Kakao, Galaxy most searched IT words

Kakao, Galaxy most searched IT words

By Cho Mu-hyun Search words on popular Web portals are useful in finding out what issues and celebrities are grabbing people’s attention. Google Korea revealed Thursday a list of the most searched words in Korea country during the first half of the year in four categories, giving a clear outline of what topics Koreans were looking for most. In the information technology category, mobile messenger service Kakao Talk topped the list after launching a free Internet call service which caused heated debate over network neutrality. Samsung Electronics’ two smartphone products, Galaxy Note and Galaxy S3 took second and third place respectively for their stellar sales. Kakao Story, Kakao Talk’s social network service was fourth after garnering 9.2 million users in a week. Google’s Chrome was fifth for becoming the most used browser in the world. In the most searched news issue, controversial “Nanuen Ggomsooda,” meaning “I’m a petty trickster,” a comedy podcast that takes jabs at politicians was No.1. The Yeosu Expo was second due to the attention it garnered before opening in May. Comedy TV program "Muhan Dojeon," or “Infinite Challenge,” being cancelled due to the MBC union strike was third. The most searched word without categorization was Hwayoung, a member of Korean pop group T-ara, for her accidental exposure of a breast during a broadcast in January. MBC Drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” a love story of a fictional king of the Joseon Kingdom, was runner-up. Actress Han Ga-in, who stars in the television drama, was third. In the most searched celebrity category, Hwayoung was in first place for the same January incident while her pop group took fourth place. Teenage singer-actress UI, who came into the spotlight in 2008 for her album “Lost and Found,” took second. Google says her two concerts in Japan in March and May helped her secure that position. Kim Soo-hyun, who plays the imaginary king in “The Moon Embracing the Sun” and rose to stardom via the drama’s popularity was third, the only male among the celebrities.