By Kim Yoo-chul
Eric Schmidt has just left Korea. It was his first visit in four years and there was a great deal of possibility ― buying Korean portals, boosting the Android operating system (OS) alliance, channeling K-pop on YouTube.
Although he received the red carpet treatment and even got to meet President Lee Myung-bak, there was little to show for the chairman of Google now that he’s come and gone.
``Schmidt declined to unveil details as the talks were confidential, however, the chairman’s visit failed to meet my expectations,’’ said an official from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), Korea’s top telecom regulator, Tuesday.
Still, it would be a mistake to dismiss his trip as being uneventful.
Schmidt met the President, KCC Chairman Choi See-joong and other key business executives that included Samsung Electronics CEO Choi Gee-sung, SK Telecom Ha Sung-min, KT Chairman Lee Suk-chae, LG Uplus CEO Lee Sang-chul and Woori Financial chairman Lee Pal-seung.
“We need Korea and all of us need to be open to new ideas. Korea needs to change the world, you need to be open to the world and that’s happening,’’ was part of the chairman’s message.
Samsung is still heavily relying on Android for its Galaxy smartphone lineup and all local carriers are aggressively promoting Android-equipped handsets, lining the pocket of Google.
Schmidt mentioned that the Internet regulations in Korea could be more open and more modern adding some countries have more liberal policies.
The Google chairman expressed mild disappointment at Korea’s growing efforts to monitor the Internet and online activity.
``If easing regulations is a pre-condition for Google before its decision to heavily invest in Korea, then the remarks are understandable. But that’s a shame for Korea,’’ said another official who only wanted anonymity.
Schmidt has agreed to boost the overseas popularity of Korean pop music by running a dedicated YouTube channel and also promised to support Internet start-up firms in Korea.
Not surprisingly, the Google chairman didn’t divulge details such as the timing and the funding amount.
``Schmidt’s visit is sending two messages. First is Korea is too heavily dependent on the Google platform and second Korea has very solid infrastructure, enough to receive Google proposals for future businesses. If you consider these things as gifts then that makes sense,’’ said the official.
Google currently regards Korea as a test-bed for mobile commerce-related endeavors and smart televisions as the nation is home to global technology heavyweights.
There’s no doubt Google is aiming to maintain healthier partnerships with Korean technology companies. In return that means more dependence on the Google platform.
``Korea is ready to raise its voice further in Google. Before that, we need to have our own platforms as early as possible to influence any changes in Google strategies.’’