[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)is seeking to persuade overseas investors ahead of its corporate spin-off. Kakao CEO Jeong Shin-ah and Kakao X CEO-designate Kim Do-young will travel to Hong Kong and Singapore to explain the rationale behind the spin-off and the growth strategies of both companies.

Kakao announced on the 11th that CEO Jeong and CEO-designate Kim will hold investor relations (IR) briefings for about 10 overseas investors and institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore on the 11th and 12th.

During these IR sessions, Kakao will explain the purpose of the spin-off it is pursuing, the roles of Kakao AI and Kakao X following the spin-off, and its mid- to long-term growth direction. The company also plans to listen to the key concerns and opinions of overseas investors.

Last August, Kakao unveiled a plan for a corporate spin-off to separate decision-making and capital allocation systems in line with the distinct characteristics of its various businesses.

Following the spin-off, Kakao AI will focus on businesses that connect AI, advertising, and commerce, centered around KakaoTalk. Kakao X will support the growth of key businesses—such as fintech, content, and mobility—and be responsible for identifying new growth engines.

Direct Communication with Overseas Investors Following Domestic Shareholders

Since announcing the spin-off, Kakao has been holding a series of briefings for stakeholders.

In September and October, the company held two meetings with small shareholders to answer questions regarding the spin-off, and at a joint analyst meeting attended by executives from major subsidiaries, it explained the mid- to long-term strategies for each business unit following the spin-off.

In particular, the second small-shareholder meeting in October was conducted both online and offline, focusing on a question-and-answer session with shareholders. This time, the company is expanding its outreach to include overseas institutional investors.

It has also brought forward part of its shareholder return plan. Kakao has decided to implement 150 billion won of the 300 billion won share buyback and cancellation program—originally scheduled to be executed by Kakao X after the spin-off—ahead of schedule, before the split. The remaining 150 billion won is scheduled to be purchased and canceled by Kakao X by 2027, following the spin-off.

A Kakao spokesperson stated, “We expect this meeting will allow us to directly gauge the concerns of overseas investors and the market’s perspective,” adding, “We will faithfully reflect the diverse opinions gathered at the event in our future market communications and actively create opportunities for investors to continuously monitor the growth strategies and performance of both companies.”