[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)has launched a new “Local News” tab on KakaoTalk in North America that aggregates lifestyle information for Koreans living there. The plan is to expand KakaoTalk’s global utility by improving access to lifestyle information for local Korean users and providing Korean business owners with a channel for promotion and customer communication.

Kakao announced on the 15th that it has launched the “Local News” tab on KakaoTalk in North America.

“Local News” is a lifestyle information service for the Korean community that allows users to access KakaoTalk channels operated by Korean-owned businesses in North America, updates from Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomatic missions abroad, and open chat rooms featuring local users—all in one place. Any KakaoTalk user in North America can access this feature from the third tab in the app without needing to install a separate app.

First, “Local News” allows users to view information on Korean-owned businesses in major North American cities such as Los Angeles (LA) and New York, organized by region. Users can check promotional news—including products, events, and discounts—through each business’s KakaoTalk channel and, depending on the channel, send inquiries via KakaoTalk messages.

Business owners can promote their stores and special offers using KakaoTalk Channel messages and the “Channel News” feature without installing a separate app. If selected as a “Recommended Channel,” their business will be featured on the main page of “Local News,” allowing them to reach a wider audience.

Notices from Overseas Missions and Open Chats All in One Place

Overseas safety information, announcements regarding consular services, and various updates provided by diplomatic missions in North America can also be viewed in the “Local News” tab.

To this end, Kakao signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Provision of Overseas Safety, Consular Services, and Other Announcements in North America” with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 14th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide information for Korean citizens and overseas Koreans in North America, while Kakao will support the smooth delivery of this information.

The service also offers open chat rooms where local Korean users can participate directly. Through open chat rooms covering various topics—such as the economy, parenting, and hobbies—users in North America can share necessary information and communicate based on their interests.

A Kakao official stated, “Local News is a service designed to help Korean users in North America find information necessary for daily life within KakaoTalk and connect more easily with local businesses,” adding, “We will continue to develop services tailored to the daily lives of overseas users to enhance KakaoTalk’s global utility.”

Expanding Global Advertising Starting in North America

The new “Local News” tab is a service that bridges the demand for lifestyle information among Korean users in North America with the advertising and promotional needs of local businesses.

Kakao is also expanding its global advertising business for KakaoTalk, starting with North America. It remains to be seen whether the company can expand beyond a domestic messaging app to become a platform that connects overseas communities and businesses.

Kakao officially launched KakaoTalk ads in North America last April. It currently offers a variety of advertising products, including in-message ads and display ads.

Kakao plans to officially launch KakaoTalk ads in Japan on October 1. The company aims to expand KakaoTalk’s global business foundation by introducing services tailored to the characteristics of users and the advertising environments in each market.