# Kakao > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Kakao > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Kakao.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakao > Source revision: 1356095128 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|South Korean internet company}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox company | name = Kakao Corporation | native_name = 주식회사 카카오 | native_name_lang = ko | logo = Kakao CI yellow.svg | image = Kakao Friends at 172 East Nanjing Road-20220828.jpg | type = [Public](/source/Public_company) | traded_as = {{Korea Exchange|035720}} | industry = [Internet](/source/Internet) | founded = {{ublist|class = nowrap | {{Start date and age|1995|02|16|df=yes}}{{Efn|Original company; as Kakao Inc.}} | {{Start date and age|2014|10|01|df=yes}}{{Efn|Current incarnation}} }} | founder = [Brian Kim](/source/Kim_Beom-soo_(businessman)) | hq_location = [Jeju City](/source/Jeju_City), [South Korea](/source/South_Korea) | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{ublist | Ham Choon-seung ([Chairman](/source/Chair_(officer))) | Chung Shina ([CEO](/source/Chief_executive_officer)){{efn|Also serves as chair of the CA Consultative Body.}} | Shin Jong-hwan ([CFO](/source/Chief_financial_officer)) | Jung Kyu-don ([CTO](/source/Chief_technology_officer)) | Hong Min-taek ([CPO](/source/Chief_product_officer)) }} | products = {{ublist | [KakaoTalk](/source/KakaoTalk) | [Daum](/source/Daum_(web_portal)) }} | revenue = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|8.099|t}} | revenue_year = 2025{{Cite web|title=FY2025 filing - DART - Repository of Korea's Corporate Filings|url=https://englishdart.fss.or.kr/dsbh001/main.do?rcpNo=20260318001423|website=englishdart.fss.or.kr|access-date=March 18, 2026}} | net_income = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|518.0|b}} | net_income_year = 2025 | assets = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|27.784|t}} | assets_year = 2025 | equity = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|15.225|t}} | equity_year = 2025 | owner = {{ublist | [Brian Kim](/source/Kim_Beom-soo_(businessman)) (13.28%) | K Cube Holdings (10.45%) | [National Pension Service](/source/National_Pension_Service) (6.59%) | [Maximo Pte. Ltd.](/source/Tencent) (5.97%) | Others (63.71%) }} | num_employees = 3,992 | num_employees_year = 2025 | subsidiaries = {{ublist | [Kakao Entertainment](/source/Kakao_Entertainment) | [Kakao Games](/source/Kakao_Games) | [Kakao Friends](/source/Kakao_Friends) | [Kakao Mobility](/source/Kakao_T) }} | website = {{Official URL}} }} '''Kakao Corporation''' ({{Korean|hangul=카카오}}) is a South Korean internet [conglomerate](/source/Conglomerate_(company)) headquartered in [Jeju City](/source/Jeju_City). It was formed through the merger of [Daum Communications](/source/Daum_(web_portal)) and the original Kakao Inc. in 2010. The company was renamed '''Daum Kakao''' in 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.kakaocorp.com/en/about/history |title=kakao > About > History |website=Kakao Corp. |publisher=Kakao |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001001748/http://www.kakaocorp.com/en/about/history |archive-date=1 October 2015 }} In 2015, it was rebranded once more, reverting simply to Kakao.{{cite news |date=24 September 2015 |title=Daum Kakao Sets Sail Under New Name |newspaper=[The Chosun Ilbo](/source/The_Chosun_Ilbo) |location=Seoul |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/09/24/2015092401705.html |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001004130/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/09/24/2015092401705.html |url-status=live }} The [KakaoTalk](/source/KakaoTalk) messaging app dominates in [South Korea](/source/South_Korea), and after launching in March 2010, the service gained around 90% of domestic market share in 2015.{{Cite web |last=matthew |date=2014-02-03 |title=KakaoTalk Nominated for Most Innovative Mobile App Award at Global Mobile Awards 2014 |url=https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=3135 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Businesskorea |language=ko}} ==History== ===2006–2014: Founding of Kakao Corp.=== Kakao Corp is the company behind KakaoTalk, which serves as its main platform and flagship application. It was founded in 2006 by [Kim Bum-soo](/source/Kim_Bum-soo_(businessman)), the former CEO of [NHN Corporation](/source/NHN_Corporation) (the organization that emerged from the Hangame and [Naver.com](/source/Naver) merger) as Kakao Inc.