Representatives from Daum Kakao say the rumor that it is going to relocate its corporate headquarters to the mainland is just that ? a rumor. Joseph Kim tells us more.




Report

Kakao Corporation is the very first major enterprise which relocated to Jeju from the capital area.

The islanders expected this move to significantly contribute to the local economy.

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Rumor that Kakao would relocate after merger with Daum

However, there have been speculations surrounding a possible relocation of the company to Seoul after it merged with Daum.

This rumor is casting a chill on the situation, along with a series of bankruptcies of other relocated companies, like Monuel and On Corporation.


Employee / Jeju Science Park firm
Some people said Kakao headquarters would relocate to Pangyo after its merger with Daum. They said nothing is going on here, and the office in Pangyo is serving as the real headquarters now.
<인터뷰 : 첨단과학기술단 입주기업 관계자>
"합병되면서 판교로 옮긴다, 실질적인 본사 역할은판교에서 하고 여기는 형식적인 본사라고..."

Meanwhile, Kakao dismissed the rumor.


Lee Jae-seung / Manager, Kakao Communication Team
Some employees in Pangyo have come to Jeju and vice versa, and I think that’s where this rumor came from. It’s not true, though. We’ve never discussed moving.
<인터뷰 : 이재승/카카오 커뮤니케이션팀 매니저>
"판교 오피스에 있는 직원들이 제주로 내려오기도 하고 제주에근무하는 직원들이 판교로 올라가서 근무하면서 소문들이 난게아닌가 싶고요.
카카오가 본사를 이전한다는 것은 사실무근입니다.회사에서도 본사 이전에 대해 논의한 적이 없습니다."

He also announced that the company has plans to develop a new project in Jeju as well as to come up with regional programs.


Lee Jae-seung / Manager, Kakao Communication Team
We are now working with the JDC on a new project. We are also preparing for an international artificial intelligence event this summer. And we are working on ways to help the local economy, too, such as a development program for local IT talent.
<인터뷰 : 이재승/카카오 커뮤니케이션팀 매니저>
"새로운 사업을 진행하기 위해 제주도와 JDC와 협업을 하고 있고 올 여름에는 인공지능과 관련된 국제행사를 진행하고 있습니다.외적으로는 지역사회공헌이나 지역 IT인재 육성 프로그램을다양하게 진행할 계획입니다."

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

However, the Pangyo office is driving major projects, establishing a mobile platform, along with its main jobs including search and media works. So, it remains to be seen if the corporation will keep its word.

Joseph Kim, KCTV