Kakao Labor Union Increases Pressure... Calls Hong Min-taek CPO's Resignation an "Evasive Exit"

"Repeated Evasion of Responsibility by Management...
A Responsible Apology Is Needed"

The Kakao labor union has criticized the resignation of Hong Min-taek, Chief Product Officer (CPO), who led the major KakaoTalk overhaul, stating that "the management's evasion of responsibility is being repeated."

On June 2, the Kakao branch of the Korean Federation of Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry Workers' Unions (Kakao labor union) issued a statement regarding the resignation of CPO Hong, saying, "This is not responsible management, but merely another 'evasive exit.' What is needed now is not a quiet departure, but a responsible explanation and an apology for the problems he has caused."

On the afternoon of the 27th, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Seo Seung-wook, head of the Kakao labor union branch, is entering the mediation meeting room for the 2nd Kakao labor-management mediation meeting. Photo by Yonhap News.

Previously, CPO Hong expressed his intention to resign and left Kakao on May 27. He has faced criticism from the union for enforcing an excessive overhaul and forcing employees to work overtime.

The union pointed out that during Hong's tenure, aggressive initiatives such as the 'KakaoTalk Big Bang Project' led to controversies over excessive working hours, deterioration of organizational culture, and unfair performance compensation.

The union claimed, "Kakao has repeatedly failed in executive recruitment in recent years," adding, "Executives who have caused serious controversy and failure have left the company without sufficient explanation or fulfilling responsibility, and the resulting confusion and burden have been entirely passed on to the workers."

They further criticized, "Executives recruited from outside who touted impressive careers and achievements have, in reality, left behind problems such as destruction of organizational culture, reckless business initiatives, unfair compensation controversies, and worsening working conditions. Many have not lasted even one to two years, repeatedly resigning or becoming embroiled in public controversy."

Regarding Kakao's management, they stated, "The focus has been solely on short-term results and showy recruitment, while the culture, trust, and sustainability of the Kakao community have been neglected," adding, "There are even doubts as to whether a minimum level of vetting and responsible decision-making is being properly carried out during the recruitment process."

The union emphasized, "Kakao needs a structure in which responsible leadership is held accountable to the end for failed decisions and the destruction of organizational culture, a leadership that reestablishes principles and restores trust together with its members. We will continue to fight against repeated evasion of responsibility and closed management, to create a community where workers are respected and can trust the company."

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