Apple Getting Closer to Launching iPhone in South Korea?

The Chosun Ilbo reports that Apple has posted a job listing for a "Korea iPhone Account Manager" based out of Seoul, suggesting that Apple may be getting closer to launching the iPhone 3G in South Korea. According to the listing, the responsibilities of the position are to "manage the day to day issues of our chosen carrier, ensure healthy relationship and help develop the market."

The Chosun Ilbo notes that negotiations between Apple and potential Korean carriers are rumored to have not been proceeding well, due at least in part to the requirement that all phones used in South Korea utilize the country's Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability (WIPI) platform. However, this new job listing suggests that Apple may be becoming more optimistic about the prospects of an agreement being reached.

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Because I am lazy and perhaps it would benefit anyone else who is not going to look up WIPI, can someone please explain to me what this is?

WIPI (Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability) is a middleware platform used in South Korea that allows mobile phones, regarless of manufacturer or carrier, to run internet applications. The specification was created by the Mobile Platform Special Subcommittee of the Korea Wireless Internet Standardization Forum (KWISF).

The South Korean government requires that all cellular phones sold in that country include the WIPI platform. This has prevented most foreign manufacturers from selling their phones in Korea. The government recently revised its rules to allow low-cost phones using 3G (third generation) mobile phone technology to be sold without the WIPI platform, if they do not have internet functionality. Phones that can access the internet will still be required to include the WIPI platform.

As of June 2008, There are movements for abolishing it as the Apple iPhone 3G was unveiled at June 9th, 2008. WIPI is becoming the main reason blocking the iPhone 3G from coming to Korea. Also, there is atmosphere of antipathy within the government about it. After few years since its start, WIPI is becoming a system that is blocking the development of Information Technology in Korea.

The iPhone doesn't even support Korean input, does it?

hey.....what about north korea...

The iPhone doesn't even support Korean input, does it?

hey.....what about north korea...

It does support Korean input - you can choose the Korean keyboard from Settings. However, it does not include a dictionary so it wouldn't predict and correct typos.