KT Expands Digital Transformation Areas... Including Education, Small Businesses, and Digital Twin

Interview with Park Jeong-ho, Head of KT Customer DX Division
"Driving Digital Innovation in Education Market with AI Capabilities and Expertise"
Leading Digital Transformation for Small Businesses... Envisioning a Total Platform

Jung-ho Park, Head of KT Customer DX Division. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] KT's digital innovation is expanding comprehensively. By adding artificial intelligence (AI), it is evolving into a customized education platform while also assisting small business owners with simple tasks to reduce their workload. Leveraging cloud-based digital twin technology, KT is also focusing on developing new solutions to solve various social issues, thereby creating a vast ecosystem.

On the 5th, we met Park Jung-ho, head of KT’s Customer DX Division, who is leading KT’s digital innovation. In August, Park launched the B2C edutech service 'Crudy,' targeting the education market. It is an online reading discussion group tutoring service for elementary students, combining the advantages of online lectures and in-person classes, with AI managing the lessons. Although KT, primarily known for telecommunications and digital platforms, entering the education industry may seem unusual, it boasts a considerable track record.

"After AI Contact Center and AI Logistics, the Next Step is AI-Based Future Education"

KT previously demonstrated its competitiveness in the B2G education sector with 'Ransen Edu.' Now, it is targeting the B2C education market. The plan is to lead digital innovation across the education sector by leveraging AI strengths. Park said, "KT succeeded with the AI Contact Center (AICC) and is showing results in AI logistics. In a situation where AI is inevitably a hot topic, we are looking at what the next area is, and that is education. By transferring AI capabilities and know-how, we can bring digital innovation to the education market."

He continued, "The reason future education is not properly realized is due to gaps in public and private education, income and geographic disparities, and digital divides. Especially, while students are digital natives, there are still teachers from the analog native generation. However, providing customized, automated education through AI can solve these problems," he emphasized.

At first glance, one might think content is the most important in education, as students tend to follow so-called 'star instructors.' However, KT, with its platform strengths, claims to have competitiveness surpassing traditional education companies. Park explained, "Content is important, but more important are the curriculum and delivery. If KT’s platform becomes an open platform, various content can be incorporated. By securing content, applying AI, structuring curricula, and delivering based on networks, no one can catch up."

KT plans to intensify its edutech market approach, starting by expanding Crudy to major subjects. Park said, "Crudy started with reading discussion and essay writing but is preparing to expand to subjects like Korean, English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. In the public education sector, the mid-term goal is to create an AI-based customized platform and provide it to demand sources." He added, "We are also considering creating an edutech ecosystem through big data-based growth maps or alliances with small education companies."

Helping Small Business Owners Who Are Overwhelmed Through Digital Transformation

Digital transformation for small business owners is also a key task of the Customer DX Division. Park said, "Earlier this year, I met with small business owners in the food service industry, and their difficulties boiled down to three issues: increasing sales, reducing fixed costs, and promoting their stores. AI call assistants and store information notification messages can contribute to solving these problems. Listening to customers and identifying pain points has led to positive market responses."

The recently launched 'Sajangnim Delivery POS' phone service is also progressing smoothly. It provides a one-stop service from order confirmation to calling delivery riders and integrates sales management, easing the workload of single-person store owners. This service reflects the demands of small business owners, aiming to resolve inconveniences and ultimately create a total platform covering everything from startup preparation to store management. Park explained, "Initially, we plan to provide services that small business owners want to increase awareness, then offer a platform as a platform provider for small business owners."

Digital twin technology using cloud gaming platforms is another area of interest. Unlike competitors partnering with global companies like Microsoft and NVIDIA, KT provides cloud gaming services with its own technology. KT is discovering new revenue sources by applying this technology beyond cloud gaming to various fields.

Park said, "There are many 3D virtual reality (VR) model houses, but when we showed options like balcony expansion or flooring changes through cloud streaming technology, the option selection rate significantly increased. There is also great interest in fashion and distribution." He added, "We are generating new revenue through cloud technology and expect its applications to expand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.