Key Points:
- Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a prioritizes human-centered AI for smarter, personalized experiences.
- Launching a global fandom ecosystem to expand engagement and audience reach.
- Focus on strategic growth, balancing innovation, efficiency, and long-term market expansion.
Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a announced a shift toward growth this year, following a period of consolidation that strengthened the company’s systems and focused on core operations.
During a New Year’s address, CEO Chung emphasized that 2025 was dedicated to building a solid foundation, reducing subsidiaries from 147 to 94, and streamlining management efficiency. She framed 2026 as a year to leverage these improvements for expansion and innovation, highlighting technology and global engagement as central drivers of growth for the company.
AI Strategy Centers on Human-Centered Innovation
Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a has identified “human-centered AI” as a key growth area. CEO Chung described the company’s vision for AI to evolve from a reactive tool to “Agentic AI,” capable of understanding user intentions and context before guiding next steps. The strategy involves developing core AI technologies internally while forming external partnerships to support large-scale initiatives.
For women entrepreneurs, the focus on AI illustrates the importance of aligning technology with user needs. It highlights a leadership approach that balances innovation, investment, and practical application, demonstrating how tech-driven businesses can leverage advanced tools to create personalized experiences and expand market reach.
Building a Global Fandom Ecosystem
Another growth priority is the “global fandom OS,” designed to create an ecosystem where fans worldwide interact and generate value. Kakao plans to integrate its intellectual property, platforms, and both online and offline interfaces to enhance community engagement. CEO Chung described this as the start of a 15-year strategic chapter, emphasizing long-term vision, financial performance, and corporate responsibility.
The global fandomapproach promoted by Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a offers lessons for women business leaders seeking to scale brands internationally. By combining content, digital platforms, and user engagement, companies can strengthen loyalty, expand audiences, and create sustainable value. It underscores the potential of integrating technology with brand strategy to connect with global communities effectively.
Kakao’s plans signal a shift from internal consolidation to outward growth and market expansion. By focusing on AI and fandom ecosystems, the company aims to generate new revenue streams while maintaining operational efficiency and innovation capacity. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from this approach, particularly in managing resources strategically and aligning product development with customer experience.
Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a’s remarks also highlight the importance of vision-driven leadership. By articulating clear priorities and investing in emerging technologies, leaders can guide teams toward ambitious goals while remaining grounded in operational fundamentals. This balance is particularly relevant for women executives managing complex organizations or pursuing high-growth initiatives.
As Kakao implements these strategies, the company will focus on measurable outcomes in both technology and user engagement. Women entrepreneurs and business owners can view this as an example of how long-term planning, combined with adaptive leadership and innovation, can position a company for sustained success in competitive global markets.
By emphasizing AI development and global fan connectivity, Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a demonstrates how South Korean IT firms can scale internationally while maintaining a strong domestic foundation. The company’s strategy serves as a model for women in leadership seeking to integrate technology, customer insight, and operational efficiency to drive growth.
