Following a recent announcement implying a partnership between Soneium and LINE to integrate mini-apps onto the Soneium blockchain, Soneium issued a clarification stating that while no formal agreement exists with the subsidiary LINE NEXT, there is an active collaboration with LY Corp. through its LY HQ in Japan.
Soneium Clarifies “Collaboration”
In an X thread, Sota Watanabe, CEO of Soneium contributor Startale Group, reaffirmed that Soneium is collaborating with LY HQ in Japan to bring four mini-apps on-chain.
However, there is no official “partnership” between the two entities. Watanabe explained that in Japan, “partnership” (事業提携) and “collaboration” (事業連携) hold different meanings, with Soneium falling under the latter.
The clarification follows an earlier statement from Dapp Portal, an initiative within LY Group, which said there was no partnership between LY and Soneium. The announcement led to a broader discussion involving BitPinas Editor-in-Chief Michael Mislos, who noted that Soneium’s original statement only mentioned “collaboration” and did not claim a formal partnership.
“Soneium’s statement is correct and consistent from the beginning. Yes we are collaborating with LY HQ located in Japan and I am also Japanese. LINE Next is a subsidiary and we are not working with LINE Next.”
Sota Watanabe, CEO, Startale Group
LY Corporation Official Statement
On March 28, 2025, LY Corporation released a statement addressing reports that it had formed a business partnership with Soneium.
The company clarified that while Soneium announced plans to expand its business using the LINE API and LINE MINI Apps, no formal business partnership has been established between the two entities.
LY Corp. also directed the public to Soneium’s official blog for further details regarding its announcement.
Kaia PR and LINE NEXT Prior Response
Prior to these clarifications, Kaia PR was the first to issue an immediate statement saying that LY Corp., LINE Corp. and LINE NEXT have not signed any agreement with Soneium, nor is Soneium affiliated with LINE’s official Mini Dapp or Dapp Portal.
In response, LINE NEXT announced plans to request a correction from Soneium and, along with the Kaia DLT Foundation, issue a public statement addressing the misrepresentation.
Announced Mini-Apps Coming to Soneium
The following mini-apps are set to integrate into the Soneium blockchain ecosystem via LINE:
- Sleepagotchi LITE – A mini-app version of the sleep rewards game.
- Farm Frens – A kawaii-style farming game.
- Moonveil – Puffy Match – A zk-L2- and AI-powered casual puzzle game.
- Pocket Mob – A social strategy RPG featuring Mafia-style battles and NFT rewards.
This article is published on BitPinas: Soneium Clarifies Collaboration with LY Corp. Japan Amid LINE Partnership Confusion
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