Kakao will roll out a paid membership that links major affiliate services centered on KakaoTalk.
On the 2nd, according to the platform industry, Kakao plans to launch a beta service for "Kakao membership (working title)" as early as next month. The specific service lineup, price, and official launch timing have not been finalized. A Kakao official said, "We are preparing a membership that links various services and benefits," adding, "The timing and details of the launch are undecided."
In the industry, the Kakao membership is expected to link KakaoTalk's emojis and gifting, Kakao Mobility's taxis, Kakao Entertainment's Melon, webtoons, and web novels, Kakao Style's fashion platform, and Kakao VX's screen golf, among others. If users pay a monthly subscription fee, they will likely be able to use some services for free or receive discount coupons and benefits by service.
Given that Kakao is offering "ChatGPT for Kakao" within KakaoTalk in collaboration with OpenAI, there is also a possibility of linking with external platforms. Chung Shin-a, Kakao president, recently said during the second-quarter earnings conference call that there are plans for collaboration between Coupang Eats and KakaoTalk using artificial intelligence (AI) agents.