Who is the New Chief of Google Korea? Meet Yoon Koo!
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Synopsis
Google Korea has appointed Yoon Koo, an industry veteran with over 20 years of expertise, as its new managing director. Yoon aims to enhance Google’s AI initiatives in Korea and drive growth by empowering various businesses. This comes alongside Google’s new affordable YouTube Premium Lite subscription, excluding the music streaming service.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Koo appointed as Google Korea's managing director.
- Focus on expanding AI initiatives in Korea.
- Launch of YouTube Premium Lite subscription service.
- Pricing set at 8,500 won for Android and web users.
- Google aims to empower businesses of all sizes.
Seoul, Dec 12 (NationPress) On Friday, Google Korea announced the appointment of Yoon Koo, who is also known as Brandon Yoon, as the company's new managing director.
Effective from January 5, Yoon will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s advertising sales operations, according to Google Korea, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
With over 20 years of experience in both the Korean and U.S. information technology (IT) and digital transformation industries, he is recognized as an industry expert having held senior positions at Microsoft Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., and Apple Korea.
Google Korea expressed confidence that Yoon's extensive background and leadership skills will greatly contribute to boosting the company’s growth in the future.
Yoon aims to enhance Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in Korea, which he describes as one of the globe’s most vibrant and innovative markets.
In a LinkedIn update, Yoon stated, “My mission is clear: to ensure Google is a true partner in Korea's success.”
He emphasized the need to utilize the momentum from Gemini and AI to democratize growth, promote innovation, and empower a diverse range of clients, including global conglomerates, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and startups, to reach their full potential.
In a related development, Google is set to roll out a more affordable version of its YouTube Premium service in South Korea, which will exclude the music streaming feature, according to the country's antitrust regulator.
This decision follows months of investigation into alleged unfair trade practices concerning the bundling of YouTube Music with YouTube Premium.
As part of this self-corrective measure, the U.S. tech giant will unveil YouTube Premium Lite, a video-only subscription plan that offers advertisement removal, background playback, and offline viewing options, as stated by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC).
Current YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscriptions will remain available.
YouTube Premium Lite is expected to be priced at 8,500 won (approximately $5.80) per month for Android and web users, while iOS users will pay 10,900 won per month, according to the FTC. In comparison, the existing YouTube Premium subscription costs 14,900 won, and YouTube Music is available separately for 11,990 won monthly.
Point of View
It is important to recognize the strategic significance of Yoon Koo's appointment at Google Korea. His extensive background and commitment to enhancing AI initiatives align with the country’s growing technological landscape. Google’s focus on affordability through YouTube Premium Lite also indicates a responsive approach to market demands, which could reshape the digital advertising landscape.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yoon Koo?
Yoon Koo, also known as Brandon Yoon, is the newly appointed managing director of Google Korea, bringing over 20 years of experience in the IT and digital transformation sectors.
What will Yoon Koo focus on as the new managing director?
Yoon Koo aims to enhance Google's artificial intelligence initiatives in Korea and empower various businesses to achieve their goals.
What is YouTube Premium Lite?
YouTube Premium Lite is a new, more affordable subscription plan that offers video-only services without the music streaming component, aimed at making YouTube more accessible.
How much will YouTube Premium Lite cost?
YouTube Premium Lite is expected to cost 8,500 won ($5.80) per month for Android and web users, and 10,900 won per month for iOS users.
What led to the introduction of YouTube Premium Lite?
The introduction follows an investigation by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission into Google's bundling practices related to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
