Kakao CEO Jung Shinah Featured in Forbes: "AI Strategy Is the Catalyst for Kakao's Growth"

Selected as the Cover Figure for July in Asia
Spotlight on AI Strategy and Organizational Restructuring Achievements
"In a New Era, Imagination Will Make a Difference"

Jung Shinah, CEO of Kakao, who was selected as the cover figure of the July issue of Forbes Asia, shared her insights on the company's artificial intelligence (AI) business strategy and direction.

Jung Shinah, CEO of Kakao, selected as the cover figure of Forbes Asia July issue. Photo by Kakao

Forbes highlighted Kakao's major transformation through AI and the leadership of Jung, the company's first female CEO, as the cover story.

In the interview, Jung stated, "I am confident that our strategy of focusing all our efforts on AI will serve as a catalyst for growth," adding, "We are preparing a major overhaul so that AI will be seamlessly integrated into various services, including KakaoTalk."

She continued, "We plan to introduce an AI agent in collaboration with OpenAI," and explained, "The AI agent will handle tasks on its own, making life more convenient for users, even if they are not familiar with what AI is." Regarding the partnership with OpenAI, she added, "We needed a trustworthy partner and a company that leads in terms of performance and innovation."

Jung also expressed expectations for government support related to the new administration's AI investments. She said, "Imagination can become a weapon," and emphasized, "Especially when a new era arrives, imagination will truly make a difference."

Forbes also focused on the results of the organizational restructuring led by Jung since her appointment. By streamlining the organization, including divesting non-core businesses, she significantly reduced the number of affiliates within two years. This led to improved performance, with Kakao's second-quarter revenue last year rising by 4% year-on-year to 2 trillion won, and net profit increasing by 59% to 87 billion won.

Meanwhile, Jung was also named to 'Forbes Asia's Power Businesswomen 2024,' previously announced by Forbes. Among the 20 female business leaders selected, Jung was the only one from Korea.