{{cite news|url=http://www.eto.co.kr/news/outview.asp?Code=20100318145504490&ts=233011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003130323/http://www.eto.co.kr/news/outview.asp?Code=20100318145504490&ts=233011|archive-date=3 October 2013|title=아이위랩, 아이폰용 메신저 '카카오톡' 출시|last=Kim|first=Nam Kyu|date=2010-03-18|newspaper=Economy Today|access-date=1 May 2013}}{{Cite web |title=Kakao |url=https://www.kakaocorp.com/ir/managementInformation/boardOfDirectors/configuration|website=kakaocorp.com|language=ko-KR |access-date=19 April 2018|archive-date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420073754/https://www.kakaocorp.com/ir/managementInformation/boardOfDirectors/configuration|url-status=live}} In August 2013, three of the globally ranked top 10 [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system)) games (according to analytics provider App Annie) were tied into the KakaoTalk platform—[Everybody's Marble](/source/Everybody's_Marble), ''[Cookie Run](/source/Cookie_Run_(video_game))'', and [Anipang](/source/Anipang).{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/10/19/why-is-mobile-gaming-so-popular-in-south-korea/|title=Why is mobile gaming so popular in South Korea?|last=ACUÑA|first=ABEL|date=19 October 2013|publisher=[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102603/https://venturebeat.com/2013/10/19/why-is-mobile-gaming-so-popular-in-south-korea/|url-status=live}} With 93 percent of South Korea's users{{Of what|date=January 2026}} on KakaoTalk, the free downloads of the games ''Ani Pang'' and ''Dragon Flight'', which can only be played with a Kakao Talk account, were deemed "national" games. To maintain simplicity across all the provided services, Kakao applications can be purchased and logged in with links to KakaoTalk.{{cite web |url=http://www.korea-marketing.com/kakaotalk-mobile-app-case-study/|title=KakaoTalk, a Mobile Social Platform|publisher=KoreaMarketing.co=22 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114084322/http://www.korea-marketing.com/kakaotalk-mobile-app-case-study/|archive-date=14 November 2016|access-date=19 May 2014}}{{Clarify|reason=The explanation of the function is unclear. Simple grammatical fix does not clarify the purpose of the function. Also, tone does not sound neutral.|date=January 2026}} Kakao Corp generated revenue of approximately $200M (USD) in 2013 through gaming, digital content, [mobile commerce](/source/mobile_commerce), and its marketing channels for brands and celebrities.{{cite web |title=South Korea's Kakao Pushes Boundaries of Social Media |date=26 February 2014 |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579405232330645204 |publisher=[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)|access-date=21 April 2014|archive-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921010509/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579405232330645204|url-status=live}} Kakao Corp. was named a Top Developer on Google's [Android Market](/source/Android_Market), and KakaoTalk was chosen as the number one Free [SMS](/source/SMS_gateway) App by [Cnet](/source/Cnet).{{cite web |url=http://cnettv.cnet.com/free-sms-apps/9742-1_53-50112193.html |title=Cnet's No.1 Free SMS app KakaoTalk |date=26 September 2011 |publisher=Cnet|access-date=26 September 2011|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929131737/http://cnettv.cnet.com/free-sms-apps/9742-1_53-50112193.html|url-status=live}}{{When|date=January 2026|reason=Time of event not mentioned. If from 2011, why is it mentioned after multiple 2013 events in a timeline?}} According to a December 2013 App Annie report, Kakao was the world's third top publisher by monthly revenue at [Google Play](/source/Google_Play). Kakao Corp. was the number one publisher for [iOS](/source/iOS) and Google Play in South Korea, and KakaoTalk was the number one app for iOS and Google Play revenue in South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://blog.appannie.com/app-annie-index-apps-december-2013/|title=App Annie Index: Apps – LINE Tops the Revenue Rankings |date=30 January 2014|publisher=AppAnnie|access-date=20 April 2014|archive-date=15 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915053251/http://blog.appannie.com/app-annie-index-apps-december-2013/|url-status=live}} KakaoTalk was nominated for the Most Innovative Mobile App Award at the Global Mobile Awards 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/article/3135/korean-software-recognition-kakaotalk-nominated-mobile-innovative-mobile-app-award|title=Korean Software Recognition|date=3 February 2014|publisher=BusinessKorea|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701150137/http://businesskorea.co.kr/article/3135/korean-software-recognition-kakaotalk-nominated-mobile-innovative-mobile-app-award}} ===2014–2019: Expansion and diversification=== On 26 May 2014, Kakao Corp. announced that it had decided to merge with Daum Communications, one of Korea's top Internet portals, through a [stock swap](/source/stock_swap) market capitalization.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140526000085|title=Daum, Kakao announce merger|date=26 May 2014|work=[The Korea Herald](/source/The_Korea_Herald)|access-date=11 June 2014|archive-date=9 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609150220/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140526000085|url-status=live}} thumb|Daum Kakao wordmark On 10 March 2015, Daum Kakao launched its [KakaoTaxi](/source/KakaoTaxi) service, which allows users to call a taxi using the KakaoTaxi application.