Naver and Kakao are expected to post record first-quarter results, driven by commerce and advertising. Naver’s revenue is forecast to rise 12.8 percent to 3.14 trillion won, with operating profit up 11 percent to 560.9 billion won, led by strong commerce growth. Kakao is expected to report revenue of 2.01 trillion won and operating profit of 179.5 billion won, up 70.3 percent, on KakaoTalk ad growth and efficiency moves.

Kakao said shareholders approved the reappointment of CEO Jeong Shina as an inside director at its annual meeting on March 26, extending her term to March 2028. The company said it will shift its management focus toward artificial intelligence and KakaoTalk-led growth and expand AI agent services. Kakao also plans to reduce 100 billion won in share premium capital, raise total dividends by 10 percent from a year earlier, and cancel more than half of its treasury shares.