Kakao Union Announces Second Strike for June 29

Kakao's union initiated its first-ever partial strike on June 10, 2026, in Seongnam, South Korea, with members demanding higher performance-based bonuses. The strike, involving around 1,500 unionists from Kakao's headquarters and subsidiaries like Kakao Pay and Kakao Enterprise, took place at Pangyo Station Square. Union members held signs and chanted slogans calling for employment stability and the resignation of "irresponsible management."

The core of the labor dispute centers on the criteria for performance-based pay. The union is demanding approximately 10 million won (around 13-14% of last year's operating profit) and wants restricted stock units (RSUs) excluded from performance calculations. Management, however, maintains that accepting the union's demands would increase financial burdens and has proposed alternative reward packages that include RSUs.

“

Achieve employment stability! Resign, irresponsible management!

Despite the strike, the impact on Kakao's core services, such as KakaoTalk and Kakao Pay, is expected to be limited. The IT industry's reliance on essential personnel and automated systems mitigates the disruption. Kakao has stated its commitment to maintaining service stability during the labor action. The union has already announced a second phase of industrial action, a "log-off" strike where employees will not work on June 29.

“

Let's win the Kakao strike and achieve joint bargaining!