[Hong Kong] LINE Expands Operations in Hong Kong with Launch of LINE TODAY

2018.02.27 ALL

● LINE TODAY brings localized news content to Hong Kong users and offers media a new channel to reach people

● As a global messaging app and lifestyle platform, LINE seamlessly connects Hong Kong users to all types of people, content and services 

HONG KONG – February 27, 2018 – LINE Corporation today announced the expansion of operations in Hong Kong, led by the official launch of its news aggregation service LINE TODAY. The arrival of the Hong Kong edition of the No. 1 news portal in Asia is good news for local users, as they can now enjoy localized access to the LINE platform, improving their ability to connect seamlessly to the information, content and services they want. 

HyunBin Kang, Senior Vice President of Business Development Division of LINE Plus Corporation, and Gareth Lau, Editorial Team Lead of LINE Hong Kong, officiate the launch of LINE TODAY in Hong Kong.

In addition to LINE TODAY, the LINE messaging app is an all-encompassing “Smart Portal” that can improve people’s everyday lives. With LINE stickers, users can convey nuanced feelings, delight loved ones and exchange fun inside jokes with ease. LINE@ also lets users connect with their favourite businesses and be the first to know about new products and services and receive special deals. 

“With the introduction of LINE TODAY, we are deepening our commitment to our Hong Kong users, offering an expanded suite of localized services that reflect the unique culture and evolving needs of this sophisticated market,” said Gareth Lau, editorial team lead of LINE Hong Kong. “LINE TODAY provides a new channel for local news media and influencers to reach their target audience, and already some 20 content providers from Hong Kong and Taiwan are contributing to the LINE TODAY news service in Hong Kong.”

Joining the LINE team to launch LINE TODAY in Hong Kong was K-pop diva SUNMI, who performed several of her hit songs. The launch event attracted close to 700 participants! 

K-pop diva SUNMI celebrated LINE’s expanded offerings with HyunBin Kang, Senior Vice President of Business Development Division of LINE Plus Corporation and Gareth Lau, Editorial Team Lead of LINE Hong Kong

 

The launch event attracted close to 700 participants 

LINE TODAY: Stay connected to the information you care about

LINE TODAY is the most popular news curation service in Asia, leading the market in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan (as LINE NEWS). With its launch in Hong Kong, LINE TODAY brings local users a unique way of accessing localized content in categories such as breaking news, local stories, lifestyle, entertainment, travel, sports and technology. It is expected that there will be a total of 35 content providers by the year end, and additional content by key local influencers will be offered later this year. 

A top editorial team selects the most important news of the day to make sure that users hear the most relevant and interesting information. By Q2 2018, artificial intelligence will be deployed to customize news updates and bring users the news and feature stories that matter most to them. News updates are sent in three rounds - in the morning, during lunchtime and at night. Breaking news is also delivered to users as and when it happens.

 LINE TODAY also serves as a platform for brands to reach their target audience through displayed ads, sponsored content that do not affect users’ news reading experience. The editorial team provides direction and makes sure all content resonates with users.

LINE@: Strengthen ties with the brands you enjoy

People on the LINE messaging platform can directly connect with a variety of businesses, sharing their comments or questions or getting updates and receiving special offers that they can share with their social circle. A variety of businesses use LINE@ to connect with their fans, including restaurants, fashion labels, sportswear companies and skincare and cosmetics brands. 

LINE Stickers: Get closer by expressing how you feel

LINE stickers transform the mobile chat experience, helping users express feelings that are difficult to convey with just words to help bring people together. Stickers come in a diverse range of styles, including character stickers, animated stickers with sounds and pop-up stickers. Stickers can also be customized. 

 

About LINE Corporation

Based in Japan, LINE Corporation (NYSE:LN/TSE:3938) is dedicated to the mission of “Closing the Distance,” bringing together people, information and society. The LINE messaging app launched in June 2011 and has since grown into a diversified global platform, providing a range of services and content.