Surge in New Telegram Installations Amid Martial Law Crisis... Spread of 'Digital Exile'

It has been identified that new installations of Telegram have significantly increased following the '12·3 Emergency Martial Law Incident.'

According to mobile index, an application analysis company, on the 3rd, when the martial law was declared, the number of new Telegram installations reached 40,576. This accounted for 47.09% of all new installations in the messenger category on that day.

This number of new installations represents more than a fourfold increase compared to the previous day's figure of 9,016. New Telegram installations recorded 30,333 the day after the martial law declaration. On the 5th and 6th, the number exceeded 10,000, maintaining the top position in new installations within the messenger category. Immediately after the martial law declaration, Telegram's popularity surged from being ranked within the top 50 in app store charts to as high as 3rd place.

In the previous month, Naver Line ranked first in new installations in the messenger category, with Telegram only placing 4th. In September and October as well, Line held the top spot for new installations, while Telegram ranked 3rd. The recent sharp increase in Telegram new installations contrasts with the previously stagnant usage trend.

When the martial law was declared, traffic concentrated on portal sites Naver and Daum, causing access instability. On social networking services (SNS), many messages were posted stating that Telegram was installed in preparation for any emergency situation.

Furthermore, as claims arose that communication censorship by martial law troops needed to be prepared for, a 'digital asylum' atmosphere toward Telegram emerged. Telegram is known for having servers overseas, making tracking difficult, and is regarded as relatively secure. Therefore, it has been recognized as a messenger app frequently used in political and financial sectors.