Kakao CEO Plans AI Agent Launch Using OpenAI Technology
Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a announced plans to launch an AI agent service powered by OpenAI technology that can handle daily tasks like restaurant bookings and taxi reservations, as the Korean tech giant pushes to transform into an "AI-native" company.
In February 2025, Kakao and OpenAI announced their strategic partnership during a joint press conference in Seoul, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a unveiling the collaboration. This marks OpenAI's first strategic partnership with a South Korean company.
The partnership focuses on three areas: developing Kanana, a Korean-language AI assistant powered by OpenAI; integrating OpenAI technology into KakaoTalk; and implementing ChatGPT Enterprise for internal operations.
According to Forbes Asia interview reports, Chung outlined plans for AI agents that would autonomously plan and execute tasks for KakaoTalk users, including restaurant reservations, calendar reminders, taxi bookings, and payment processing.
Kakao announced it will launch Kanana in the first half of 2025, following beta testing that began in 2024. However, recent reports indicate the beta service launched in May has faced challenges gaining traction.
Kakao has adopted a "model orchestration" strategy, choosing to utilize diverse AI models rather than developing large-scale language models independently. The company plans to use self-developed small language models for simple tasks while leveraging OpenAI's technology for comprehensive ecosystem management.
Kakao is developing AI models categorized as Kanana Flag, Kanana Essence, and Kanana Nano, with focus on Essence and Nano models that offer competitive performance.
The AI push extends across Kakao's services including messaging, banking, music streaming, and ride-hailing. Applications include AI-based abuse prevention systems for KakaoTalk, personalized recommendations, and autonomous mobility services.
For 2024, Kakao reported revenue of 7.87 trillion won ($5.42 billion), up 4% from the previous year, with operating profit reaching 491 billion won.
Kanana will operate as a standalone messenger app, separate from KakaoTalk, which is used by over 95% of South Korea's population. The app is designed to function like a "best friend," adapting responses based on previous interactions, distinguishing it from services like ChatGPT that focus on one-on-one dialogues.
Lee Sang-ho, Kakao's Chief AI Officer, stated that "Kanana's ability to generate the most personalized responses is its greatest strength that makes it stand out among peers".
The AI initiative comes as Korean tech companies face intensifying competition, particularly following the emergence of Chinese AI company DeepSeek, which has disrupted global AI markets. Market experts suggest Korean companies "can no longer afford to delay" their AI initiatives.
Chung expressed confidence in the partnership: "We are thrilled to establish this strategic collaboration with OpenAI, a global leader in AI technology. Through this collaboration, Kakao will further advance its orchestration strategy".
The success of this AI agent launch will be crucial as Kakao seeks to maintain its dominant position in Korea's digital ecosystem while expanding AI capabilities through the OpenAI partnership.
