SK Platform opens Hoppin to other telecom users

SK Planet will allow users or subscribers of other telecom network services operated by KT and LG Uplus to access SK’s media platform and see a variety of entertainment content.

The mobile platform operating subsidiary of SK Telecom said the media platform named “Hoppin” will open beginning Aug. 8 to such users who can enjoy video on demand, television shows and movies, as well as other free programs such as news and comedies.

Consumers can watch them not only on smartphones, but also on their personal computers and tablet PCs as Hoppin runs on the N-Screen network, enabling content to feature on various smart devices regardless of their operating platforms.

The company’s opening of its media platform comes as demand for content grows amid an increase of smart devices running on faster wireless networks, a SK Planet official said.

Consumers’ preferences and tastes, meanwhile, are changing as they seek content on mobile devices over traditional media such as television and newspaper.

SK Planet currently has some 2.5 million users of Hoppin, created in January 2011. The media platform has over 15,000 VOD TV programs, animations and movies, which can be viewed by downloading or streaming.

Consumers can watch them on any mobile device after paying for them only once.

The Hopping app can be downloaded from SK’s T Store or Google Play, and will be offered in Apple’s App Store by the end of this month.

SK Planet is wholly owned by SK Telecom, Korea’s biggest mobile carrier. SK Telecom posted an operating profit of 384.6 billion won ($340 million) in the second quarter of this year, down 43 percent from 672.9 billion won a year ago, according to a regulatory disclosure.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)