KakaoTalk Integrates OpenAI GPT-5 for 50 Million Users
A Landmark Partnership Comes to Life
In a significant move for the AI landscape, US-based OpenAI is set to integrate its latest generative AI model, GPT-5, directly into KakaoTalk, South Korea's dominant mobile messaging application. The announcement was made by Kakao Corp. CEO Chung Shina during the company's annual developers conference.
This integration, scheduled to roll out in October, represents the first major outcome of the strategic partnership forged between Kakao and OpenAI in February. It aims to bring cutting-edge AI capabilities to the fingertips of nearly 50 million users on the platform.
How GPT-5 Will Transform KakaoTalk
The user experience is set to be seamless. A new ChatGPT tab will be added directly to the top of the KakaoTalk chat interface, allowing users to access the power of GPT-5 without needing to download a separate application.
The model is equipped to handle both text and image processing and generation. According to Kakao, any conversations or content created with the integrated ChatGPT can be shared instantly within existing chatrooms, fostering a more dynamic and creative communication environment.
"The KakaoTalk window will become a window of possibilities where more can be realized," stated Chung. "KakaoTalk is no longer a simple messenger app. You will experience a greater world through the Kakao AI.”
Beyond Chat: Kakao's Broader AI Vision
This integration is just one piece of Kakao's larger AI strategy. The company also revealed plans to launch Kakao Agent, a sophisticated AI-powered assistant designed to bridge the gap between messaging and the wider Kakao ecosystem. This assistant will facilitate services like sending gifts, using Kakao Map, making reservations, and interacting with the Melon music streaming app.
Kakao envisions this agent evolving into a comprehensive AI platform that incorporates its affiliates, public institutions, and other external partners. To fuel this ecosystem, Kakao launched PlayMCP in August, a platform empowering developers to build and register tools specifically for these new AI services.
A Localized AI Experience for a Key Market
The collaboration has been warmly received by OpenAI. Oliver Jay, OpenAI's Head of International Business, commented, “We are delighted to work with Kakao to deliver ChatGPT in a new and localized way. By combining ChatGPT with Kakao’s ecosystem, we expect AI to become even more useful in people's daily lives in Korea.”
The partnership is particularly strategic given that Korea has the largest base of paid ChatGPT users outside of the United States, signaling a market with a strong appetite for advanced AI tools.
