South Korea’s IPTV Providers Introduce AI-Powered Hyper-Personalization

KT, SK Broadband, and LG Uplus are revolutionizing the Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) landscape with the introduction of hyper-personalized services powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic move aims to combat the growing trend of “cord cutting,” where users cancel their subscriptions to paid broadcasting services in favor of online video services (OTT).

KT’s Magic Platform: A Comprehensive B2B Media Solution

KT has launched “Magic Platform,” a cutting-edge B2B media solution that leverages AI to analyze videos and create content. This innovative platform has given birth to generative AI contents such as “AI Objet Book” and “AI Travel View.” AI Objet Book, for instance, was created using keywords extracted by AI from Millie’s Library e-books, voices dubbed by KT AI Voice Studio, and background music produced by Genie Music using generative AI.

Upcoming Features: On-Device AI Set-Top Box and AI Selection

In the second half of this year, KT plans to release the “On-Device AI Set-Top Box,” which will boast features like real-time translation, voice-to-text conversion, and content summary. Additionally, “AI Selection” will allow users to select specific people, scenes, and songs, further enhancing the viewing experience.

SK Broadband’s AI B tv: Automatic Personal Identification and AI Shopping

SK Broadband has introduced the hyper-personalized “AI B tv,” which features an “automatic personal identification” function that recognizes viewers and provides customized content. The company has also launched an AI shopping service that enables users to purchase clothes and accessories worn by characters in popular dramas and entertainment shows.

LG U+’s U+tv: AI Media Agent and Conversational Search

LG U+ has recently unveiled U+tv, which comes equipped with an AI media agent based on ixi. This agent offers three primary functions: “AI Curation” for recommending hyper-personalized content, “AI Subtitles” for automatic subtitle generation, and “ixi Voice Chatbot” for resolving customer issues 24/7. The “conversational search” feature, which allows users to find content through voice conversations with AI, is slated for release by the end of the year.

The Future of IPTV: Profitability and Growth

While the introduction of AI-powered hyper-personalization is expected to enhance the viewing experience, its impact on profitability remains uncertain. Industry insiders believe that improved viewing environments will lead to reduced cord cutting and increased profits in the long run. However, there are currently no plans to charge for AI-based services within IPTV.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the number of IPTV subscribers in the second half of last year was 20,925,902, representing a modest 0.54% increase from the first half. The paid VOD sales of the three IPTV companies last year were 417.2 billion won, a 20% decrease compared to the previous year.