{{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 | traded_as = {{Korea Exchange|035720}} | industry = 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 | hq_location = Jeju City, South Korea | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{ublist | Ham Choon-seung (Chairman)<ref name="FY2025" /> | Chung Shina (CEO){{efn|Also serves as chair of the CA Consultative Body.}}<ref name="FY2025" /> | Shin Jong-hwan (CFO)<ref name="FY2025" /> | Jung Kyu-don (CTO)<ref name="FY2025" /> | Hong Min-taek (CPO)<ref name="FY2025" /> }} | products = {{ublist | KakaoTalk | Daum }} | revenue = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|8.099|t}} | revenue_year = 2025<ref name="FY2025">{{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}}</ref> | net_income = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|518.0|b}} | net_income_year = 2025<ref name="FY2025" /> | assets = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|27.784|t}} | assets_year = 2025<ref name="FY2025" /> | equity = {{increase}} {{KRWConvert|15.225|t}} | equity_year = 2025<ref name="FY2025" /> | owner = {{ublist | Brian Kim (13.28%) | K Cube Holdings (10.45%) | National Pension Service (6.59%) | Maximo Pte. Ltd. (5.97%) | Others (63.71%)<ref name="FY2025" /> }} | num_employees = 3,992 | num_employees_year = 2025 | subsidiaries = {{ublist | Kakao Entertainment | Kakao Games | Kakao Friends | Kakao Mobility }} | website = {{Official URL}} }} '''Kakao Corporation''' ({{Korean|hangul=카카오}}) is a South Korean internet conglomerate headquartered in Jeju City. It was formed through the merger of Daum Communications and the original Kakao Inc. in 2010. The company was renamed '''Daum Kakao''' in 2014.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In 2015, it was rebranded once more, reverting simply to Kakao.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 September 2015 |title=Daum Kakao Sets Sail Under New Name |newspaper=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 }}</ref>
The KakaoTalk messaging app dominates in South Korea, and after launching in March 2010, the service gained around 90% of domestic market share in 2015.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
==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, the former CEO of NHN Corporation (the organization that emerged from the Hangame and Naver.com merger) as Kakao Inc.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
In August 2013, three of the globally ranked top 10 Android games (according to analytics provider App Annie) were tied into the KakaoTalk platform—Everybody's Marble, ''Cookie Run'', and Anipang.<ref>{{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|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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{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, and its marketing channels for brands and celebrities.<ref>{{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|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}}</ref> Kakao Corp. was named a Top Developer on Google's Android Market, and KakaoTalk was chosen as the number one Free SMS App by Cnet.<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{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. Kakao Corp. was the number one publisher for iOS and Google Play in South Korea, and KakaoTalk was the number one app for iOS and Google Play revenue in South Korea.<ref>{{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}}</ref> KakaoTalk was nominated for the Most Innovative Mobile App Award at the Global Mobile Awards 2014.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
===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 market capitalization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140526000085|title=Daum, Kakao announce merger|date=26 May 2014|work=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}}</ref> thumb|Daum Kakao wordmark On 10 March 2015, Daum Kakao launched its KakaoTaxi service, which allows users to call a taxi using the KakaoTaxi application.<ref>{{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}}</ref> About 600,000 ride requests were made on the ride-hailing platform every day within eight months of its launch.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
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 as CEO and decided to replace him with Rim Ji-hoon.<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Kim Beom-soo became the largest shareholder in the new pro forma company with a 22.2 percent stake.<ref>{{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|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}}</ref>
In January 2016, Kakao acquired a 76.4% stake in LOEN Entertainment, a large South Korean entertainment company, for $1.5 billion;<ref>{{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|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}}</ref> it was later rebranded to Kakao M.
In April 2017, Kakao Pay was spun off from Kakao.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
Although 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.<ref name=":3">{{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/}}</ref> The dedicated Kakao Bank app itself was downloaded 1.5 million times within the same period.<ref name=":3" /> The bank had 3.5 million customers after a month.<ref name=":4">{{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}}</ref> These figures trounced the 400,000 users that K-Bank amassed within 100 days of its existence.<ref name=":4" />
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.<ref name=":5">{{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|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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":5" />
In 2017, KakaoTaxi was renamed to 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, Lexus, and 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In November 2017, Kakao launched the Kakao Mini smart speaker, featuring integrated KakaoTalk functionality.<ref name=":02">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
In March 2018, Rim Ji-hoon stepped down and was replaced by vice presidents Yeo Min-soo and Joh Su-yong as co-CEOs.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
=== 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 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 to become the 10th largest company by market capitalization on the KOSPI.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In March 2021, Kakao Page and Kakao M merged into Kakao Entertainment.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
In January 2022, Namkoong Whon was named CEO.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In July, Hong Eun-taek was appointed co-CEO, causing controversy internally due to his past behavior towards coworkers.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In October, co-CEO Namkoong Whon resigned after a service outage caused by a data center fire.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In February 2023, Kakao acquired a 9.05% stake in SM Entertainment, becoming its second largest shareholder.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In March, Hybe sold its shares of SM to Kakao.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In the aftermath, the Financial Supervisory Service raided Kakao's offices on suspicion of stock manipulation based on allegations from Hybe.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In March 2024, Hong Eun-taek stepped down and Chung Shin-a was appointed CEO.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In May, the Fair Trade Commission approved the SM stake acquisition on the condition of two corrective measures.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In December 2025, Daum was split off from Kakao under its subsidiary AXZ.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In 2026, LAAA Investment acquired part of Kakao's stake in Kakao Games, becoming its largest shareholder.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
== KakaoGroup companies == As of 2026, the KakaoGroup consists of:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kakao |url=https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/about/subsidiaryCompany |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=kakaocorp.com |language=ko}}</ref> * '''Kakao''' * '''Kakao Pay''': payments, money transfer, insurance, and investment * '''KakaoBank''': bank * '''Kakao Mobility''': "driver, navigation, e-bike, parking, car maintenance, and express delivery" * '''KakaoStyle''': personalized style recommendations * '''Kakao Entertainment''': webtoons, web novels, music, TV series, films, performances * '''Kakao Games''': game development, game publishing, VR·AR infused content * '''Kakao piccoma''': manga, novel content service platform * '''Kakao Enterprise''': cloud services * '''Kakao Healthcare''': digital healthcare technologies and services * '''Kakao Ventures''' ** 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: real-time location and traffic information on buses. * KakaoMetro: metro line app, allows users to view the metro map, plan trips, and check prices. * KakaoStory: image, video, and music sharing service * KakaoPage: web-based comic and novel service * Brunch: mobile contents publishing service * KakaoMusic: music app with sharing features * Melon: music streaming service acquired through Kakao M * PotPlayer: media player for Windows *KakaoHairshop: service, finding a nearby beauty salon * Klaytn: consumer blockchain platform for mobile payments (via its subsidiary Ground X)<ref>{{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 }}</ref> * KakaoFriends: diverse products including finance, distribution, foods, and so on * KakaoHello: Call app service based on Kakao account. Service ended on 2016.<ref>{{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}}</ref> * KakaoTV: integrates Kakao TV Live broadcasting with KakaoTalk's open chatting * KakaoHome: service, managing Smartphone home display * KakaoPlace: service, sharing famous places * KakaoAlbum: sharing pictures with Kakao friends * KakaoMap: map showing mostly South Korea * Kanana: generative artificial intelligence chatbot * Tistory: Blog-hosting service that allows private or multi-user blogs.
==Notes== {{notelist}}
== See also == * Search engine * Comparison of search engines * Timeline of web search engines * 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