KaKao

- Advisory group formed with seven AI and computing professors from leading Korean universities

- Strategic review system to be established covering Kakao’s AI models and services

- Plans to expand exchange programs with students and future talent

 

[March 9, 2026] Kakao (CEO Shina Chung) announced the launch of “Kanana Scholar,” an AI collaboration program designed to foster engagement with academic experts and future talent, along with the inauguration of its expert advisory group.

 

Kanana Scholar is a collaborative initiative aimed at discussing and advancing Kakao’s AI strategies and technologies in partnership with academia. The program will focus on both an expert advisory group composed of academic specialists and exchange programs for university students and young talent.

 

The advisory group consists of seven professors specializing in AI and computing from leading Korean universities, providing guidance across Kakao’s AI technologies and services. Participants of the academic advisory group are: Seon-joo Kim, professor at Yonsei University (School of Computing); Seung-ryong Kim, professor at KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI; Jin-woo Shin, chair professor of ICT at KAIST; Juho Lee, professor at KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI; Joon-hyeok Chang, professor at Hanyang University (Department of Electronic Engineering); Han-byul Joo, professor at Seoul National University (Department of Computer Science and Engineering); and Jong-hyun Choi, professor at Seoul National University (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering).

 

Kakao held the inaugural ceremony on March 6, where advisory directions and the annual agenda were established. Future discussions will focus on key technologies and strategies, including Kanana foundation models, on-device AI, agentic AI, and AI safety. Through ongoing exchanges, Kakao aims to strengthen the execution of its AI strategy and gain diverse insights into technological and industry changes.

 

Participating professors noted, “As AI rapidly expands across services and platforms, industry challenges and academic research topics are becoming increasingly interconnected. We expect meaningful outcomes when industry perspectives and academic research are organically linked, and hope that the Kanana Scholar advisory program will serve as a foundation for such collaboration.”

 

Kakao is also preparing various academic exchange programs for university students and young talent, including lectures and engagement programs featuring external experts from diverse fields.

 

A Kakao spokesperson stated, “Through continuous discussions with leading AI and ICT experts in Korea, we expect to further refine the strengths and direction of Kakao’s AI. We will continue to explore the future direction of AI technologies and services through diverse programs that engage the broader academic community.” (E.O.D.)

 

[Photo Caption] Kakao Holds Inaugural Ceremony for “Kanana Scholar” Advisory Group

 

Kakao held the inaugural ceremony for its AI advisory group composed of academic experts at the Kakao AI Campus on March 6, where participants discussed advisory directions and the annual agenda. (From left) Se-woong Kim (AI Communications Performance Lead, Kakao), Joon-hyeok Chang (Hanyang University), Han-byul Joo (Seoul National University), Jong-hyun Choi (Seoul National University), Jinwoo Shin (KAIST), Juho Lee (KAIST), Seung-ryong Kim (KAIST)