[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)announced that following its spin-off, the newly established company Kakao AI will fully assume the employment and working conditions of all current employees. Existing benefits and work environment—including vacation policies, work schedules, daycare centers, loans, company cafeterias, and recreational facilities—will remain unchanged.

Kakao announced on the 16th that it held an “Open Talk” session on the 15th to brief employees on the status of preparations for the corporate spin-off.

This event marks the third employee communication session, following the “Open Talk” held in August when the spin-off was first announced and a briefing for high-performing leaders in September.

Key executives, including Kakao CEO Jeong Shin-ah, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Shin Jong-hwan, and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Song Jae-ha, attended the event to explain the status of preparations for the spin-off and answer employees’ questions.

“Comprehensive Succession of Employment, Working Conditions, and Benefits”

During the Q&A session, the company provided explanations regarding employment and working conditions, which were of high interest to employees.

The company explained that since the rights and obligations related to Kakao’s existing businesses will be transferred to the newly established Kakao AI, the employment and working conditions of all employees will also be fully transferred.

Existing working conditions—such as vacation policies and work systems—as well as the work environment, including office facilities, will be maintained. The company also plans to retain the welfare programs and benefits currently provided, such as daycare centers, loans, the “Chunsik Dorak” company cafeteria, and recreational facilities.

CEO Jeong Shin-ah described the spin-off as “a process of preparing for a new beginning that goes beyond a simple corporate separation.”

CEO Jeong stated, “Preparing for the new corporation involves establishing a system as an independent company to ensure users can continue using existing services without disruption, while simultaneously redesigning structures and standards suited to the new company,” adding, “We are strengthening what we have built and renewing what needs to be changed.”

Technology, Finance, and HR Task Forces Launched… Monthly “Open Talk”

Sessions
Kakao is currently operating task forces (TFs) involving key departments such as Technology, Finance, and Human Resources to review the practical tasks required for the spin-off.

A dedicated channel is also in place where employees can ask questions about the spin-off at any time.

Kakao plans to hold monthly “Open Talk” sessions to share the status of spin-off preparations with employees until the new entity is launched.

This corporate spin-off is a measure to reorganize the speed of business execution and the capital allocation system in line with the AI era.

Kakao plans to complete the spin-off on January 1, 2027, following an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on December 17. Subsequently, on January 27 of next year, Kakao AI will be relisted, and Kakao X will undergo a reclassification listing. The detailed schedule is subject to change based on consultations with relevant authorities and related procedures.

Expanding Communication with Shareholders and Analysts

Kakao is also continuing to engage with external stakeholders regarding the spin-off.

It held its first meeting with small shareholders last September, and on the 13th, it hosted the group’s first joint analyst meeting at “if(kakao)26,” attended by the CEOs of major subsidiaries.

On the 20th, the company plans to hold its second meeting with minority shareholders to answer their questions regarding the spin-off.