[FETV=김윤섭 기자] Kakao, which has been caught up in the controversy over infringement of alley commercial rights, is said to be considering withdrawing from the hair shop business following the flower, snack, and salad delivery business.
According to the National Assembly and the industry on the 4th, it is known that Kakao is delivering to lawmakers a plan to withdraw from controversial businesses in additional alleyways, such as the hair salon reservation service ‘Kakao Hair Shop’. The screen golf course ‘Kakao Golf’ is also mentioned, but in the case of the screen golf business, it is difficult to make a decision to withdraw from the business because it has to go through consultations with about 1,200 franchisees, and related damage is expected.
Kakao Hair Shop, which currently has a market share of about 70%, is cited as the most likely business with the possibility of withdrawal. Kakao Hair Shop is a service operated by Wyatt, in which Kakao Investment, an investment subsidiary of Kakao, owns about 24.52%, and it is reported that it is easier to make a decision to withdraw than Kakao Golf. In addition, as the hair salon has a high market share and is selected as a representative alley infringement business, it is analyzed that it is necessary to withdraw the hair shop first in order to alleviate the burden from the standpoint of Kakao.
Regarding the withdrawal of the hair shop and screen golf business, Kakao said, “After announcing that it was considering the reorganization and withdrawal of affiliates in the middle of last month for the controversial business in the alley commercial area, we are discussing these businesses internally. We will continue to look for ways to coexist with small and medium-sized businesses and partners without entering the market any more,” he said.
Kakao has been attacked by politicians for its hair salons, screen golf business, and Kakao Mobility’s flower and snack delivery business. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Yong-joo pointed out at a platform unfair trade discussion on the 7th of last month, “Kakao is expanding its octopus business by digging into gaps in alleyways with huge capital.” We should not follow the image of large corporations in the past, which only pursued profit.”
Accordingly, on the 14th of last month, Kakao announced a business plan and a win-win plan to withdraw the controversial business in the alley business area and reorganize the future business direction centered on the innovative business.
First of all, Kakao decided to △ withdraw controversial businesses in the alley business area and reorganize it to focus on innovation projects and △ create a fund of 300 billion won to expand partner support over the next five years. In addition, it was decided to strengthen social responsibility by focusing on social value creation of K Cube Holdings, a holding company in which Chairman Kim Bum-soo owns a 100% stake.
Specifically, Kakao develops its business centered on areas that can add IT innovation and the welfare of users, and reviews businesses that do not match, such as the controversial business in the alleyway, by reorganizing and withdrawing affiliates.
In addition, in order to continue sustainable growth with partners such as platform workers and small business owners, it is planning to raise 300 billion won in a mutual growth fund at the community level for five years.
Kakao and its major affiliates are planning to prepare and implement specific measures for the agreement as soon as possible.
K Cube Holdings, in which Chairman Kim Bum-soo owns 100% of the shares, will be transformed into a company that focuses on creating social values such as future education and human resource development. K Cube Holdings is currently serving as Kakao’s ‘second largest shareholder’ (10.59% stake) and a ‘holding company’.
Kakao Board Chairman Kim Beom-soo said, “The recent criticism is a powerful alarm that is ringing in society. It is a time for Kakao and all affiliates to boldly abandon the growth method they have pursued for the past 10 years and make a fundamental change for socially responsible growth.” .
He emphasized, “In line with the essence of a better world created by technology and people, we must establish a model for Kakao and its partners to grow together.”
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