(Unknown)... Change the Deceased's KakaoTalk to a Memorial Profile

Convertible Upon Bereaved Family's Request

#Several years ago, Mr. A, in his 40s, who had lost a relative, one day checked his KakaoTalk friend list and discovered an unknown account. The account labeled as '(Unknown)' was actually a dormant account that had not been accessed for a year after the relative passed away. Mr. A expressed his regret, saying, "It feels bittersweet to see traces of someone who has already left."

KakaoTalk accounts of deceased individuals or those not accessed for a long time automatically become dormant. However, going forward, the dormant accounts of the deceased will be able to be used as 'digital memorial spaces.' This is due to Kakao introducing a new 'Memorial Profile' feature.

On the 17th, Kakao activated the 'Memorial Profile' feature. Previously, dormant accounts were labeled with the name '(Unknown)', but dormant accounts converted to memorial profiles will have a 'chrysanthemum flower icon' next to the profile picture.

KakaoTalk Memorial Profile Example / Photo by Kakao

Acquaintances can send memorial messages to the deceased through one-on-one chat rooms. The delivered messages can only be viewed by the sender, allowing acquaintances to convey personal tributes to the deceased.

The conversion to a memorial profile is made only upon request by the deceased’s immediate family. To prove their relationship, the requester must submit various documents such as the deceased’s telecommunications service proof, family relation certificate, and the applicant’s ID. Additionally, the bereaved family can decide whether to make the memorial profile visible through an option.

Once the memorial profile conversion is completed, all KakaoTalk group chats that the deceased participated in during their lifetime will display a notification message stating '(The deceased) has been converted to a remembered friend.' The account is also automatically processed to 'leave' the groups. Furthermore, on the memorial profile, features such as gifting, money transfer, and voice calls are disabled, except for messaging.

The memorial profile is maintained for five years after conversion and can be extended up to a maximum of ten years. Accounts of the deceased who have already withdrawn from KakaoTalk and been converted to '(Unknown)' cannot be converted to memorial profiles.

Netizens who encountered the memorial profile feature commented, "I couldn’t even delete the phone number of my deceased family member and felt sad seeing the '(Unknown)' profile, so this memorial feature will be very helpful," and "It seems useful for accepting death."