Even if the Union Strikes, KakaoTalk Won't Stop... Kakao Vows to "Minimize Customer Impact"

"Maintaining Service Stability...
Establishing an Emergency Response System"

As the Kakao Labor Union has announced a general strike scheduled for next month, Kakao stated on May 28 that it is taking measures to ensure the stable operation of services such as KakaoTalk and Kakao Pay without any disruptions.

A Kakao representative said, "We plan to establish an emergency response system to maintain service stability and minimize the impact on customers under any circumstances."

Members of the Kakao Branch of the National Union of Chemical, Textile and Food Industry Workers held a '2026 Collective Bargaining Victory Rally' at Pangyo Station Square in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 20th, shouting slogans. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The labor and management of Kakao failed to reach an agreement during the second mediation session on the 2026 wage negotiations, which was held at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission the previous day, as they could not resolve their differences. The two parties have been negotiating on whether to compensate 13-14% of last year's operating profit as a performance-based bonus and whether to include restricted stock units (RSUs) worth 5 million won as part of the bonus.

As a result of the mediation being suspended, the Kakao Labor Union will begin preparations for a strike next month. A union representative stated, "The strike is scheduled for next month," while adding, "The specific details still need to be discussed." The union plans to decide on the timing, method, and procedures for collective action after internal discussions.

There is a possibility that a joint general strike covering both Kakao headquarters and its affiliates may take place. Previously, a strike ballot was held among union members at Kakao headquarters, Kakao Enterprise, Kakao Pay, DK Techin, and XL Games, and the motion was passed in favor of striking.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.