Kakao on the 28th unveiled "ChatGPT for Kakao," which lets users access Generative AI directly in KakaoTalk.
By tapping the dedicated button at the top of the KakaoTalk chat tab, users can handle everything conversationally from questions to complex requests like drafting documents, and share answers straight to a chat room. Existing OpenAI account integration remains intact, and users can also sign up easily with a Kakao account. A nonmember trial and a free usage cap are also offered.
The key is integration with the Kakao AI agent "Kakao Tools." At launch, Kakao Map, KakaoTalk Reservation, KakaoTalk Gifts, and Melon are linked, so for a request like "croffle near Hapjeong Station," it opens the map to present location and business information, and follows through with reservation, gifting, and music recommendations. Kakao plans to first expand services within the group, then broaden the ecosystem to external partners.
Kakao also emphasized user control over data. Users can choose whether to save conversations and allow learning based on them, and personal information is protected under Kakao and OpenAI policies, it said. To mark the launch, KakaoTalk is running a first-come, first-served promotion for "ChatGPT Plus" subscriptions through Dec. 31, offering a one-month payback after the third month's payment.
Separately, Kakao has been operating a beta of "Kanana in KakaoTalk," which understands conversational context and sends messages first, since the 16th. It applies its on-device model "Kanana Nano," highlighting on-device processing and Korean performance, and signaled an official launch after expanding to Android in the first quarter of next year. Kakao said, "We will move in earnest to make AI part of everyday life."