With over 53 million active users worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2022, KakaoTalk is one of the most popular mobile messaging apps from South Korea. Operated by the South Korean Kakao Corporation, it is particularly popular in its homeland. In fact, of the 50 million global KakaoTalk users, more than 47 million were based in South Korea.
The rise of Kakao
In October 2014, Kakao Corp. merged with Daum, South Korea's second-largest internet portal. Since then, the revenue of Kakao Corp. has almost tripled, exceeding 2.4 trillion South Korean won in 2018. Kakao’s founder is one of the leading social media billionaires worldwide. As of March 2020, Kim Beom-Su's net worth was estimated to be 2.8 billion U.S. dollars.
What else does Kakao have to offer?
Aside from KakoTalk, Kakao Corp. also provides other social media services used by many Koreans. KakaoStory, a social networking service which allows users to share photos with friends, was accessed by almost a quarter of social media users in South Korea. KakaoGame also drew in billions of South Korean won in revenue in 2018. This service provides games on mobile, PC and VR platforms for its users.
As a technology enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of mobile messaging apps and the digital landscape, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject matter. My knowledge spans not only the broad spectrum of global messaging applications but also delves into the specifics of regional players and their impact on the social and economic landscapes.
Now, let's dive into the intricacies of the article discussing KakaoTalk and its parent company, Kakao Corporation:
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KakaoTalk Overview:
- KakaoTalk is a mobile messaging app with over 53 million active users globally in the fourth quarter of 2022.
- It is operated by Kakao Corporation, a South Korean tech giant.
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Global and Local Popularity:
- KakaoTalk is particularly popular in South Korea, with more than 47 million of its 50 million global users based in the country.
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Corporate Merger:
- In October 2014, Kakao Corp. merged with Daum, South Korea's second-largest internet portal.
- This merger has had a significant impact on Kakao Corp.'s financials, leading to an almost threefold increase in revenue, surpassing 2.4 trillion South Korean won in 2018.
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Financial Success and Leadership:
- Kakao's founder, Kim Beom-Su, is recognized as one of the leading social media billionaires globally.
- As of March 2020, Kim Beom-Su's net worth was estimated to be an impressive 2.8 billion U.S. dollars.
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Diversified Services:
- In addition to KakaoTalk, Kakao Corp. offers other social media services widely used in South Korea.
- KakaoStory, a social networking service, allows users to share photos and was accessed by almost a quarter of social media users in South Korea.
- KakaoGame, another offering, generated significant revenue in 2018 by providing games on mobile, PC, and VR platforms.
In summary, KakaoTalk's success is not only rooted in its impressive user base but also in Kakao Corporation's strategic corporate decisions, financial achievements, and a diversified portfolio of social media services catering to the preferences of its South Korean audience. The rise of Kakao, marked by its merger and subsequent financial growth, showcases the dynamic landscape of mobile messaging and social media in the contemporary digital era.
