Kakao’s annual general meeting on Thursday confirmed the reappointment of CEO Chung Shin-a, extending her term through 2028. This decision comes as the company strategically shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence (AI)-driven growth following a period of restructuring.
“The restructuring process is largely nearing completion,” Chung stated at the shareholders meeting, which was held at Kakao’s headquarters on Jeju Island. “This year, we will move beyond that and focus on growth centered on AI and KakaoTalk.”
Chung initially assumed the role of CEO in December 2023 while simultaneously heading Kakao Ventures. Her formal appointment was then ratified at a shareholders meeting in March of the subsequent year.
Kakao reported record-breaking results for the past year, achieving a consolidated revenue of 8.1 trillion won ($5.39 billion) and an operating profit of 732 billion won.
“We will enter a full-fledged growth phase starting this year,” she announced, outlining a target of exceeding 10 percent revenue growth alongside a 10 percent operating margin.
The company intends to launch AI agents integrated within KakaoTalk. These agents are designed to understand user context and efficiently execute tasks. Furthermore, Kakao aims to broaden participation from external partners via its Play MCP platform and agent builder tools.
“Through AI, we will innovate user experience and connect services more seamlessly around KakaoTalk,” Chung explained.
Shareholders also approved a proposal to increase total dividends for the fiscal year 2025 by 10 percent compared to the previous year. The meeting also saw the green light given to the cancellation of over half of the company’s treasury shares.
During Thursday’s meeting, investors raised concerns regarding the company’s recent stock price underperformance and urged for enhanced shareholder returns.
“I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the share price performance,” Chung responded, emphasizing that the company will prioritize improving earnings while actively developing business models centered on its AI strategy.
Regarding potential future divestments, Chung clarified that any such sales would prioritize job stability and sustained long-term collaboration.
“Even if we proceed with divestments, we will do so in a way that protects employment and allows continued collaboration as partners,” she affirmed.
Kakao is currently in the process of transferring control of AXZ, the operator of its Daum portal, to Upstage, a local AI startup, as well as divesting its stake in Kakao Games to an entity supported by Japan’s LY Corp.
“Both AXZ and Kakao Games share the goal of becoming strong companies,” Chung stated. “We will focus on building partnerships that create synergy rather than undermine stability.”
yeeun
