Kakao to split its chat and AI platform business into a new KakaoAI company

Summary

Kakao said it will spin out the KakaoTalk-centred platform business into a new company tentatively named KakaoAI, while KakaoX retains investment operations. Reuters reports that KakaoAI will cover AI, advertising, commerce and KakaoTalk, with a planned January 2027 relisting and a 2030 revenue target of at least 6 trillion won.

Why it matters

The restructuring shows a major consumer platform reorganising capital and governance around AI rather than treating it as a feature inside a broader conglomerate.

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Sources

• Kakao to spin off chat app-based platform business into KakaoAI, relist in 2027