'Samsusaeng' Naver Enters Japanese Search Service Market "Confident of Success"

Sangbeom Kim, Responsible Leader of Naver Search Corporate Incubator Company (CIC)

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Naver is challenging to enter the Japanese search market. This is the third attempt.

Kim Sang-beom, Head of Naver Search Corporate Innovation Center (CIC), revealed the plan to enter Japan during the keynote at the annual developer event 'Debut 2020.'

Naver tried twice to enter the Japanese search service market over a decade starting from 2000 but failed. They established 'Naver Japan' but closed it in 2005, re-established it in 2007, and then shut down the service again at the end of 2013.

Kim explained, "In the past, we tried search services in Japan twice but failed. We had no experience or foundation, so it was difficult."

He continued, "This time, we have a strong foundation with 'Line,' and by cooperating with Yahoo Japan, we can also secure know-how in the Japanese market," expressing confidence.

Line has grown to be called Japan's 'national messenger.' Its monthly active users (MAU) reach 84 million. Yahoo Japan merged management with Naver's Japanese subsidiary Line. Naver founder Lee Hae-jin, Global Investment Officer (GIO), is expected to lead the holding company 'A Holdings' and focus on search services.

Kim added, "Compared to the second attempt, the number of engineers has increased eightfold, and the level of core search technology has greatly improved. We are conducting mid- to long-term research with the European research institute, so with stronger power than the previous attempts, we will succeed."