"This Is Why Young People Don't Use KakaoTalk Anymore"... 15-Year Overhaul Sparks Outrage

KakaoTalk has undergone a major overhaul for the first time in 15 years.

However, dissatisfaction is growing over the changes in appearance rather than the convenience features.

Users say "The essence of a messenger is gone"

Comments about KakaoTalk on the Google Play Store where the KakaoTalk application can be downloaded. Google Play Store

Immediately after the update, complaints flooded online communities and social media.

The biggest complaint is about the changes to the friends list feature.

Previously, names and profiles were organized in a list for easy access,

but now it has changed to a feed format, which many find inconvenient.

Additionally, as profile updates fill the screen,

some users have expressed fatigue, saying, "I just wanted to chat, but now there is too much unnecessary information."

"Too many ads, now feels like an SNS"

KakaoTalk with Newly Updated Features. KakaoTalk Homepage

There are also complaints about the excessive number of ads.

Some users said, "After the update, I want to delete the app,"

"Why are they copying Instagram?" expressing their frustration.

Regarding the UI, which now centers around photos and posts like a social network,

many responded, "KakaoTalk is no longer a messenger but has become another social network."

There are also concerns that private photos could be exposed to people they don't know well.

Even sharing how to turn off auto-updates

Search results for the keyword 'KakaoTalk' on Google Trends. Google Trends capture

Efforts to avoid inconvenience are spreading rapidly.

For Galaxy users: Go to Google Play Store → KakaoTalk → three-dot menu → turn off 'Enable auto-update'

For iPhone users: Go to Settings → App Store → under Automatic Downloads, turn off 'App Updates'

Kakao: Evolving into a window of possibilities

'If Kakao' conference held at Kakao AI Campus. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kakao emphasizes that this is not just a design change but a strategic transformation.

New features include the ability to edit messages within 24 hours and an AI-based summary for voice calls,

and the 'Now' tab allows users to enjoy short-form videos and open chats.

Shin Seongah, CEO of Kakao, stated, "Saying 'message me on KakaoTalk' will no longer simply mean sending a message,

but will come to mean experiencing something new through AI."

Expectations and concerns about the changes

Kakao describes this as an 'evolution in line with changing times,'

but users still feel confused.

There are concerns that KakaoTalk, long known as the 'national messenger,' is losing its appeal rooted in simplicity.

Going forward, the key issue will be how Kakao strikes a balance between the essence of a messenger and new features.

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