TLDR: South Korea’s leading mobile carrier, SK Telecom, has announced a strategic investment of 2.2 billion yen (approximately US$14.8 million) in Japanese startup TimeTree. This partnership aims to develop and expand AI agent services, marking SK Telecom’s first overseas application of its AI technology. The collaboration is set to leverage TimeTree’s popular schedule-sharing app and its 67 million global users to establish Japan as a key hub for SK Telecom’s global AI expansion.
SK Telecom Co., South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, has made a significant strategic investment of 2.2 billion yen, equivalent to approximately US$14.8 million, in TimeTree, a prominent Japanese schedule-sharing application developer. This landmark partnership, formalized through an agreement signed in Tokyo on September 5, 2025, is poised to drive the development and expansion of AI agent services.
This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for SK Telecom, as it signifies the company’s inaugural deployment of its artificial intelligence technology beyond its domestic market. The primary objective of this investment is to foster a robust AI agent service ecosystem and solidify SK Telecom’s presence within the burgeoning Japanese AI market.
TimeTree, established in 2014, has garnered a substantial global user base of 67 million for its communication and calendar-sharing platform. SK Telecom intends to integrate its advanced AI agent technology with TimeTree’s widely adopted platform, thereby positioning Japan as a strategic regional cornerstone for its broader global AI expansion initiatives.
Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, underscored the strategic importance of this alliance. He stated, “Collaboration with TimeTree is an important opportunity for SK Telecom to create new value in the global market through AI agent technology. We will lead the expansion of the AI agent service ecosystem in South Korea and Japan.” This statement highlights the company’s ambition to not only innovate but also to lead the regional growth of AI agent services.
Also Read:
- South Korea’s KakaoTalk to Integrate ChatGPT for Enhanced In-App AI Assistance
- Naver and Lotte Forge Strategic Alliance for AI-Driven Distribution Transformation
Through this substantial investment, SK Telecom aims to cement its position at the forefront of AI innovation, reinforcing its role as a critical influencer in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
