Get ready Myspace, South Koran’s massive social network CyWorld has just launched here in the US and is taking the social space by storm. The popular MiniMes (cartoon charms) and MiniHomes (living space for the cartoon charms) has taken to a liking by some Americans, but be careful, it’s not cheep. Charms cost money or acorns (Cyworld Currency) I should say. Users get 50 free acorns when they sign up and have the option to purchase more at any time.
According to a report by Katie Fehrenbacher, CyWorld’s parent company SK Communications has set up a 30 person office in San Francisco and spent around $10 million to ensure it’s a success in the new market.
My take on the whole matter is that Cyworld doesn’t mix in the US. The cultures here and in Aisa are the same but completely different. Sure we all love blogging, journals, sharing pictures, and all that social jazz, but the way we do it is completely different. We Americans are blunt, flashy, and “My Space; while the Asians are detailed, cute, and “CyWorld.” The CyWorld revenue model is awesome, but it just won’t work here in the states. First, I don’t think there’s a large enough audience (Hello Kitty, Blue Bear People) that would use the service. Secondly, the US don’t tend to make fequent micro-payments like other countries younths (for charms). Third, it has poor world wide connection, people from the US can’t connect (be Neighbors) with people on Cyworld in Korea, Japan, etc.
Enough though Cyworld seems awesome to me, it’s doom for disaster in the US…
Check out my CyWorld
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