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KakaoTalk, the country’s leading messaging app, is experiencing a significant transformation after 15 years.

Kakao unveiled the highly anticipated overhaul of KakaoTalk, referred to as the “Big Bang Project,” during the “if Kakao 25” developer conference held on the 23rd at its AI Campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. After 15 years, the application is incorporating major social media features and artificial intelligence enhancements. Chung Shin-a, CEO of Kakao, mentioned, “This level of transformation is unheard of in KakaoTalk’s history.” The new version started being distributed in the afternoon of the 23rd. A Kakao spokesperson noted, “If all 50 million users update at once, technical problems might occur, so updates are being released gradually. If users have automatic updates enabled, the update will happen automatically when they launch the app. Otherwise, they need to update manually through the app store or play store.”

The most significant update is the overhaul of the first tab, known as the “Friends” tab, shifting it from a conventional directory layout to a social media-style feed similar to Instagram. Rather than presenting contacts in alphabetical order, the tab will now show posts uploaded by users. Profiles will feature profile pictures, status updates, and shared content, along with settings to control who can view the posted material.

The second tab, titled “Chatting,” is also undergoing an update. In addition to the current 24-hour message deletion option, a “message editing” feature will be introduced. Users will now have the ability to sort chat rooms into folders named “Family,” “Friends,” or “Work.” An “Unread” folder will collect unread messages. The “reply” function, which enabled users to respond to individual messages, will be substituted with a “comment” feature. This new functionality organizes comments beneath specific messages in group chats, structuring conversations around particular subjects.

The “Voice Talk” function, which supports voice calls, will also be improved. A single tap will let users record conversations, with AI providing immediate transcriptions or summaries.

AI implementations are a key priority. The AI service “KANANA” will drive a new search function, taking the place of the current “#” search feature. KANANA will also provide summaries of unread messages in chats. Starting next month, OpenAI’s ChatGPT—powered by the most recent GPT-5 model—will be incorporated at the top of the Chatting tab. Users will be able to use ChatGPT’s existing features, such as search and image creation. Furthermore, “Kakao Agent,” an AI-based platform that combines KakaoMap, Melon, and other Kakao services, is set to launch next month.

Kakao’s transformation seeks to boost user interaction and enhance revenue. The average monthly usage of KakaoTalk decreased from 822 minutes in May 2021 to 686 minutes in January. Younger users and individuals in their 20s are shifting towards platforms such as Instagram and Telegram. The social media functions seem to be developed to draw in this age group.

Reactions from users are varied. One individual mentioned, “Unexpected posts appearing suddenly are puzzling,” whereas another praised the message-editing function, saying, “It’s reassuring that this feature was eventually introduced.” A Kakao representative commented, “We will keep improving features according to user feedback.”