[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Kakao announced on May 22 that it has spun off its Content CIC, which manages the Daum portal, into a new wholly owned subsidiary named “Daum Ready Co., Ltd.” This marks the first time in 11 years—since Kakao’s merger with Daum in 2014—that the portal business has been separated into an independent legal entity. Yang Joo-il, current head of the Content CIC, has been appointed as the CEO of the new subsidiary.
The decision was approved at a board of directors meeting held earlier in the day. Daum had been operating as a company-in-company (CIC) since May 2023 and will now become an independent corporation two years later. As a fully owned subsidiary of Kakao, Daum Ready aims to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness through a dedicated management structure.
The new company will oversee services currently operated by the Content CIC, including Daum Mail, Daum Café, Daum Search, Daum News, and Daum Shopping. These services will be managed on a consignment basis during the transition period, with the business transfer process expected to be completed by the end of the year.
In addition to strengthening its media, community, and short-form content services, the new company will actively explore innovation through experimentation while continuing to seek synergies with Kakao in areas such as AI and digital content.
Daum Ready is also recruiting new talent in areas including planning, development, infrastructure, and security to bolster its capabilities and drive future growth.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
