ChatGPT, the renowned generative artificial intelligence service developed by OpenAI Inc., has made its debut on KakaoTalk, South Korea’s leading mobile chat platform, which boasts over 90% user penetration in the country. This launch marks the first significant outcome of the partnership between Kakao Corp. and OpenAI, announced earlier this year in February. On Tuesday, Kakao introduced ChatGPT for Kakao, integrating OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model directly into the KakaoTalk interface. Users can now access ChatGPT via a new tab at the top of their chat screen, enabling them to pose questions, generate text or images, and share AI-generated content seamlessly within the app.
AI IN EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS
For existing ChatGPT users, signing in with OpenAI credentials is straightforward, while new users can easily register using their Kakao accounts. The service offers both free and paid tiers, aligning with ChatGPT’s global structure, where free users will experience limited access to premium features. ChatGPT for Kakao also integrates OpenAI’s generative AI with Kakao’s ecosystem through Kakao Tools, an in-app agent platform that connects AI to various services, including Kakao Map, Kakao Gift, Kakao Reservation, and Melon. For instance, if a user queries, “Find a Starbucks store near Seoul City Hall Station,” they will receive Kakao Map results directly within the chat.
To promote user adoption, Kakao is providing a subscription rebate for those who opt for the paid ChatGPT Plus plan through KakaoTalk before December 31. The new AI service emphasizes user privacy, allowing individuals to choose whether to store chat histories or contribute data for AI training. All user information will be managed in accordance with Kakao and OpenAI’s data protection policies.
BUILDING AN AI ECOSYSTEM
This launch is a pivotal component of Kakao’s overarching strategy to cultivate an AI-agent ecosystem that integrates messaging, content, commerce, and navigation. In addition to the ChatGPT service, Kakao is set to expand its Kanana service. Currently in beta testing, Kanana within KakaoTalk utilizes its proprietary on-device AI assistant, the lightweight Kanana Nano model, to comprehend chat context and proactively assist users by suggesting relevant information, recommending locations or products, and delivering daily briefings. Following user feedback, Kakao plans to roll out this service across Android devices in the first quarter of next year.
Moreover, Kakao intends to enable external partners to develop new content for the Kanana service within KakaoTalk. To facilitate this, Kakao has launched PlayMCP, a platform that allows third parties to create and register AI tools. This new integration signifies the first commercial collaboration between Kakao and OpenAI since their partnership was established in February, aimed at embedding ChatGPT’s generative AI technology into Kakao’s broader AI framework. Following the announcement, Kakao shares experienced a notable increase of over 4.5%, outperforming Korea’s benchmark Kospi index, which saw a decline of nearly 1.5%.
