The online knowledge education platform MKYU (MK&You University) is teaming up with Kakao to revitalize traditional markets. To support small business owners in traditional markets who face difficulties with digital communication, MKYU will dispatch digital tutors trained by the platform to teach methods such as "How to Secure Loyal Customers through KakaoTalk Channels." Recognizing the need for digital market expansion but unable to leave their stalls due to livelihood concerns, merchants will receive on-site education to strengthen their digital capabilities and create new sales opportunities.
On June 22, MKYU CEO Kim Mi-kyung signed the "Soshin Merchant Project" agreement with Kakao, Kakao Impact, and the Shin-Young Market Merchants Association. This initiative is part of Kakao's win-win strategy announced in April, aiming to support self-employed individuals and small business owners nationwide in securing loyal customers via KakaoTalk channels and conducting diverse mobile marketing activities. From mid-July, a pilot program will be operated for two months at Shin-Young Market in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, followed by the selection of 10 locations in November to launch the first season of the "Kakao Soshin Merchant Project."
MKYU operates a "Digital Tutor Certification Course" that guides the digitally marginalized on how to use mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and kiosks to overcome digital illiteracy. Since its launch in April 2021, the course has produced over 20,000 students and 2,118 certified tutors. Moving away from traditional group education methods, MKYU introduced a personalized "Visiting Digital Tutor" system and has maintained partnerships with companies requiring digital transformation, including Homeplus Culture Center and Baedal Minjok's Baemin Academy. In February, MKYU established the Digital Tutor Association, contributing to job creation for women digital talents.
In the Kakao Soshin Merchant Project, tailored education and consulting will be provided to enhance the digital capabilities of traditional market merchants. MKYU digital tutors will be stationed for two months to educate merchants on opening and utilizing KakaoTalk channels for mobile customer communication. Reflecting the difficulty merchants face in leaving their stores, the program will offer close-contact education at times convenient for the merchants. One-on-one consulting will also be available on an ongoing basis. After the pilot period, a KakaoTalk open chat room will be created where digital tutors and traditional market merchants can connect to continue support in the mobile space.
Kim Mi-kyung, CEO of MKYU, stated, "Since starting the Digital Tutor Certification Course last year and conducting direct visiting education, I have come to deeply understand how essential one-on-one close-contact education is for the digitally marginalized. Through the small business project with Kakao, we will actively support traditional market merchants nationwide to become familiar with digital communication and build 'loyal' relationships with their customers."
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