{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/30/kakaotaxi-launch/|title=Daum Kakao Debuts Uber Rival KakaoTaxi in South Korea|last=Shu|first=Catherine |website=TechCrunch|date=31 March 2015 |access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312071849/https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/30/kakaotaxi-launch/|url-status=live}} About 600,000 ride requests were made on the ride-hailing platform every day within eight months of its launch.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thedrum.com/news/2016/02/25/messaging-app-kakao-s-taxi-service-already-has-84-seoul-s-drivers-signed|title=Messaging app Kakao's taxi service already has 84% of Seoul's drivers signed up|website=The Drum|language=en|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301011057/http://www.thedrum.com/news/2016/02/25/messaging-app-kakao-s-taxi-service-already-has-84-seoul-s-drivers-signed|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/industry/13322-new-taxi-service-kakao-taxi-draws-600000-requests-day|title=Kakao Taxi Draws 600,000 Requests per Day|last=Jin-young|first=Cho|date=2015-12-17|work=BusinessKorea |access-date=28 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228171330/http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/industry/13322-new-taxi-service-kakao-taxi-draws-600000-requests-day|url-status=live}} In 2015, the company changed its name to Kakao, restoring its pre-merger name. Due to gambling and censorship issues within the Kakao ecosystem, the organization's board of directors ejected [Kim-beom-soo](/source/Kim_Beom-soo_(businessman)) as CEO and decided to replace him with [Rim Ji-hoon](/source/Rim_Ji-hoon).{{Cite news|url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/features/focus/12212-rebranding-kakao-changes-ceo-name-highlight-corporate-identity-leader-mobile|title=Kakao Changes CEO, Name to Highlight Corporate Identity as Leader in Mobile Market|work=businesskorea|access-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112234729/http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/features/focus/12212-rebranding-kakao-changes-ceo-name-highlight-corporate-identity-leader-mobile|archive-date=12 January 2016}}{{Cite news |url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2015/09/01/0200000000AEN20150901005700320.html|title=Daum Kakao to change its name to Kakao |work=yonhapnews|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910010613/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2015/09/01/0200000000AEN20150901005700320.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/10/koreas-daum-kakao-brings-in-34-year-old-ceo-to-grow-its-messaging-business-overseas/|title=Korea's Daum Kakao Brings in 34-Year-Old CEO To Grow Its Messaging Business Overseas |last=Russell |first=Jon |website=TechCrunch|date=10 August 2015 |access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101081010/http://techcrunch.com/2015/08/10/koreas-daum-kakao-brings-in-34-year-old-ceo-to-grow-its-messaging-business-overseas/|url-status=live}} Kim Beom-soo became the largest shareholder in the new [pro forma](/source/pro_forma) company with a 22.2 percent stake.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/south-korean-messaging-app-kakao-web-portal-daum-to-merge-1401067902|title=South Korean Messaging-App Maker Kakao to Buy Web Portal Daum|last=Lee|first=Min-Jeong|date=2014-05-26|work=[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092340/https://www.wsj.com/articles/south-korean-messaging-app-kakao-web-portal-daum-to-merge-1401067902 |url-status=live}} In January 2016, Kakao acquired a 76.4% stake in [LOEN Entertainment](/source/Kakao_M), a large South Korean entertainment company, for $1.5 billion;{{cite news|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2017/03/133_195188.html|title=Kakao acquires Loen|date=11 January 2016|work=[The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times)|language=en|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930080254/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2017/03/133_195188.html|url-status=live}} it was later rebranded to [Kakao M](/source/Kakao_M). In April 2017, [Kakao Pay](/source/Kakao_Pay) was spun off from Kakao.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-29 |title=Kakao Bank, Kakao Pay accelerate IPO schedules - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20210629/kakao-bank-kakao-pay-accelerate-ipo-schedules |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}} Kakao was approved by South Korean regulators to become the nation's first internet-only bank in 2017. The internet bank engages in the same business as commercial banks, including processing deposits, loans and wiring money. Consumers no longer need to visit a bank to open a new bank account or to get a loan. Kakao's business plan was considered innovative, and the company's business model was expected to secure sizable customer sign-ups relatively easily from KakaoTalk's users.