Naver launched a new content media platform called Lounge on Jan. 28, allowing users to communicate lightly about various topics and view the latest trends at a glance.

Lounge is an open community that consolidates know-how Naver has built over more than 20 years operating user-generated content services such as Knowledge iN, blogs and cafes. It allows users to discuss the latest trends without a separate sign-up. Each topic board is automatically linked to Open Talk, providing an organic communication environment that spans posts, comments and real-time chat called Talk.

Lounge will later be linked with a Naver Sports Winter Olympics special page to be opened, and is expected to be used as a space where users watch games while cheering in real time and sharing opinions. It also further strengthened links between services so that users searching for information through various Naver services such as integrated search or Knowledge iN can naturally flow into relevant Lounge pages.

Lounge drew strong user interest starting with recruitment for its official supporters, called Lounge Mates, conducted ahead of the launch. Selected Lounge Mates will, for 6 months from February, create quality content in each lounge, lead communication and serve as a catalyst for activating early communities.

Lounge categories are made up of 8 initial categories that actively reflect the topics Lounge Mate applicants wanted to work on: TV and film, sports, cars, advice, humor, games, psychology and animals. Under them, 425 detailed categories are provided, including themes such as TV programs and sports events that have recently drawn attention. Lounge plans to open additional categories going forward to reflect users' diverse interests.

Naver is also holding an event to mark the launch of Lounge, offering Npay points to users who complete various missions, including writing posts in lounges they are interested in, joining a lounge and communicating through comments.

Il-gu Lee (이일구), head of Naver's Content Service division, said Naver has operated UGC services such as blogs, cafes, Band and Knowledge iN for more than 20 years and has worked to provide users with a more diverse content experience. He said the company will enhance the service by seeking synergies with Naver's various services so that users can communicate more lightly and enjoyably about issues and trends across different fields through Lounge.