Kakao Games is launching the mobile game SMiniz globally on Feb. 25 for iOS and Android devices. The match-3 puzzle game features chibi versions of artists from SM Entertainment, including NCT, RIIZE, and aespa.
Kakao Corp. is partnering with Google Inc. to enhance on-device AI services, integrating them with Google's upcoming AI glasses and expanding cloud infrastructure. Kakao's CEO, Chung Shina, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Android development team to explore new on-device AI possibilities. The partnership distinguishes focuses for both companies, with Google working on device-based AI and Kakao collaborating with OpenAI for consumer-facing services. Kakao is advancing its on-device AI services, including “Kanana in KakaoTalk,” and is the only Korean company utilizing Google's tensor processing units for machine learning. Kakao's collaboration with OpenAI has resulted in over 8 million users for “ChatGPT for Kakao” within three months, with plans to enhance integration with KakaoTalk. In 2025, Kakao reported a 48% increase in operating profit to 732.0 billion won and a 3% rise in revenue to 8 trillion won.
A new Android malware campaign has been launched by the North Korean threat actor Kimsuky, introducing a variant called DocSwap. This malware is distributed via QR codes on phishing websites that impersonate CJ Logistics. Attackers use QR codes and notification pop-ups to lure victims into downloading the malware, which decrypts an embedded APK and activates Remote Access Trojan (RAT) capabilities. The malicious app is disguised as a legitimate application to bypass Android's security measures. Victims are tricked into installing the app through smishing texts or phishing emails that mimic delivery companies. The app downloads an APK named "SecDelivery.apk," which then loads the malware. It requests permissions to access various device functions and registers a service that simulates an OTP authentication screen. The app connects to an attacker-controlled server, allowing execution of commands such as logging keystrokes, capturing audio, and gathering sensitive information. Additionally, two other malicious samples have been identified, disguised as a P2B Airdrop app and a trojanized version of the BYCOM VPN app. The campaign also includes phishing sites mimicking popular South Korean platforms to capture user credentials.
KakaoTalk, developed by Kakao Corp., is Korea's leading messaging application with over 100 million downloads and a user rating of 2.8 stars. It offers instant communication, engaging content, and AI features accessible anytime, anywhere. The app supports one-on-one and group conversations and includes an Open Chat feature for exploring communities based on interests. Users can utilize organizational tools like chat folders and edit or delete sent messages, while the Threads feature helps keep discussions focused. KakaoTalk also provides Voice Talk and Face Talk for voice and video communication with up to ten participants, allowing users to switch between modes and use screen effects. Users can view real-time discussions in Open Chat without entering chat rooms and personalize profiles with visibility settings. The app is available on Wear OS, enabling chat history access and quick replies from wearable devices. Users may need to grant permissions for full functionality, including access to nearby devices, microphone, and camera. KakaoTalk maintains a social media presence and offers customer support through its service page.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI Inc., has launched on KakaoTalk, South Korea's leading mobile chat platform, marking the first outcome of the partnership between Kakao Corp. and OpenAI announced in February. Kakao introduced ChatGPT for Kakao, integrating OpenAI’s GPT-5 model into the KakaoTalk interface, allowing users to access it via a new tab. Existing users can sign in with OpenAI credentials, while new users can register with their Kakao accounts. The service offers free and paid tiers, with limited access for free users. It integrates with Kakao Tools, providing access to various services like Kakao Map. Kakao is offering a subscription rebate for the paid ChatGPT Plus plan until December 31 and emphasizes user privacy regarding chat histories and data management. This launch is part of Kakao’s strategy to build an AI-agent ecosystem, which includes the Kanana service currently in beta, utilizing the Kanana Nano model for user assistance. Kakao plans to roll out Kanana across Android devices in the first quarter of next year and has launched PlayMCP for external partners to develop new content. Following the announcement, Kakao shares increased by over 4.5%.
Kakao announced plans on September 23 to transform its KakaoTalk messaging app into a social platform similar to Instagram to boost advertising revenue. However, five days later, the company retracted this initiative due to user criticism regarding intrusive features. The controversial feed-style posts, which cluttered the user experience and complicated the app's messaging purpose, were moved to a separate section, returning the Friends tab to its previous list-style format. Following the announcement, Kakao's stock price fell by 4.67%, resulting in a market cap loss of 1.64 trillion won. KakaoTalk's business revenue has declined for two consecutive quarters, with advertising revenue being a significant portion. The recent update, called the “Big Bang Project,” was implemented without the usual user feedback process, leading to internal dissent and concerns about the company's departure from its user-centric philosophy.
KakaoTalk has retracted its first significant update in 15 years due to user dissatisfaction. The update changed the Friends tab from an alphabetical listing to a grid-style feed, aiming to enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities. Following backlash, Kakao Corp. will revert to the original list-style format for the Friends tab and move the feed-style posts to a separate section. Critics noted a lack of user feedback in the update's planning, raising concerns about user privacy and Kakao's decision-making processes. The update negatively impacted Kakao's stock prices, which have been declining since September 23. Kakao, founded in 2010, now has over 124 affiliates and is facing scrutiny for its expansion strategies. The company plans to implement the rollback by the end of the year.
Kakao Corp. will revert part of the redesign of its KakaoTalk messenger in response to user complaints about the new feed-style interface, which many users felt compromised their privacy. The "friends" tab will return to its previous format, allowing users to choose between old and new display styles. The redesign was the most extensive in 15 years, but received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with users stating it made the app resemble Instagram. A dual-display feature will be implemented in a technical update expected in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Kakao is enhancing safety features for minors using its short-form video function. Following these announcements, Kakao's shares closed at 60,300 won, marking a 1.69 percent increase.
Kakao has recently overhauled its messaging app, KakaoTalk, for the first time in 15 years, aiming to improve user experience. However, the update has faced significant backlash, with around 42 percent of users expressing dissatisfaction. Critics have raised concerns about the app's new design, which resembles Instagram, and features like the automatic display of friends' photos have sparked privacy worries. Kakao's leadership, including CEO Chung Shin-a and chief product officer Hong Min-taek, maintain that the changes will ultimately benefit users, despite facing opposition from engineers and developers. Following the update, Kakao's shares fell by 6.17 percent, resulting in a loss of approximately 3.4 trillion won in market capitalization.
OpenAI Inc. is launching its generative AI platform, GPT-5, on KakaoTalk starting in October. This was announced by Kakao Corp. CEO Chung Shina at the company's annual developers conference. The integration of GPT-5 into KakaoTalk is the first result of the partnership between Kakao and OpenAI established in February. A new ChatGPT tab will be added to the KakaoTalk interface, allowing approximately 50 million users to access OpenAI’s model without a separate download. Users will be able to process and generate text and images for sharing within chatrooms. Kakao also plans to launch Kakao Agent, an AI-powered assistant that connects users to various services in its ecosystem, including gift sending, Kakao Map, reservations, and music streaming. Kakao has created PlayMCP, a platform for developers to create AI service tools. South Korea has the highest number of paid ChatGPT users outside the U.S.