Kyobo Life has launched a new character named 'Kkook' inspired by emperor penguins. The company explained that it found the spirit of mutual aid in insurance reflected in how emperor penguins endure Antarctica's harsh cold by sharing body heat.
Kyobo Life plans to create six characters, including Kkook, his younger sibling ‘Kkomuri,’ and their parents and grandparents, to be used in merchandise and SNS content.
According to Kyobo Life Insurance, emperor penguins perform ‘huddling’ to survive temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.
Thousands of penguins form a circular structure to share body heat. Penguins on the outermost layer, who initially block the cold, gradually move inward, while those in the front rotate to the outside.
A source from Kyobo Life Insurance stated, “This mirrors the essential value of life insurance—overcoming adversity through mutual support.”
The name ‘Kkook’ was derived from the penguins’ huddling behaviour. It is an onomatopoeic expression of warmly embracing a loved one and a pledge to always stand by customers in any situation.
Mr Shin Chang-jae, Kyobo Life’s representative, first unveiled the Kkook character to financial planners recently at the Kyobo Life Insurance training center in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province.
Mr Shin said, “This character embodies Kyobo Life Insurance’s promise to protect customers until they overcome unexpected hardships and return to their daily lives.”
The six characters, including Kkook, have received copyright recognition for their originality.
“We will provide a differentiated brand experience that allows customers to feel the intrinsic value of life insurance through Kkook,” said a source from Kyobo Life, reported The Chosun Daily.