사진 확대 (Kakao)
Kakao is preparing an integrated membership service that could bundle benefits across its taxi, shopping, music and content businesses around its KakaoTalk messaging platform.
The service, tentatively called Kakao Membership, could launch as early as next month, according to industry sources. Kakao, however, said the timing and details have not been finalized.
“We are preparing a membership service linking various Kakao services and benefits,” a Kakao official said Wednesday. “The launch schedule and specific offerings have yet to be determined.”
Kakao operates a broad range of services through its subsidiaries, spanning shopping, financial services, mobility services such as taxis and parking, and content platforms including Kakao Webtoon and music streaming service Melon.
The membership is expected to charge a monthly subscription fee in return for free access to selected services or discounts and rewards across Kakao’s businesses.
Industry observers expect the program could also include benefits from outside partners. Kakao has partnered with OpenAI to offer ChatGPT for Kakao through KakaoTalk and recently announced plans to connect the messenger with Coupang Eats through agentic artificial intelligence technology.
Those services could eventually be linked to the membership, although Kakao has not confirmed which internal or external platforms will participate.
The planned service would intensify Kakao’s competition with Naver, which offers Naver Plus Membership for 4,900 won ($3.60) a month.
Naver’s program provides benefits covering services such as Netflix, Spotify, food delivery platform Yogiyo and delivery from supermarket chain Lotte Mart. Market estimates put the number of Naver Plus Membership subscribers at well above 10 million.
By Kang Yung-woon and Minu Kim
[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]