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| 9GAG CEO Ray Chan poses after an interview with The Korea Times on the sidelines of the RISE 2017 conference at the Hong Kong Convention Center, Wednesday. / Korea Times photo by Park Jae-hyuk |
Ray Chan says healthy discussion prevents radical contents
By Park Jae-hyuk
HONG KONG ─ 9GAG CEO Ray Chan told The Korea Times that Korean humor websites should allow more discussion among users to prevent the spread of politically radical content.
"In essence, what we can do is to just foster healthier discussion," he said in an interview on the sidelines of the RISE 2017 conference in Hong Kong, Wednesday. "When you are in a more diverse community, then the discussion can be more neutral."
Most humor websites in Korea tend to have their own political stances.
The far-right website Ilbe has been accused of manipulating public opinion amid political events including presidential elections. Todayhumor and other websites have also drawn criticisms for their excessive admiration of President Moon Jae-in.
Although he admitted political content is harder to censor than sexist and racist content, Chan said 9GAG's strategy of distributing content through social media can reduce the risk.
The Hong Kong-based startup attracted worldwide users by allowing them to enjoy funny content on social media, rather than making them visit the website itself.
"If a funny website is all about Korea, there must be some more jokes about politics and politicians," the chief executive said. "International users do not care about politics in other countries, so political contents do not go to a hot page or trending page. When you are in a more diverse community, then the discussion can be more neutral."
Founded in 2008, 9GAG has grown into one of the world's most popular humor websites with its accessibility to social media and easily comprehensible image- and video-based content.
Many internet companies and most humor websites inside and outside Korea fail to survive more than 10 years, which prompts Chan to raise going concerns.
"Demand for funny content is not strong," he said. "What brings you success today does not bring you success tomorrow."
The businessman emphasized media companies, including humor websites, should try hard to catch up with the rapidly changing trends for their survival. But Chan said humor itself will continue to survive, whatever will happen in the future.
"How people will consume humor is uncertain," he said. "But we still need entertainment to just have a break. I believe humor or fun will always be in the market."
