AdvertisementAdvertisementBusiness21 Aug 2026 10:07AM (Updated: 21 Aug 2026 10:12AM) Bookmark Bookmark WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedInAdd CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results.Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST SEOUL, Aug 21 : South Korea's dominant chat app operator Kakao Corp said on Friday it plans to spin off its chat app-based platform business into a new company, tentatively named KakaoAI, while retaining investment operations in a firm renamed KakaoX.With this move, the company is seeking to address a conglomerate discount and strengthen business specialisation, Kakao said in a regulatory filing.The company expects the new entity to relist on the Korea Exchange on January 27, 2027, following a planned January 1 split.KakaoAI will focus on AI, advertising, commerce and the KakaoTalk chat app platform, while KakaoX will manage and develop holdings in areas including fintech, content and mobility, Kakao said.Show MoreShow LessKakao set 2030 targets of 6 trillion won ($4.34 billion) or more in revenue and an operating margin above 30 per cent for KakaoAI, while setting a target of 10 trillion won or more in revenue for KakaoX for the same year.Kakao had reported consolidated revenue of 8.1 trillion won in 2025, according to the company.Kakao also pledged 300 billion won of share buybacks and cancellations over three years after the split.($1 = 1,381.2700 won)Source: ReutersNewsletterWeek in ReviewSubscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in ReviewOur chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday.Sign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best storiesDownload hereGet WhatsApp alertsJoin our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat appJoin hereAlso worth readingContent is loading...Expand to read the full storyGet bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST