Kakao has published its "2025 Kakao Sustainability Report" and launched a dedicated sustainability website, "Kakao Sustainability," on June 24.
The report applies global disclosure standards (ISSB) and outlines strategies for addressing three major issues: user protection, information security, and climate change. The risks and opportunities associated with each issue are visualized through illustrations depicting the service lifecycle stages.
In the environmental sector, Kakao confirmed through third-party verification that its energy efficiency improvements at the Ansan data center reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 4,753 tons of CO2 equivalent. The company implemented a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for the first time at the Ansan data center, and its total renewable energy procurement is projected to reach 29,903 megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2025, an increase of approximately 2.8 times compared to the previous year. The company also obtained ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system at four major sites, including the Yongin AI campus.
In the social sector, Kakao introduced the country’s first open-source AI guardrail model, "Kanana Safeguard," to address risks associated with generative AI. In collaboration with four major science and technology institutes, Kakao established a fund of 50 billion won to support local AI talent and businesses through the "AI Sail" initiative. The cumulative donations from its social contribution platform, "Kakao Together," have surpassed 100 billion won, and the company received a presidential commendation for its efforts in supporting the digital transformation of small businesses during the "2026 Fair Trade Day."
In governance, Kakao achieved a compliance rate of 93% by implementing 14 out of 15 key corporate governance indicators. The number of subsidiaries was reduced from 147 in May 2023 to 94 by the end of 2025, streamlining group governance.
In global ESG evaluations, Kakao has received an A rating from MSCI ESG for three consecutive years and an integrated A rating from the Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCGS) for five years in a row. In the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, Kakao has ranked in the top 5% of its industry for three consecutive years.
Kwon Dae-yeol, Kakao's head of sustainable management, stated, "We will continue to pursue sustainable growth through disclosures that meet global standards and proactive communication."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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