Acquiring Company
Kakao
Acquired Company
SM Entertainment
South KoreaSeongdong-guinformation technology & servicesMedia And EntertainmentMusicDescription
Kakao Corp. has taken control of K-pop agency SM Entertainment. The acquisition has come under scrutiny due to allegations of stock manipulation by Kakao's founder. Prosecutors are seeking severe penalties for the founder in relation to this takeover. The case has sparked discussions about fair competition in the industry.
Quick answer
Kakao is acquiring SM Entertainment, announced August 29, 2025. Kakao is based in South Korea.
- How much did Kakao pay for SM Entertainment?
- The deal value was not disclosed.
- What does Kakao do?
- Kakao Corp. is a South Korean tech company known for its mobile messaging application KakaoTalk and various digital services including gaming, content, and payment systems.
- Where are Kakao and SM Entertainment based?
- Kakao is based in South Korea. SM Entertainment is based in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- Who are the decision-makers at Kakao?
- Fundz holds 2 contacts at Kakao. Names and contact details are shown to Fundz members.
Source: Fundz verified event record.
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Who to call at Kakao, and when
When Kakao changes hands, the new owners review vendors, systems and leadership. That is when the door opens.
- An alert the day Kakao raises, hires an executive or expands, scored against what you sell
- The decision-makers there, with verified emails
- Who you already know at Kakao, from your own LinkedIn network
Works inside ChatGPT and Claude. Ask who to call at Kakao. With Fundz connected, it knows.
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Fundz sees it the moment Kakao makes an acquisition, hires an exec or expands, usually minutes after it happens, and tells you who to reach.
Related People
Frequently asked
Who acquired SM Entertainment?
SM Entertainment was acquired by Kakao, based in South Korea. The deal was reported on August 29, 2025. Kakao Corp. is a South Korean tech company known for its mobile messaging application KakaoTalk and various digital services including gaming, content, and payment systems. Kakao is privately held and operates in information technology & services.
When did Kakao acquire SM Entertainment?
Kakao's acquisition of SM Entertainment was reported on August 29, 2025. Kakao Corp. has taken control of K-pop agency SM Entertainment. The acquisition has come under scrutiny due to allegations of stock manipulation by Kakao's founder. Prosecutors are seeking severe penalties for the founder in relation to this takeover. Fundz records the date the transaction was first publicly reported, sourced from filings and company announcements.
What does SM Entertainment do?
SM Entertainment is a K-pop powerhouse known for its established acts and breakthrough talent. The company aims to contribute to the global growth of the K-pop industry through its music ventures and artist management. It is privately held, operating in Media And Entertainment, and is based in Seongdong-gu.
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