Kakao Resumes Wage Negotiations Ahead of Planned Strike on June 29

By Shin Hye An Posted : June 18, 2026, 03:28 Updated : June 18, 2026, 03:28
Kakao union members hold a strike rally at Pangyo Station in Seongnam on June 10. [Photo by Baek Seo-hyun]


Kakao and its labor union have resumed wage negotiations as the company faces a planned strike on June 29. The resumption of talks has raised hopes for a resolution before the upcoming strike.

According to the IT industry on June 17, Kakao and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' Kakao branch have restarted negotiations. Meanwhile, four other subsidiaries participating in the strike are coordinating their negotiation schedules. The Kakao union currently represents five entities, including Kakao Pay, Kakao Entertainment, DK Tech, and XL Games, all of which have secured the right to strike.

Kakao experienced its first strike since its founding on June 10, with another strike planned for June 29. The resumption of negotiations between the main office and the union has led to speculation about a potential agreement before the next strike.

The Kakao union is demanding measures to address job security amid subsidiary sales, spin-offs, and restructuring, as well as the establishment of a joint negotiation system. They are also requesting a performance bonus of approximately 10 million won, which represents about 13-14% of the company's operating profit, along with an additional 5 million won in restricted stock units (RSUs). However, Kakao has indicated that it may be difficult to meet all of the union's demands given the current business environment.

A Kakao representative stated, "Since the strike, both parties have been in continuous dialogue, and negotiations are currently being conducted in good faith."





* This article has been translated by AI.

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