KaKao

[October 16, 2026] Kakao (CEO Shina Chung) announced that it held an “Open Talk” on October 15 to address employees’ questions about the spin-off and share updates on preparations. Following the Open Talk held when the spin-off was announced in August and an information session for Performance Leads in September, this was the company’s third such event.

 

Shina Chung (CEO), Jonghwan Shin (CFO), Jaeha Song (CTO), and other key executives attended the event to explain the progress of spin-off preparations and discuss key agenda items. Employees also actively participated in the Q&A session, raising a wide range of questions. 

 

Kakao has established a task force (TF) involving key departments, including technology, finance, and HR, to prepare for the spin-off. The company is reviewing various operational tasks and moving forward with preparations in stages. The company also operates a dedicated channel where employees can submit questions at any time and receive answers. Kakao plans to continue engaging with employees by holding monthly Open Talks and sharing updates on preparations until the new company launches.

 

CEO Shina Chung emphasized that the spin-off is more than simply separating the company’s businesses; it is a process of preparing for a new beginning. “Preparing to launch the new company involves establishing the systems needed to operate as an independent business, ensuring that users can continue using existing services without inconvenience, and redesigning structures and standards to suit the new company,” Chung said. “It is not an easy process, but we are making what we have built even stronger while making changes where needed.”

 

During the Q&A session, the company provided detailed explanations of employment and working conditions, key concerns among employees. Kakao explained that, as the rights and obligations associated with its existing businesses are transferred to the newly established Kakao AI, all employees will retain their employment and working conditions through a comprehensive succession arrangement. Existing working conditions, including leave and work arrangements, and the current work environment, including offices, will remain unchanged. The company will also maintain current employee benefits and programs, including childcare centers, loans, Choonsik Dorak (the company cafeteria), and resort facilities.

 

Kakao is pursuing the spin-off to achieve the speed of execution and establish the capital allocation framework needed for the AI era. Following an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders scheduled for December 17, Kakao plans to complete the spin-off on January 1, 2027, then relist Kakao AI and complete the listing change for Kakao X on January 27, 2027. The detailed schedule may change depending on consultations with relevant authorities and related procedures.

 

Meanwhile, Kakao continues to engage with shareholders and analysts. The company held a meeting with retail shareholders in September and a group-wide analyst meeting at “if(kakao)26” on October 13, attended by the CEOs of its major affiliates. Kakao plans to hold its second meeting with retail shareholders on October 20 to answer shareholder questions about the spin-off. (E.O.D.)