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-29/south-korea-grants-kakao-kt-led-groups-permits-for-online-banks|title=Kakao, KT Surge After South Korea Grants Online Banking Permits|work=bloomberg|access-date=29 November 2015|archive-date=3 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203101025/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-29/south-korea-grants-kakao-kt-led-groups-permits-for-online-banks|url-status=live}} Although [K Bank](/source/K_Bank) eventually became South Korea's first Internet-only bank, having launched several months prior, Kakao Bank immediately attracted more customers; 820,000 within four days of launch on 27 July 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bankingtech.com/2017/07/kakao-bank-attracts-820000-clients-in-four-days-since-launch/|title=Kakao Bank attracts 820,000+ clients in four days since launch|work=FinTech Futures|access-date=19 June 2018|language=en-gb|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024322/https://www.bankingtech.com/2017/07/kakao-bank-attracts-820000-clients-in-four-days-since-launch/}} The dedicated Kakao Bank app itself was downloaded 1.5 million times within the same period. The bank had 3.5 million customers after a month.{{Cite news|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/kakao-bank-from-0-15-millions-customers-just-one-week-stephane-ray|title=Kakao Bank: from 0 to 1,5 millions customers in just one week!|last=Ray|first=Stephane|date=19 October 2017|access-date=2018-06-19|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716213125/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/kakao-bank-from-0-15-millions-customers-just-one-week-stephane-ray|url-status=live}} These figures trounced the 400,000 users that K-Bank amassed within 100 days of its existence. By 26 September 2017, Kakao Bank lent ₩1.4 trillion ($1.2 billion), constituting 40 percent of the total loans in all of South Korea for that particular month.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/438e8524-9f6a-11e7-8cd4-932067fbf946|title=South Korea web-only banks thrive as traditional lenders struggle|last=Song|first=Jung-a|date=5 October 2017|website=[Financial Times](/source/Financial_Times)|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024721/https://www.ft.com/content/438e8524-9f6a-11e7-8cd4-932067fbf946|url-status=live}} The bank's unprecedented expansion is seen as an exception to the closure of banks, particularly foreign-owned institutions. The fledgling performance of these banks is being blamed on the high cost of maintaining brick-and-mortar operations and the popularity of internet finance among Korean consumers. In 2017, KakaoTaxi was renamed to [Kakao T](/source/Kakao_T).{{Citation needed|date=April 2026}} The service includes the premium extension Kakao Taxi Black, which allows users to book rides in Seoul via the messenger app, exclusively carried in cars from luxury brands such as [Mercedes Benz](/source/Mercedes-Benz), [Lexus](/source/Lexus), and [BMW](/source/BMW). Fares for the premium service started at ₩8,000. Kakao announced plans to expand the offering to other Korean cities within the following year.{{Cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/11/04/2015110401366.html|title=Kakao Launches Luxury Taxi Service|date=4 November 2015|work=Chosun|access-date=28 December 2015|archive-date=5 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105234613/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/11/04/2015110401366.html|url-status=live}} In November 2017, Kakao launched the Kakao Mini smart speaker, featuring integrated [KakaoTalk](/source/KakaoTalk) functionality.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-19|title=AI speakers enjoy growing popularity - The Korea Times|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20171119/ai-speakers-enjoy-growing-popularity|access-date=2026-04-09|website=www.koreatimes.co.kr|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ji-young|first=Sohn|date=2018-11-20|title=Kakao Mini AI speaker can now read out loud KakaoTalk messages|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/1842364|access-date=2026-04-10|website=The Korea Herald|language=en}} In March 2018, Rim Ji-hoon stepped down and was replaced by vice presidents Yeo Min-soo and Joh Su-yong as co-CEOs.{{Cite web |last=Ji-hyoung |first=Son |date=2018-01-24 |title=Kakao taps marketing experts as new co-CEOs |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/1571323 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} Kakao announced in April 2019 that they would be launching an e-bike sharing service with an initial fleet of 400 bikes across two major cities.