On the 21st, the Digital Merchant Alliance, a domestic digital merchant federation, held its inauguration ceremony at the Startup Alliance in Gangnam, Seoul, and discussed growth strategies for digital merchants.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by 16 digital merchant brands, including Coffee Han-Yakbang and Sunmi Han-Gwa, along with the Platform SME Research Center at Kookmin University.
Kim Do-hyun, head of the Platform SME Research Center at Kookmin University, noted in his speech, "Amid the rapidly changing platform market and the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI), strategies for digital merchants are needed," adding, "Our center will continue to provide all necessary support, including discovering agendas and operating educational programs in partnership with the Digital Merchant Alliance."
During this inauguration ceremony, the direction of the alliance's initiatives was introduced. The alliance plans to support the growth of digital merchants based on digital small and medium enterprise (D-SME) education, AI transformation (AX), networking, and sector-specific meetings. Currently, there are over 100 members.
Following that, the executive committee and sector heads were appointed. Min Sang-dae, representative of ES Food Ingredients, has been inaugurated as the president. The sectors include food, fashion, global, and education and marketing, with each being led by Min Sang-dae, Jung Gi-yeol of Attrangs, Jo Dong-il of Buja Jin, and Lee Sun-hyung of Tention. The sectors are expected to operate flexibly according to the needs of digital merchants and changes in the market environment.
Discussions continued on enhancing the competitiveness of digital merchants in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Representatives such as Park Sung-yong of Baodam shared experiences of producing detailed pages and creating content using AI.
Newly elected President Min Sang-dae stated, "As a federation of digital merchants, I aim to create a community that drives brand growth and innovation through mutual network activation," adding that he will work with various representatives from domestic and global sectors to build a sustainable digital ecosystem.