First new offering, an AI-powered video editing service, scheduled to launch in November
LG Uplus is expanding its AI subscription business through a partnership with global subscription technology company Bango, aiming to bring overseas AI and digital content services to Korean consumers through its subscription platform Youdok.
The Korean telecom operator said on Oct. 6 that it will work with Bango to introduce a wider range of global AI and content services that have previously been difficult for domestic users to access.
Youdok is LG Uplus’ subscription platform that allows customers to subscribe to and manage services across AI, over-the-top streaming, education and lifestyle categories in one place.
As the first result of the partnership, LG Uplus plans to launch an AI-powered video editing service on Youdok in November. The company will subsequently expand its lineup to include generative AI, productivity tools, creative AI and other global content services.
AI Becomes a New Growth Area for Subscription Services
The partnership comes as consumer demand for subscription services expands beyond entertainment content toward AI tools designed to improve productivity, work efficiency and creative activities.
LG Uplus has been strengthening Youdok’s AI portfolio in response to this shift. The platform already offers AI services across search, design, video editing and education, including Google AI Pro.
It also operates “Youdok Pick AI,” which allows customers to choose among multiple AI subscription services according to their needs.
Through the partnership with Bango, LG Uplus plans to add overseas AI services that are not yet widely available in South Korea or require users to subscribe and pay through separate international platforms.
The two companies will cooperate in identifying AI and content services in Korea and overseas, integrating new subscription products, developing bundled offerings and expanding the digital subscription ecosystem.
Bango’s DVM to Accelerate Service Integration
A key part of the partnership will be Bango’s Digital Vending Machine, or DVM, a subscription bundling platform that connects digital service providers with telecom operators and other distribution partners.
LG Uplus plans to use the DVM to streamline contracts, technical integration and product launches for new services on Youdok.
The company expects the system to shorten the process required to introduce global AI and content services, while allowing it to broaden the range of subscription options available to customers.
LG Uplus and Bango also plan to combine Bango’s global service network with LG Uplus’ product planning capabilities to develop subscription packages tailored to different customer needs and use cases.
The companies will initially focus on areas drawing strong consumer interest, including generative AI, productivity AI and creative AI, while gradually adding specialized global content services.
Expanding Youdok Beyond Traditional Content Subscriptions
LG Uplus has been expanding Youdok from a platform centered on conventional digital subscriptions into a broader marketplace covering AI and productivity tools.
The latest partnership is designed to give Korean consumers easier access to global services without having to separately search overseas websites or manage individual subscriptions and payment processes.
Cho Yong-sung, vice president in charge of partnership business at LG Uplus, said customer demand for subscriptions is rapidly expanding beyond content into AI and productivity services.
“Through this partnership, we will make it easier and more convenient for Korean customers to access a diverse range of global AI services while continuing to strengthen Youdok’s competitiveness in AI subscriptions,” Cho said.
Paul Larbey, CEO of Bango, said the company will support LG Uplus in rapidly adding global services through the DVM and creating subscription packages tailored to customer demand.
