article_snippet: Though partly an accidental strategy, owner Line Corp. says the bricks-and-mortar presence will draw more users to the app and help replicate the app rapid Asian success in other regions.
article_snippet: the app will also give owner Line Corp. a backdoor into China, where Line is blocked along with other foreign messaging apps and social media sites. '
article_snippet: We hope to resume the Line app service someday' in China, Yoon said. '
article_snippet: Though analysts are skeptical about the app's future in China where Tencent's WeChat is dominant, analysts say the company's app business could be effective in the U.S. and in Latin America. '
highlights_snippet: Free app now available in US - and firm plans New York store .