LINE messenger and digital services

LINE is a multinational communication app and digital service platform that was originally developed in Japan by NHN Japan, a subsidiary of the South Korean company Naver Corporation, following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. While it has South Korean roots through its founding parent company, it is widely considered a Japanese brand due to its headquarters, primary development, and market dominance in Japan.

In 2021, a significant consolidation occurred where LINE Corporation merged with Z Holdings, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group. Today, the brand is operated by LY Corporation, which is jointly controlled by A Holdings Corporation—a strategic joint venture between the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group and the South Korean giant Naver. This structure reflects a unique cross-border ownership between Japan and South Korea, aiming to compete with global tech giants.