Kakao Friends, the merchandise arm of South Korean tech giant Kakao Corp., is expanding its product portfolio with a new cat-themed character series after seeing strong digital engagement.
The company is releasing 21 new items featuring “Golgolz,” a duo of feline characters whose name plays on the purring sound cats make when content. The collection, which includes plush toys, cushions, and mouse pads, will be available across Kakao Friends’ retail network and digital platforms starting February 13.
The move follows the successful digital debut of these characters in November, when their emoticon pack attracted 800,000 downloads in its first week. To promote the physical merchandise launch, Kakao Friends is setting up a themed space at its Hongdae flagship store in Seoul.
The company is also targeting the student demographic with a 20% discount for college ID holders through March 31. This strategic pricing aims to capture the back-to-school spending season, a key retail period in South Korea.
The launch represents Kakao’s latest effort to monetize its digital intellectual property through physical merchandise, a strategy that has become increasingly important for Asian tech companies.
