Kakao Corp., the leading mobile platform in South Korea, is embarking on an innovative partnership with Google Inc. to enhance on-device artificial intelligence (AI) services. This collaboration aims to integrate these services with Google’s forthcoming AI glasses and expand cloud infrastructure, as articulated by Kakao’s Chief Executive, Chung Shina, during the company’s annual earnings conference call.
Strategic AI Collaboration
Chung emphasized the significance of working closely with the Android development team, stating, “We expect to explore new possibilities for on-device AI services that could maximize the value of data assets within the Kakao ecosystem.” This partnership is part of a broader two-track AI strategy that delineates distinct focuses for both companies. While Google will concentrate on device-based AI experiences, Kakao’s collaboration with OpenAI is directed towards consumer-facing services, particularly in the business-to-customer (B2C) domain centered around ChatGPT.
“Rather than attempting to carry out all areas ourselves, our strategy is to collaborate with leading global partners in each field to efficiently cover all AI layers while optimizing direct investment,” Chung explained.
Advancements in On-Device AI
As part of this initiative, Kakao is set to advance its on-device AI services, particularly “Kanana in KakaoTalk,” which was unveiled last year in partnership with Google’s Android division. Chung noted that Kakao stands out as the only Korean company capable of effectively utilizing Google’s tensor processing units—specialized application-specific integrated circuits designed for neural network machine learning. This collaboration will also explore how Kakao’s services can be integrated into new AI form factors, including Google’s anticipated AI glasses, aiming to create enhanced user experiences across various devices.
Success with OpenAI
In parallel, Kakao’s collaboration with OpenAI has yielded significant results. The localized chat service, “ChatGPT for Kakao,” has garnered over 8 million users within just three months of its launch. Plans are underway to deepen the integration between KakaoTalk conversations and ChatGPT, introducing a suite of new AI features within the messaging app this year.
Financially, Kakao demonstrated robust growth in 2025, reporting a 48% increase in operating profit, reaching 732.0 billion won compared to the previous year, alongside a 3% rise in revenue to 8 trillion won. This upward trajectory underscores the potential of Kakao’s strategic partnerships and innovative AI initiatives in shaping the future of its services.
