OpenAI Inc., the prominent US artificial intelligence firm, is set to launch its latest generative AI platform, GPT-5, on KakaoTalk, South Korea’s leading mobile chat and messenger application, starting in October. This announcement was made by Chung Shina, the CEO of Kakao Corp., during the company’s annual developers conference held on Monday. The integration of GPT-5 into KakaoTalk marks the first significant outcome of the partnership established between Kakao and OpenAI in February.
Seamless Integration for Users
A new ChatGPT tab will be introduced at the top of the KakaoTalk chat interface, allowing nearly 50 million users to access OpenAI’s advanced model without the need to download the application separately. This innovative feature will enable users to process and generate both text and images, facilitating instant sharing of conversations or content within existing chatrooms. Chung emphasized the transformative potential of this integration, stating, “The KakaoTalk window will become a window of possibilities where more can be realized. KakaoTalk is no longer a simple messenger app. You will experience a greater world through the Kakao AI.”
Interestingly, South Korea boasts the highest number of paid ChatGPT users outside the United States, highlighting the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in the region.
Introducing Kakao Agent
In addition to the ChatGPT integration, Kakao is preparing to launch Kakao Agent, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance the messaging experience by linking it with various services within its ecosystem. This includes functionalities such as gift sending and receiving, Kakao Map, reservations, and Melon, Kakao’s music streaming service. The company envisions that Kakao Agent will evolve into a more comprehensive AI platform, collaborating with affiliates, public institutions, and external partners.
To facilitate this ambitious initiative, Kakao has established PlayMCP, a platform launched in August that allows developers to create and register tools for AI services.
Oliver Jay, head of international business at OpenAI, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Kakao, stating, “We are delighted to work with Kakao to deliver ChatGPT in a new and localized way. By combining ChatGPT with Kakao’s ecosystem, we expect AI to become even more useful in people’s daily lives in Korea.”
