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

Kakao Corp plans to spin off its chat app-based platform business into a new company, tentatively named KakaoAI, and relist it on the Korea Exchange on Jan 27, 2027, following a Jan 1 split. KakaoAI will focus on AI, advertising, commerce, and the KakaoTalk platform, while the remaining investment operations will be renamed KakaoX. Kakao set 2030 targets of 6 trillion won (US$4.34 billion) or more in revenue and an operating margin above 30% for KakaoAI, and 10 trillion won or more in revenue for KakaoX, also pledging 300 billion won of share buybacks and cancellations over three years after the split.

Kakao to spin off chat app-based platform business into KakaoAI, relist in 2027 KakaoAI will focus on AI, advertising, commerce and the KakaoTalk chat app platform SEOUL South Korea’s dominant chat app operator Kakao Corp said on Friday Aug 21 it plans to spin off its chat app-based platform business into a new company, tentatively named KakaoAI, while retaining investment operations in a firm renamed KakaoX. With this move, the company is seeking to address a conglomerate discount and strengthen business specialisation, Kakao said in a regulatory filing. The company expects the new entity to relist on the Korea Exchange on Jan 27, 2027, following a planned Jan 1 split. KakaoAI will focus on AI, advertising, commerce and the KakaoTalk chat app platform, while KakaoX will manage and develop holdings in areas including fintech, content and mobility, Kakao said. Kakao set 2030 targets of 6 trillion won US$4.34 billion or more in revenue and an operating margin above 30 per cent for KakaoAI, while setting a target of 10 trillion won or more in revenue for KakaoX for the same year. Kakao had reported consolidated revenue of 8.1 trillion won in 2025, according to the company. Kakao also pledged 300 billion won of share buybacks and cancellations over three years after the split. REUTERS Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free. Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services TRENDING NOW /pulse?ref=trending-now Jardine C&C selling Singapore, Malaysia dealerships to Indonesia’s Chandra Asri for US$221 million gain When every phone becomes a satellite phone, what happens to Asia’s telcos? Stocks to watch: Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Creative Technology, CNMC Goldmine Malaysia’s Genting posts Q2 net loss despite 14% rise in revenue