Kakao published a report detailing its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance over the past year and its response strategy going forward.

On June 24, Kakao said it published the "2025 Kakao Sustainability Report" and newly launched a dedicated website that provides related information in an integrated way. The report applied global disclosure standards (ISSB) and covered how three key issues — user protection, information security and climate change response — affect companies and society.

In the environmental category, energy efficiency improvements at Kakao Data Center Ansan reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 4,753 tonnes. Kakao introduced a direct solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for the first time and applied it to the data centre. The company-wide volume of renewable energy procured last year was 29,903 MWh, about 2.8 times higher than the previous year. It also completed ISO 14001 environmental management system certification for major sites through its Yongin AI Campus, following its Jeju office, Pangyo Agit and Data Center Ansan.

In the social category, Kakao released the country’s first open-source AI guardrail model, called Kanana Safeguard, to respond to risks from the spread of artificial intelligence (AI). It also teamed up with four science and technology institutes to establish Kakao AI Dot, based on a 50 billion won fund, to foster local AI talent and companies. Cumulative donations on its social contribution platform Kakao Together Value exceeded 100 billion won.

In governance, it further strengthened accountable management. Kakao implemented 14 of 15 core corporate governance indicators, achieving an implementation rate of 93 percent. It also streamlined group governance by reducing the number of affiliates from 147 in May 2023 to 94 as of the end of last year, and it continues to implement its medium- to long-term shareholder return policy.

Based on these results, Kakao received an A grade in the MSCI ESG rating for a third consecutive year and an integrated A grade in the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS) evaluation for a fifth consecutive year. In S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment, it was selected among the top 5 percent in its industry for a third straight year.

Kwon Dae-youl (권대열), head leader of Kakao’s sustainability management, said, "Kakao is increasing both the execution capability of sustainability management and the transparency of information disclosure to keep its promises with stakeholders." He added, "We will continue sustainable growth through disclosures that meet global standards and active communication."