[Full Text] Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su "I Will Donate More Than Half of My Wealth"

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Kim Beom-su, chairman of the Kakao board, announced on the 8th his intention to donate half of his wealth.

In a message sent to Kakao employees that day, Chairman Kim said, "I have made a commitment to donate more than half of my wealth to solving social problems during my lifetime."

He explained the background, saying, "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary, I have been deeply considering becoming a key player in solving social issues. Witnessing how social problems are intensifying in various ways during these turbulent times, I felt I could no longer delay this decision."

He added, "Although I am just beginning to consider the specifics of how to use it, I plan to find and support people working to solve social problems in areas that Kakao has difficulty accessing."

Currently, Chairman Kim holds a 13.74% stake in Kakao. The value of his shares is about 10 trillion won, so even calculating half of his stock wealth amounts to 5 trillion won.

▶Below is the full message from Chairman Kim

Hello Crew members, this is Brian.

I feel both burdened and honored to send the first content through the newly created crew-exclusive communication channel.

The past year was more challenging and transformative than expected due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I thank all the crew members who have led meaningful growth even during these times.

With the strengthening of non-face-to-face interactions in all areas and rapid technological advancements overlapping, the world has quickly entered realms never experienced before. This wave of change, which may only be the beginning, makes me both fearful and hopeful about where it will lead the world.

In this time of increasing uncertainty, how should we challenge ourselves without settling for what we have already achieved? As always, I firmly believe that the community leaders and crew members will find the answers together.

Since proposing to become a key player in solving social problems on the 10th anniversary last March, I have been deeply contemplating what to do. Witnessing how social problems are intensifying in various ways during these turbulent times, I felt I could no longer delay this decision, and I have committed to donating more than half of my wealth to solving social problems during my lifetime. We are also working on an appropriate donation pledge to make this commitment official.

Although I am just beginning to consider the specifics of how to use it, I plan to find and support people working to solve social problems in areas that Kakao has difficulty accessing. I will continuously share detailed plans with the crew, gather ideas, and open opportunities.

As more problems arise that cannot be solved by traditional methods, I believe we must come together to pool our wisdom. We plan to hold a crew meeting soon for deeper communication, and I hope to have many discussions then.

Once again, I support the passion and challenges of all crew members and sincerely thank you.

Happy New Year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.