What is ICON (ICX) how do you understand it?

[edi-mf]

So I've read the white paper and I'm still confused. They are talking about loop-chain technology but at the same time they are talking about other coins such as U-Coin used by universities in Korea.
Is ICON like Ethereum platform for smart contracts or is it more like a new type of network, a new internet so to speak, where you can move your coins around?
I'm confused... are those new coins on ICON network like mentioned before U-Coin created buy ICON team or created by independent teams and they only move ICON network + loop-chain technology to support them?
Can't wrap my head around it. I'd appreciate if you could share your thoughts.

Thanks!