After the two companies forged a strategic tie-up in February during Sam Altman\u2019s Seoul trip<\/a>, Kakao said it would integrate OpenAI\u2019s most advanced application programming interface, alongside its own large language model, into its flagship services like KakaoTalk messenger and Kanana.<\/p>\n Kanana, Kakao\u2019s first messenger embedded with a conversational AI agent,<\/a> is designed to handle one-on-one and group chats, providing context-based responses.<\/p>\n Alongside ChatGPT, Kakao is also layering in AI-driven e-commerce and other services, aiming to upgrade Kanana and create synergies across its broader ecosystem.<\/p>\n All these moves are part of Kakao\u2019s plan to turn Korea\u2019s most popular messenger app into an AI super app, an all-in-one platform for messaging, payments, shopping and other services. <\/p>\n GLOBAL RACE TO BUILD AI SUPER APPS <\/p>\n The push to embed AI assistants has opened a new front among global messenger apps, with WhatsApp, WeChat and Line leading the charge.<\/p>\n \u201cBringing AI services into messenger platforms is a definite plus,\u201d said Choi Seung-ho, an analyst at DS Investment & Securities Co. \u201cThe operators of platforms built around communication, such as Tencent, Meta and Line, are sustaining strong growth as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n Meta operates a multinational messenger, WhatsApp, while Tencent and Line offer China\u2019s No. 1 messenger app WeChat and Japan\u2019s Line, respectively. <\/p>\n These apps are evolving beyond simple messaging into payments, shopping, customer services and now AI-powered functions that cover a user\u2019s daily life.<\/p>\n \n(Graphics by Daeun Lee)\u00a0<\/p>\n Tencent recently integrated its chatbot, Yuanbao, into WeChat, allowing users in China to interact with the AI service without downloading a separate app.<\/p>\n The AI chatbot enables WeChat users to search documents, create content and engage in immersive conversations without leaving the messenger app. <\/p>\n Yuanbao makes people spend more time on China\u2019s most widely-used app, which already spans social media, messaging, short videos, payments, e-commerce and ride-hailing. <\/p>\n Meta has deployed its AI chatbot across WhatsApp, offering services such as image generation, chat summaries and voice-activated conversations. <\/p>\n Japan\u2019s Line, owned by LY Corp., has rolled out its own AI assistant based on ChatGPT.<\/p>\n Analysts say AI is helping super apps overcome a longstanding weakness: their clutter. By simplifying navigation and making features easier to access, AI agents are boosting engagement and usability.<\/p>\n \n(Graphics by Daeun Lee)\u00a0<\/p>\n TOSS AND COUPANG JOIN THE PUSH <\/p>\n Other Korean platform majors are also jumping into the AI super-app race.<\/p>\n![\"OpenAI's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ked202509180007.700x.0.jpg\")
\nOpenAI’s logo<\/p>\n