KaKao

- Incorporating ESG progress and results, from AI safety to mutual growth

- Strengthening responsible management with improvements to governance systems, including fair trade compliance and a code of ethics for executives

- Enhanced disclosure of material issues, such as user protection, personal data and information security, and climate strategy

 

[June 25, 2025] Kakao (CEO Shina Chung) announced the release of the 2024 Kakao ESG Report that covers Kakao’s commitment and responsibility for a sustainable future for all, outlining its key environmental, social, and governance activities and achievements throughout the year.

 

The report delves into Kakao’s initiatives to ensure the safety and reliability of AI technology. In 2024, Kakao introduced the Kakao AI Safety Initiative, an AI risk management system designed to identify and mitigate risks in the development and operation of AI. The company has also advanced its related policy framework. Kakao also published the 2024 Group Tech Ethics Report, outlining the technology ethics initiatives of Kakao and its key affiliates. The report provides transparent disclosures of specific actions and policies.

 

Efforts to strengthen responsible management are also covered. Kakao has promoted initiatives such as a joint pledge for fair trade compliance and the establishment of mid-to-long-term shareholder return policies, aiming to enhance management transparency and increase shareholder value. The Kakao Compliance and Trust Committee is in place as an independent organization to support legal compliance and integrity management of Kakao affiliates. Through system improvements and training, Kakao is working to build a strong compliance culture across the organization. An internal reporting system is also in operation, ensuring prompt and fair responses to any violations. Additional measures to reinforce executive accountability include stock purchases by the CEO and other executives, as well as the establishment of an executive code of ethics.

 

On the climate front, Kakao continues to pursue its “Active Green Initiative” in support of its 2040 Net Zero goal. Following its offices in Jeju and Pangyo, Kakao Data Center Ansan obtained ISO 14001 environmental management certification in 2024. The company also increased its renewable energy procurement 2.7 times compared to the previous year, accelerating its eco-conscious operations.

 

The report also details Kakao’s activities for mutual growth. Project Dangol, a support program for the digital transformation of small businesses, provided training and chat channel setup assistance to around 2,800 merchants between 2022 and 2024. The project helped those merchants gain approximately 730,000 new customers and contributed to revitalizing local economies. In recognition of these efforts, Kakao received the 2024 Korea Shared Growth Grand Prize from the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership.

 

The report also reflects Kakao’s effort to preemptively align with the standards of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Material issues, including user protection, data privacy and security, and climate change, were analyzed for their impact on the company and broader society, while also disclosing response strategies in detail. For the first time, the report includes a dedicated section on group-level ESG activities, disclosing Kakao Group’s ESG structure and performance, in response to increasing demands for transparency from external stakeholders.

 

Kakao Corporate Alignment ESG Chair Dae-yeol Kwon stated, “Kakao fulfills ESG management and creates meaningful results on a company-wide level to achieve sustainable changes. We will continue to build trust through responsible actions and transparent disclosure.”

 

[Reference]

- 2024 Kakao ESG Report: https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/responsible/esg