From Family Broadcasting to Confession Challenge... Telecom Companies' 'Untact Chuseok'

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina Cho] Amid the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), this year's Chuseok, which encourages online and non-face-to-face interactions, has prompted telecommunications companies to launch related events.

According to the industry on the 30th, KT has been conducting the 'Chatting Plus Confession' challenge since the 28th, where people express feelings they couldn't convey to family, friends, and acquaintances via text messages. This is based on Chatting Plus, a next-generation mobile communication service created by the three major telecom companies, and the service is set as the default messaging app on smartphones released since 2018.

Until October 16, individuals can send three types of messages?'I love you,' 'Thank you,' and 'Sorry'?through one-on-one or group chats, and by submitting chat screens that show fun or heartwarming reactions, winners will receive prizes such as Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Flip 5G, 65-inch UHD TVs, Air Dressers, and Shinsegae gift certificates.

Additionally, KT is conducting a 'Safe Visit to Nursing Homes' service using the 'Narle' video call app for nursing homes where visits are prohibited due to COVID-19 during the Chuseok holiday. The plan is to start with the Happy Dream Nursing Home in Jangheung, Jeonnam, and expand nationwide.

LG Uplus is also introducing the 'U+tv Family Broadcast' service for 'Untact Chuseok' to ease the sadness of not being able to meet family and relatives. After downloading the 'U+tv Family Broadcast (Fancam)' application and connecting it to the TV, those who cannot visit their hometown can watch real-time videos of ancestral rites filmed and sent by relatives via smartphone on their TV. Parents can also watch videos of their children’s well-being and communicate directly.

The three major telecom companies are also running a campaign encouraging the use of the shared identity verification app 'PASS' QR entry pass. In preparation for Chuseok, notices promoting the use of the electronic entry log PASS QR entry pass have been posted mainly at multi-use facilities such as large restaurants where many people gather, SNS-famous eateries, and multipurpose sports facilities.