally, the partners include e& in the Middle East and Singtel in Southeast Asia. In particular, SKT signed an MOU with NTT Docomo on the 18th for ICT business cooperation.

In addition, SKT partners with overseas universities and global brands. Earlier this month, it signed a tripartite agreement for a global metaverse campus with BSRU, a traditional royal university operating in Bangkok, Thailand, and Dong-A University of the Arts and Broadcasting. Furthermore, it is partnering with the Danish fashion company Birger Christensen to produce key outfits, such as party wear, as Ifland clothing.

SKT also updated key features in line with the global expansion of eFriend. A Global Lounge and avatars with various skin tones were introduced to support overseas users new to the metaverse.

A '1:1 DM (Direct Message)' function between meeting creators and participants, as well as a '3D speech bubble' feature at the top of avatars, have been implemented. Additionally, 'real-time voting' and 'ifme motion sharing' features have been added.

In particular, ifland plans to generate a positive response by showcasing the weekly K-pop live content 'The Fan Live Talkon'.

Meanwhile, SKT announced that e-Fland surpassed 12.8 million cumulative users as of the third quarter, growing more than four times compared to 3 million at the beginning of the year.

Yang Maeng-seok, Head of SKT Metaverse CO, stated, “Ifland, which was launched last July, has grown into the nation’s leading social metaverse, receiving great love from users of a wide range of age groups and various organizations,” adding, “We will demonstrate the potential of K-Metaverse on the global stage, including Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and East Asia, beyond the domestic market.”