Bangkok--10 Apr--Spark Communications
- LINE achieved 50 percent increase in users within only 4 months (10M to 15M) in Thailand
- LINE PLAY, a unique avatar communication service, became another mega-hit app, setting a new trend in Thailand’s social life
- As the first brand ambassador of LINE PLAY, Nichkhun starred in a TV commercial and showcased his special brand room and avatar
LINE, the world’s leading mobile messenger, held a press conference in Bangkok today to announce its new initiative for the second wave of mobile communication trend with LINE PLAY. Nichkhun, a globally recognized singer from Thailand, has joined the wave as the first brand ambassador.
Recently, LINE experienced a drastic increase in its number of users from 10 million to 15 million in just four-month period, becoming the No. 1 mobile communication platform in the nation. In addition to LINE’s outstanding achievements, LINE PLAY was released to further bring forth a new world of virtual communication service, together evolving LINE into a ‘Smartphone Life Platform’.
LINE PLAY, a unique avatar communication service integrated with LINE, has won its popularity by setting a new fashion in everyday social life. The service swept the users along right after its launch in late February 2013. The application has conquered the Top Free App charts immediately after the global release in countries including Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
At the event, Nichkhun, LINE PLAY’s first brand ambassador, unveiled for the first time the new TV commercial, starring himself. He also showcased his LINE PLAY virtual room and avatar that closely resembles his real-life appearance, and Nichkhun’s room and avatar are available from April 9, 2013.
“I am really glad that I got my own room and avatar that I can decorate anywhere and anytime. If my fans visit my room, I am pretty sure that they will have so much fun by just tapping the various items in my room.” said Nichkhun, a brand ambassador of LINE PLAY. “Personally, I really enjoy the time of waiting for a prize came from GACHA, a virtual vending machine. I am really looking forward to playing with my fans in this great virtual world.”
TrueMove H, LINE’s business partner, announced its new plan to collaborate with LINE PLAY to reach younger generations who are keen on new communication trends, offering unique experience with TrueMove H avatars in the TrueMove H Brand Room where players can follow the latest news about TrueMove H’s activities.
"While some enthusiastic users in Thailand had accessed and experienced LINE PLAY prior to its global launch, its rapid growth in popularity since then has exceeded expectations," said Lee Jin Woo, General Manager of LINE, LINE PLUS. “I believe that Thai people’s open mindedness of seeking new experience is well matched with the intrinsic value of LINE PLAY. Our new initiative will start from Thailand first, and we are so confident that LINE PLAY will remain a new culture icon that allows younger generation to experience a brand new mobile world,” he added.
"Following the momentum of previous successes such as Mr. H LINE stickers, TrueMove H is the first Thai brand to become an Official Partner for LINE’s latest brand app, LINE PLAY,” said Teerasak Arunrermwattana, Deputy Director for Brand Management & Brand Communications at True Corporation Plc. “With TrueMove H’s leadership in 3G+ services, players are assured of an optimum virtual experience with LINE PLAY."
LINE PLAY offers vibrant virtual space to users where they can express their personality and interact with friends. Users can express their styles and interests by personalizing their avatars and interior designs with endless options, which are updated on the regular basis. Also users can connect with LINE friends or make new friends in the boundless space to share thoughts and interest.
While offering a unique social platform like LINE PLAY, LINE enables more simple and convenient use of mobile messenger service itself. LINE upgraded its PC version, allowing users to transfer various files and to express themselves with more original stickers. Furthermore, LINE supports Nokia’s Asha smartphones available at Nokia shops across Thailand. Now, the service is offered through full range of mobile operating system, including Android smartphones, BlackBerry, Window phone and iPhone.
In addition, a fun event will be offered to all the LINE users in Thailand. With celebrating the official comeback of PSY, the world star of Gangnam Style, on April 12, LINE will give out perky stickers of PSY for free in just three days from April 10 to 12, 2013.
For more information about LINE and LINE PLAY, please visit its official website http://line.naver.jp/en/.