Meta's Threads Reaches 100 Million Users
South Korean Politicians Also Use Threads as a Communication Channel
"Isn't the killer question not on the CSAT exam paper but on the ballot? No matter how much you try, there are many cases with no correct answer." (Lee Jun-seok, former People Power Party leader)
Facebook's parent company Meta launched the social networking service (SNS) application 'Threads,' which has nearly reached 100 million users in less than a week since its release. Politicians in Yeouido have also started creating Threads accounts, actively engaging in communication with their supporters. While most politicians already have SNS accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, attention is focused on whether Threads will rapidly emerge as a new communication channel for politicians.
Thread account operated by former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok. [Photo by Lee Jun-seok Thread]
The most active politician using Threads is Lee Jun-seok, former leader of the People Power Party. Having started Threads two days ago, he has surpassed 7,500 followers as of the afternoon of the 10th. He shares his daily life, saying, "Unlike Facebook or Instagram, I will speak informally and say whatever I want."
He also engaged in a verbal exchange with another Threads user. When a user commented, "A skill for evading responsibility plus stirring political hatred," he replied, "I understand how painful it is when the candidate you voted for didn't win, but regardless of whether option 2 is correct, option 1 is simply wrong."
In another post, he uploaded a photo of the 7th subway line at dawn and held an impromptu event, saying, "If someone on the 7th line uploads a photo now (of the 7th line), I'll follow back immediately."
Former lawmaker Hong Jung-wook also posted his first greeting on Threads with a photo of himself holding a cigar, saying, "Happy weekend, friends." He said, "I started Threads hoping for appropriate humor, intelligence, and swagger instead of image-curated Instagram, digital longevity Facebook, and always-angry Twitter," adding, "I hope Threads settles well and can be enjoyed." His follower count has exceeded 6,600.
People Power Party lawmaker Heo Eun-ah also created a Threads account and shared a video featuring former leader Lee and former deputy spokesperson Kwak Seung-yong, saying, "A wonderful time that brings back old memories." People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Kyung-joon also announced the opening of his Threads account, saying, "A new beginning always excites."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon created a Threads account two days ago and posted his first message, "I returned safely from an overseas business trip. I'm still not familiar with Threads. Is everyone new to this?" In another post, he shared news of a heavy rain advisory in Gyeonggi Province. His followers have surpassed 700. Progressive figure Hwang Hee-do, director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, also shared news of his book 'Politics in the 90s' book concert on Threads.
Some politicians are promoting themselves to increase their Threads follower count. Kim Jaeseop, People Power Party Dobong-gap District Committee Chairman, posted on his SNS, "I heard that these days, 'Sseupal' (Threads following) begging is the trend, so I'm trying it too. Please follow me on Threads." Kim's follower count has exceeded 300.
The Democratic Party was the first to launch an official party Threads account. Although the Democratic Party's Threads account has no posts yet, it has surpassed 1,500 followers. Official Threads accounts for the People Power Party and the Justice Party have not yet been created.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
