[Interview] TON(TON) Gains Momentum on Telegram: "Driving Blockchain Adoption"

# Toncoin Society Sees Telegram as a Crucial Catalyst for Web3 Adoption “Ton Society's potential is closely tied to Telegram's vast user base,” highlighted Seunghyun Kang, also known as BurntNut, the leader of the Toncoin (TON) Society, during an exclusive interview with Unblock Media on October 23. Kang underscored that “the synergy between Telegram and blockchain technology is essential for driving Web3 adoption.” Overseeing the Ton Foundation’s South Korean community and ecosystem, Kang focuses on forging partnerships with major corporations and promoting decentralized applications (dApps). Drawing from his experience in strategic partnerships at SK Telecom with global tech giants, Kang applies his expertise to bridge traditional enterprises and the blockchain sector. “TON’s ecosystem expansion finds opportunities not just in Web3 but in convergence with Web2 enterprises,” he noted. He further added, “My background with traditional businesses has been invaluable in these collaborations.” # Harnessing Telegram’s Platform for Blockchain Growth Kang emphasized Telegram’s platform capabilities and extensive user base as key in lowering barriers to Web3 entry. “Blockchain dApps face challenges with user adoption, but Telegram already has 950 million monthly active users (MAUs) and could reach 1.5 billion by 2028,” he said. “Integrating TON’s economic system within Telegram can allow users to engage with digital assets seamlessly, often without realizing they are using blockchain technology.” He explained, “TON stands out as one of the few mainnets compatible with Telegram’s infrastructure, similar to using bank functions with just an email address.” Kang continued, stating that such user-friendly innovations are essential for reducing blockchain service entry barriers. # South Korea’s Affinity for Messaging Platforms Regarding the South Korean market, Kang noted, “Telegram’s user base in Korea is around five million, but the market is well-acquainted with messaging and social platforms like KakaoTalk, LINE, Facebook, and Cyworld. Koreans are likely to adapt readily to Telegram-based blockchain services.” He also pointed out, “Telegram’s recent collaboration with Korean government institutions to enhance security and trust will positively impact TON’s reputation over time.” # Cultivating a Dynamic Community Ecosystem Kang’s “K-TON” community initiative serves as a proving ground for these innovations. During Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2024, his efforts were showcased through workshops featuring three global TON-based projects and meetups attracting over 9,000 participants, demonstrating the robust community he has built. “Even with a small group of builders, the community-generated insights are exceptional and can influence the foundation's direction,” Kang remarked. “The K-TON community exemplifies how an ecosystem can grow through connectivity and engagement.” # Strategic Collaborations and TON’s Prospects in Korea As South Korea’s representative for TON, Kang leads initiatives to: - Facilitate ecosystem entry for developers and founders, - Enroll participants in TON Foundation’s grant and acceleration programs, - Establish strategic collaborations with domestic conglomerates, universities, and government bodies. “Our aim is to support builders in making meaningful contributions to the global ecosystem through South Korea,” he stated. # Real-World Applications Over Passing Trends In closing, Kang emphasized the need for the blockchain industry to focus on projects with real-world applications. “It’s crucial for projects to demonstrate practical value rather than rely on fleeting trends,” he stated. “Investors should also prioritize projects with intrinsic value over those with merely superficial appeal.” *This interview was conducted by Unblock, an AI media platform created by Blockmedia and Common Computer. The article includes contributions from April, an AI journalist specializing in interviews.*