“App Store” is a buzzword for many mobile operator and Korean companies are no exception. We covered previously the launch by LG this summer and its now who SK launched yesterday its own version : www.tstore.co.kr . Tstore should go global in 2011. LG  will follow in October.

The KT proposes not only applications but also game, phone decoration, games, music, movie , education materials and funny features. Being based on the WIPI, a south-Korean middleware enabling interoperability to run application, it aims to be largely open regardless of the phone you use. The platform can be reach by visiting the website with your phone or your computer or by installing a management software. At the end of the year, Tstore should be available whatever is your telecommunication provider.

A strong developpers community is the key of a vigorous appstore and Tstore seems to be friendly towards them.  SK will propose freely to developers to use SKT DRMs, upgrade infrastructure or organize contests. The review and approval process will not be necessary for developers who already have recognition from professional organizations. Developers will pay a registration fee each year, starting next year. SK will take a 30% commission on sales revenues of applications.SK may invest in venture companies to secure contents.

In the night, many Korean cars glow with LCD screen-light. Thanks to the local custom of not naming streets, vehicles are often equipped with GPS. Moreover,  seeing a bored car driver trapped in traffic jam watching a movie is  not uncommon in Seoul,  due  to  DMB-carried TV. But a new step to convergence has been done.

[ Third-party equipement : Computer with Wibro ability ]

 Hyundai and Kia issued a joint statement with KT  today announcing the launch of cars equipped natively with WiBro starting from 2012. Long-range and in-motion internet will enable high-quality movies and driver-tailored services such as traffic conditions, weather or emergency informations.

LG Dacom now second.

After 8 years of constant efforts, LG Dacom conquers again the second position in the competitive Korean fixed-line telecommunication market, beating SK Broadband of few inches in the first half of the year. Between January and June, LG Dacom’s sales reached KRW 895.4 billion ($720 million), while SK Broadband recorded KRW 1.2 billion ($ 963, 000) less than LG Dacom.

LG Dacom ‘s strengthening.

In fact, LG Dacom performed excellent in the second quarter: operating profits grew of 50% on a year-to-year basis and sales boomed. SK Broadband faces financial difficulties  and its operating profitability is deteriorating into negative territory. Hardships rise from high-speed broadband and fixed –line telecommunication markets slowdowns. Moreover, LG Dacom intends to absorb LG Powercom (broadband operator), adding consequent annual revenues. LG Dacom may be on the second step of the podium for a while.