[2021 National Audit] Kakao Mobility "Considering Abolishing Pro Membership... Preparing Additional Win-Win Measures"

Ryu Geung-seon, CEO of Kakao Mobility

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Ryu Geung-seon, CEO of Kakao Mobility, announced on the 8th that he will review the 'Pro Membership' system, a paid service for taxi drivers, including its abolition. He also said he would submit additional win-win measures within a month.

On the 8th, Ryu appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit and responded to the question from Kim Eun-hye, a member of the People Power Party, asking, "Why not abolish Pro Membership besides Smart Call?" by saying, "We will discuss with the taxi industry and adjust according to the results."

Earlier, as part of the win-win measures, Kakao Mobility reduced the Pro Membership fee, a paid service for taxi drivers, from 99,000 won to 39,000 won per month. Pro Membership is a program that provides priority dispatch benefits.

He added, "We will refrain from indiscriminate expansion and will enter additional businesses only when an agreement is reached after consultation with ecosystem members."

Ryu also said, "Kakao affiliates are discussing win-win measures, and once finalized, we will organize them within a month in accordance with the intentions of Kim Beom-su, Chairman of the Kakao Board, and submit opinions to the Land Committee."

In addition, Ryu said he would establish a system to reflect field opinions by communicating with taxi organizations.

However, he drew a line regarding allegations that calls are being concentrated on Kakao franchise taxis. Ryu emphasized, "The dispatch logic does not distinguish between franchise and non-franchise taxis," and added, "We planned and believe the system operates with that spirit."

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