KakaoTalk’s Bold Overhaul: Backlash, Rivals Rise, and AI Push Forward
In late September 2025, KakaoTalk, South Korea’s ubiquitous messaging app, underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. Aimed at transforming the “national messenger” into a super app blending chat, social feeds, short-form videos, and AI, the update sparked immediate uproar. Users flooded app stores with 1-star reviews, stock prices plunged, and alternatives like NateOn […]