[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)has established an external expert advisory system to strengthen AI ethics governance. This move aims to enhance its responsible AI policy framework in response to the rapidly changing technological and regulatory environment, including the proliferation of agentic AI and the enforcement of the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence.

Kakao announced on the 30th that it has launched an external expert advisory panel for its “AI & Technology Ethics Subcommittee.”

This advisory panel was formed to proactively address social risks that may arise from the widespread adoption of AI and to establish an AI policy framework aligned with the changing regulatory environment, including the implementation of South Korea’s Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence and international discussions on AI safety.

The advisory panel consists of seven experts covering key areas such as AI safety, ethics, law, children’s rights, and international policy. Members include Kim Myung-ju, Director of the AI Safety Research Institute; Lee Min-seok, Professor at the College of Software Convergence at Kookmin University; Lee Sang-wook, Professor of Philosophy at Hanyang University; Lee Won-tae, Specially Appointed Professor at Kookmin University; Byun Soon-yong, Professor of Ethics Education at Seoul National University of Education; Yoo Jae-yeon, Adjunct Professor in the Social Innovation Convergence Program at Hanyang University; and Jeong Byung-soo, Director of the UNICEF L&D Center.

The advisory board held its first kick-off meeting in June and conducted its first regular meeting on the 29th. Kakao plans to continue holding regular advisory meetings throughout the year to discuss the direction for establishing AI ethical standards. Going forward, the advisory board’s recommendations will be reflected in internal AI technology policies, and related activities will be made public.

Previously, in 2018, Kakao became the first South Korean company to announce an “Algorithm Ethics Charter.” In 2022, it established and has been operating the “Technology Ethics Committee,” which includes Kakao and its major affiliates. Since then, Kakao has revised the existing Algorithm Ethics Charter—including the addition of the principle of user autonomy—and established the “Kakao Group Guidelines for Responsible AI.”

Kakao plans to continue close collaboration to incorporate the professional insights of this external advisory panel into its existing AI ethics framework.

Kim Se-woong, Chair of Kakao’s AI & Technology Ethics Subcommittee, stated, “The launch of this external advisory panel aims to take our AI ethics governance to the next level and further solidify our ethical standards and principles.” He added, “We will take the lead in fostering a responsible AI ecosystem by incorporating the panel’s independent perspectives into concrete policies.”