Kakao, a prominent South Korean technology conglomerate, is augmenting its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by launching a new dedicated operation named ‘Kanana’. The AI division is split into two core teams to amplify synergistic effects within the company. Kanana Alpha focuses on the development of AI models while Kanana X is centered on integrating AI services.
Kim Byunghak, Co-CEO of Kakao Brain, has taken on a dual role as the ‘Function Owner’ (FO), steering Kanana Alpha. Kim’s responsibilities expanded within Kakao after the transfer of major AI models and talent from Kakao Brain to Kakao. He is set to concentrate his efforts on the development of AI technologies, among which the completion of the advanced AI language model named ‘Ko-GPT’ is included, alongside a text-based image generation model ‘Karlo’, and several streamlined language models.
Concurrently, Lee Sang-ho, the former Chief AI Officer (CAIO) at Kakao, now leads Kanana X as the ‘Product Owner’ (PO), focusing on the task of marrying AI models with Kakao platforms such as KakaoTalk. The original CAIO position has since been dissolved.
The overarching strategy is to accelerate the realization of user-friendly AI services by maximizing synergy between AI model development and service integration. This initiative aligns with Kakao’s commitment to concentrate on user-centric AI services, as announced by CEO Jeong Jin-ah to the shareholders last month.
In addition, Kakao has been transitioning into an FO and PO structure, with substantial appointments including Jong-Wook Jung as the Responsible Management FO and Jong-Hwan Shin as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), signifying the company’s commitment to a focused and efficient operational approach.
Most Important Questions and Answers:
What is the purpose of Kakao’s new AI division, Kanana?
The purpose of Kanana, Kakao’s new AI division, is to bolster the company’s AI capabilities. It is designed to strengthen the development of AI models through Kanana Alpha and to integrate AI services into Kakao’s platforms via Kanana X. This is in line with Kakao’s strategy to focus on user-centric AI services.
Who are leading the two core teams of Kanana?
Kim Byunghak, Co-CEO of Kakao Brain, is leading Kanana Alpha as the Function Owner (FO), focusing on the development of AI technologies such as the advanced AI language model ‘Ko-GPT’. Lee Sang-ho, the former Chief AI Officer at Kakao, is now the Product Owner (PO) of Kanana X, responsible for incorporating AI models into Kakao’s services.
What are some of the AI models mentioned being developed by Kakao?
Kakao is developing several AI models including the advanced language model ‘Ko-GPT’, the text-based image generation model ‘Karlo’, and several other streamlined language models.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
– Integration of AI: Successfully marrying AI models with existing platforms can be challenging. These integrations must be seamless to ensure user satisfaction and to maintain the functionality and performance of Kakao’s services.
– Talent Retention and Transfer: Transferring major AI models and talent from Kakao Brain to Kakao could present challenges in maintaining team cohesion and motivation, which are critical for innovation and productivity.
– Competitive Market: The AI space is fiercely competitive, with many global players investing heavily in AI. Kakao must continually innovate to stay ahead.
Advantages:
– Enhancing AI capabilities may lead to more sophisticated and tailored user experiences.
– AI can automate and optimize various processes within Kakao’s platforms, potentially leading to cost savings and efficiency gains.
– By focusing on a user-centric approach, Kakao is likely to increase user engagement and loyalty.
Disadvantages:
– Investment in AI can be costly, and there’s always a risk that projects may not yield the expected benefits.
– A focus on AI might divert attention and resources from other important areas within the company.
– There could be potential privacy and ethical concerns with the deployment of advanced AI models that Kakao would need to manage.
For more information on Kakao and its initiatives, you can visit the main Kakao website: Kakao Corp. Please ensure that clicking the link complies with your current internet usage policies and is relevant to your interests.
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net