Kakao Takes Spin-Off Plan to Hong Kong, Singapore Investors
CEO Chung Shin-a and Kakao X CEO nominee Kim Do-young met about 10 overseas institutional investors on November 11-12, 2026, according to Digital Today.
Kakao held IR meetings with about 10 overseas institutional investors in Hong Kong and Singapore on November 11-12, 2026, according to Digital Today. The sessions were led by Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a and Kim Do-young, the nominee to head Kakao X.
The company used the meetings to explain the background of its planned spin-off and the growth strategies for the two entities it will create: Kakao AI and Kakao X.
Kakao AI is set to focus on AI, advertising and commerce built around KakaoTalk, while Kakao X will cover tech fin, content and mobility.
Buyback split across the spin-off
Kakao plans to execute 150 billion won of its 300 billion won share buyback and cancellation before the spin-off. The remaining 150 billion won will be bought and cancelled by Kakao X in 2027, after the separation is complete.
The overseas meetings follow a round of domestic engagement: in September and October 2026 the company held two meetings with minority shareholders and a joint analyst meeting with executives of major affiliates. The second minority shareholder meeting, in October 2026, ran both online and offline and centred on questions from attendees. Kakao had announced the spin-off plan in August 2026, citing the need for decision-making and capital allocation structures suited to each business.
Quick answers
When did Kakao hold its overseas IR meetings?
The meetings with about 10 overseas institutional investors took place in Hong Kong and Singapore on November 11-12, 2026.
Who represented Kakao at the meetings?
Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a and Kim Do-young, the nominee for CEO of Kakao X, attended.
What will happen to Kakao's 300 billion won share buyback?
Kakao will execute 150 billion won before the spin-off, and Kakao X will buy and cancel the remaining 150 billion won in 2027.