[DigitalToday reporter Hojeong Lee] Kakao will roll out next month its first integrated membership that bundles several services into one, including emoticons, Melon, Pay and Securities.

Kakao Membership will start in a soft launch format on Oct. 1. At the initial stage, it will limit the number of sign-ups to stabilise the service and accept users on a first-come basis, before gradually expanding eligibility.

Kakao said it will accept applications for launch notifications from Sept. 21 for users who want to join the soft launch. Users who add the Kakao Membership KakaoTalk channel as a friend can receive a sign-up link on the release date.

The membership links major Kakao services including emoticons, Talk Cloud, Gift, Melon, Kakao Pay and Kakao Pay Securities. Kakao also plans to provide new benefits such as welcome perks for new members and additional points accrual for Gift, alongside existing paid services.

It will disclose the detailed benefit package and sign-up method on Oct. 1, when the soft launch begins.

Users can apply for launch notifications through the Kakao Now banner in the More tab on KakaoTalk. It also supports adding the Kakao Membership channel directly by searching for it in KakaoTalk's friend search.

Kakao aims to connect benefits previously offered separately into a single membership through the service.

Minkyu Kim (김민규), a performance leader at Kakao, said the service is meant to go beyond simply bundling multiple benefits by enabling users to enjoy a more convenient and integrated benefits experience within a single membership. He said Kakao also plans to offer benefits that can be experienced only through Kakao Membership.