{{Cite web | url=https://www.techinasia.com/kakao-launches-ebike-sharing-service-south-korea | title=Tech in Asia – Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem | access-date=9 April 2019 | archive-date=10 November 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110175841/https://www.techinasia.com/kakao-launches-ebike-sharing-service-south-korea | url-status=live }} === 2020-present: Entertainment consolidation and reorganization === In 2020, Kakao was expected to see improved performance due to rising demand for social IT infrastructure and internet-based services that could be used easily from home. This included acquiring a major stake as the largest shareholder in [KakaoBank](/source/KakaoBank) and launching advertising on KakaoTalk. As a result, the company recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue and operating profit since its founding. On 23 May 2020, its stock reached a 52-week high, and Kakao surpassed [Hyundai Motor](/source/Hyundai_Motor_Group) to become the 10th largest company by market capitalization on the [KOSPI](/source/KOSPI).{{Cite web |date=2020-05-15 |title=시총 20조 눈앞…카카오, 제조업 대표株 현대차 넘을까 |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/stock/9341414 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=매일경제 |language=ko}} In March 2021, [Kakao Page](/source/Kakao_Page) and Kakao M merged into [Kakao Entertainment](/source/Kakao_Entertainment).{{Cite web |last=Ji-won |first=Choi |date=2021-01-25 |title=Kakao's two content arms to merge into Kakao Entertainment |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/2545212 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-04 |title=Kakao M and Kakao Page merged into Kakao Entertainment |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/03/04/business/industry/kakao/20210304191100343.html |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}} In January 2022, Namkoong Whon was named CEO.{{Cite web |last=Yonhap |date=2022-01-20 |title=Kakao names Nam Koong-whon as new CEO |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/2768299 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} In July, Hong Eun-taek was appointed co-CEO, causing controversy internally due to his past behavior towards coworkers.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=Appointment of workplace bully as co-CEO stirs employee discontent - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20220715/appointment-of-workplace-bully-as-co-ceo-stirs-employee-discontent |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}} In October, co-CEO Namkoong Whon resigned after a service outage caused by a data center fire.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jihye |date=2022-10-19 |title=Kakao co-CEO resigns after mass outage locked 53 million users out |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/19/kakao-co-ceo-resigns-after-mass-outage.html |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=CNBC |language=en}} In February 2023, Kakao acquired a 9.05% stake in [SM Entertainment](/source/SM_Entertainment), becoming its second largest shareholder.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-07 |title=Kakao acquires 9.05% stake in SM Entertainment to become 2nd-largest shareholder - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20230207/kakao-acquires-905-stake-in-sm-entertainment-to-become-2nd-largest-shareholder |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}} In March, [Hybe](/source/Hybe) sold its shares of SM to Kakao.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-24 |title=Hybe to sell SM shares to Kakao following failed takeover bid - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20230324/hybe-to-sell-sm-shares-to-kakao-following-failed-takeover-bid |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}} In the aftermath, the [Financial Supervisory Service](/source/Financial_Supervisory_Service) raided Kakao's offices on suspicion of stock manipulation based on allegations from Hybe.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=Kakao's acquisition of SM Entertainment leads to trouble [REWIND 2023] |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-12-26/business/industry/Kakaos-acquisition-of-SM-Entertainment-leads-to-trouble-REWIND-2023/1939621 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}} In March 2024, Hong Eun-taek stepped down and Chung Shin-a was appointed CEO.{{Cite web |last=Ye-eun |first=Jie |date=2024-03-28 |title=First female CEO takes helm at Kakao |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3358561 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} In May, the [Fair Trade Commission](/source/Fair_Trade_Commission_(South_Korea)) approved the SM stake acquisition on the condition of two corrective measures.{{Cite web |last=Ye-eun |first=Jie |date=2024-05-02 |title=Kakao's SM takeover gets conditional green light |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3385303 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} In December 2025, Daum was split off from Kakao under its subsidiary AXZ.{{Cite web |date=2025-12-01 |title=Daum splits from Kakao, aims to reclaim market share - The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20251201/daum-splits-from-kakao-aims-to-reclaim-market-share |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}} In 2026, [LAAA Investment](/source/LY_Corporation) acquired part of Kakao's stake in [Kakao Games](/source/Kakao_Games), becoming its largest shareholder.