Kakao founder pledges to donate more than half of assets
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- The founder of South Korea's top mobile messenger operator Kakao Corp. said Monday that he will donate more than half of his wealth -- currently estimated to be more than 10 trillion won (US$8.9 billion).
"I have pledged to donate more than half of my assets to solve social issues throughout my life," Kim Beom-su said in a message sent to all of Kakao's employees.
His assets are estimated to be over 10 trillion won, including 12.5 million shares of Kakao, valued at over 5.7 trillion won.
Kim plans to announce the official pledge, adding that details of the donation are currently under discussion.
"I aim to solve social issues and help people that Kakao has difficulty in approaching," the entrepreneur said.
Kim is the founder and chairman of Kakao, which is the country's biggest messaging application installed on more than 90 percent of the country's smartphones. He is also a co-founder of NHN Entertainment, the former gaming subsidiary of search giant Naver Corp.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
'Dynamite' becomes 3rd BTS video to top 1 bln views
-
BTS enters Billboard Hot 100 with new Japanese single
-
S. Korea, U.S. authorities assess N.K. has completed building new 3,000-ton submarine: sources
-
'Fake Love' becomes 4th BTS video to top 900 mln views
-
BTS to stream concerts in weekend Bang Bang Con event
-
(Yonhap Feature) How young voters, once solid supporters of liberal causes, turned against Moon's party in by-elections
-
From Rose to Baekhyun, K-pop group idols also shine as solo acts
-
Moon takes election rout as 'reprimand' from the public, Cheong Wa Dae says
-
Boy band TXT to perform on Ellen DeGeneres show in latest global push
-
BTS to stream concerts in weekend Bang Bang Con event
-
Sex doll experience cafe condemned by residents in Yongin
-
(LEAD) New virus cases back over 700 as fourth wave of pandemic looms
-
(3rd LD) S. Korea expresses 'strong regret' over Japan's decision to release water from Fukushima
-
New Marine Corps commandant takes office
-
N. Korea could have up to 242 nuclear weapons by 2027: report