Going forward, users will be able to use a group chat feature inside ChatGPT, similar to KakaoTalk. The move is seen as OpenAI's attempt to target the messenger and social media (SNS) markets on the back of ChatGPT's 800 million users worldwide.
OpenAI said on the 14th that it will pilot a "Group Chat" feature in Korea that allows multiple users to converse and collaborate with ChatGPT within a chat window. The company said that with group chat, users can invite friends, family, and colleagues into a single chat to plan together, make decisions, and develop ideas.
The pilot was first introduced in select countries including Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan.
An OpenAI official said, "If you are preparing a weekend trip with friends, you can create a group chat and get help from ChatGPT with destination comparisons, itinerary planning, and packing checklists, and everyone can follow along in the conversation." It can also be useful for choosing a restaurant that suits everyone's tastes or fairly settling a light debate.
The group chat feature can also be used for work. Users can collaborate with others who are drafting an outline together or researching a new topic, and by sharing articles, notes, and questions, ChatGPT can help summarize and organize the information.
OpenAI, which has led the generative artificial intelligence (AI) revolution with personalized services, is seen as seeking a full-fledged expansion into not only personal messengers but also workplace messengers like Slack through its group chat experiment.
To start a group chat, tap the person-shaped icon at the top right of a new or existing conversation screen to add other users. Up to 20 people can join a chat, and anyone can be invited or join easily via a chat link.
ChatGPT's responses in group chats are based on the GPT-5.1 Auto model. Usage limits by plan apply only to ChatGPT responses and not to messages between users.
According to OpenAI, ChatGPT follows the flow of the conversation and decides on its own when to respond or remain quiet based on the group's context. When a response from ChatGPT is needed in a group chat, users can mention "ChatGPT." Social features such as reacting to chat messages with emojis have also been added.
If users request a fun personalized image within a group conversation, it can generate one using the participants' profile photos. Each group chat can also set custom instructions that define how ChatGPT responds.
An OpenAI official said, "Group chats are completely separate from personal conversations, so the memory of ChatGPT used personally is not shared with others." When users under 18 use group chats, ChatGPT automatically reduces exposure to sensitive content in the chat room. Parents or guardians can also disable the group chat feature through the "parental controls."
Kim Kyung-hoon, OpenAI Korea country head, said, "The group chat feature helps users develop ideas, make decisions, and try creative endeavors with friends, family, and colleagues," adding, "This is the first step toward ChatGPT becoming a shared space for collaboration and communication with others."
He added, "We will continue to improve the service based on user feedback from the initial pilot countries, including Korea."