{{Cite web |last=Hyeong-woo |first=Kan |date=2026-03-25 |title=Yahoo Japan parent-backed fund to become top shareholder of Kakao Games |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10702450 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}} == KakaoGroup companies == As of 2026, the KakaoGroup consists of:{{Cite web |title=Kakao |url=https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/about/subsidiaryCompany |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=kakaocorp.com |language=ko}} * '''Kakao''' * '''[Kakao Pay](/source/Kakao_Pay)''': payments, money transfer, insurance, and investment * '''[KakaoBank](/source/KakaoBank)''': bank * '''[Kakao Mobility](/source/Kakao_T)''': "driver, navigation, e-bike, parking, car maintenance, and express delivery" * '''[KakaoStyle](/source/KakaoStyle)''': personalized style recommendations * '''[Kakao Entertainment](/source/Kakao_Entertainment)''': webtoons, web novels, music, TV series, films, performances * '''[Kakao Games](/source/Kakao_Games)''': game development, game publishing, VR·AR infused content * '''[Kakao piccoma](/source/Piccoma)''': manga, novel content service platform * '''Kakao Enterprise''': cloud services * '''Kakao Healthcare''': digital healthcare technologies and services * '''Kakao Ventures''' ** [Watcha](/source/Watcha), Lunit, Standigm, Karrot (Daangn Market), Korea Credit Data, Dunamu, TimeTree * '''Kakao Investment''': start-up investment company * '''Linkagelab''': subsidiary == Other products and services == {{More citations needed section|date=March 2026}} thumb|144x144px|Kakao Bus logo thumb|144x144px|Kakao Metro logo * [KakaoBus](/source/KakaoBus): real-time location and traffic information on buses. * [KakaoMetro](/source/KakaoMetro): metro line app, allows users to view the metro map, plan trips, and check prices. * [KakaoStory](/source/KakaoStory): image, video, and music sharing service * [KakaoPage](/source/KakaoPage): web-based comic and novel service * [Brunch](/source/Plain_(Kakao)): mobile contents publishing service * [KakaoMusic](/source/KakaoMusic): music app with sharing features * [Melon](/source/Melon_(online_music_service)): music streaming service acquired through Kakao M * [PotPlayer](/source/PotPlayer): media player for Windows *[KakaoHairshop](/source/KakaoHairshop): service, finding a nearby beauty salon * [Klaytn](/source/Klaytn): consumer [blockchain](/source/blockchain) platform for mobile payments (via its subsidiary Ground X){{Cite web | url=https://www.techinasia.com/kakao-launches-blockchain-platform-klaytn | title=Tech in Asia – Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem | access-date=9 April 2019 | archive-date=3 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003213328/https://www.techinasia.com/kakao-launches-blockchain-platform-klaytn | url-status=live }} * [KakaoFriends](/source/Kakao_friends): diverse products including finance, distribution, foods, and so on * [KakaoHello](/source/KakaoHello): Call app service based on Kakao account. Service ended on 2016.{{Cite web |last=나 |first=유라 |date=2015-11-23 |title='서비스 종료' 카카오헬로, '유사 앱'과 차별화 전략 실패 |url=https://www.asiatime.co.kr/article/20151123099774 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=아시아타임즈 |language=ko}} * [KakaoTV](/source/KakaoTV): integrates Kakao TV Live broadcasting with KakaoTalk's open chatting * [KakaoHome](/source/KakaoHome): service, managing Smartphone home display * [KakaoPlace](/source/KakaoPlace): service, sharing famous places * [KakaoAlbum](/source/KakaoAlbum): sharing pictures with Kakao friends * [KakaoMap](/source/KakaoMap): map showing mostly South Korea * Kanana: [generative artificial intelligence](/source/generative_artificial_intelligence) [chatbot](/source/chatbot) * [Tistory](/source/Tistory): Blog-hosting service that allows private or multi-user blogs. ==Notes== {{notelist}} == See also == * [Search engine](/source/Search_engine) * [Comparison of search engines](/source/Comparison_of_search_engines) * [Timeline of web search engines](/source/Timeline_of_web_search_engines) * [Map platforms in South Korea](/source/Map_platforms_in_South_Korea) ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *{{Official website}} {{Finance links |name= Kakao |google= 035720:KRX |yahoo= 035720.KS |bloomberg= 035720:KS |reuters= 035720.KS }} {{Kakao}} {{Major Internet companies}} {{chaebol}} {{KOSPI 200}} {{DJSI World}}{{Portal bar|Internet|South Korea}} Category:Kakao Category:South Korean companies established in 2014 Category:Companies based in Jeju City Category:Companies listed on KOSDAQ Category:Companies in the KOSPI 200 Category:South Korean brands Category:Internet properties established in 2014 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Kakao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakao) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakao?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.