SK overhaul Cyworld

Cyworld’s beta version

By Kim Yoo-chul

SK Communications, the operator of Korea’s leading social network service Cyworld, released a new beta version Thursday that focuses on data management.

The new version also enhances accessibility, usability and has greater simplicity, said the operator of the networking site in a press release.

“We hope the improved user interface will attract more customers and users. The new version is simplified and offers core functions by minimizing the role of sub-functions. Users can manage an entire screen,” said a company spokeswoman.

She said the changes are mostly aimed at helping its traditional business find fresh momentum after years of difficulties.

Cyworld has been receiving lukewarm responses because there were some kinks in the service design. SK Communications has tried to revitalize itself both in the local and overseas markets.

Small improvements led it to fully take off.

“This change will be different because the arrangements of functions were completely changed. Life companion is the top phrase for this latest change,” the spokeswoman added.

Images are available on all mobile platforms such as Apple iOS and Google Android. “Further changes will be coming,” said Kim Young-mook, a service manager at the company.

Cyworld was once an Internet pioneer. Despite a steady drop inusers, it remains the leading social network in Korea, although other services have begun to challenge it.

The site, which launched in 1999, is based around a user’s “mini hompy” — short for mini homepage — a platform where users can upload photos, text and various other multimedia to pages which can be customized by purchasing skins and background music from the Cyworld store.