Kakao Says KakaoTalk Rollback Impossible, Users Dispute Claim

A truth game has erupted between KakaoTalk users and Kakao over the possibility of a rollback after Kakao Vice President Woo Young-kyu testi...

A truth game has erupted between KakaoTalk users and Kakao over the possibility of a rollback after Kakao Vice President Woo Young-kyu testified during a national audit that “it is technically impossible to roll back KakaoTalk, reverting it to a previous version.” Kakao maintains that while reverting the entire app to an older version is impossible, it plans to restore the “friend list” to the “Friends” tab through a new update in the fourth quarter of this year. However, users accuse Kakao of lying, arguing that a rollback is feasible and criticizing the company for backtracking on its promises.

◇ Kakao vs. Users: Clash Over Rollback Feasibility

Kakao overhauled KakaoTalk on the 23rd of last month, redesigning the “Friends” tab to resemble Instagram and adding features like message editing, chat folder organization, and short-form content. Facing backlash over the tab change, Kakao announced just six days later, on the 29th of last month, that it would restore the friend list to the tab by the fourth quarter.

The controversy reignited on the 14th when Woo stated during the audit, “A full technical rollback is difficult, but we are reviewing ways to improve user satisfaction.” Users responded with criticism, posting online that “Kakao lied” and “they promised a rollback but reversed their stance.”

Kakao insists it never officially promised a rollback. A spokesperson clarified, “We announced plans to restore the friend list to the tab after user complaints, not a full rollback. We are preparing a fourth-quarter update that will let users choose between the friend list or the Instagram-style layout.” The spokesperson added, “If ‘rollback’ refers only to restoring the friend list, it could be seen as such, but the app version itself cannot revert.”

Users, however, suspect Kakao is using the Instagram-style design to boost ad revenue. One user claimed, “I’m using the old version without automatic updates and have no issues,” implying Kakao lacks willingness to roll back. Another criticized, “Users want the old features restored, but Kakao is muddying the debate with talk of ‘version 2.0’ or ‘1.0.’” Internal criticism reportedly surfaced, with employees questioning, “How can a rollback be impossible?” and “They’re making developers look foolish.”

◇ IT Industry: “A Functional Rollback Is Possible”

The IT industry argues that a rollback is achievable by releasing a new version identical to the old one. An industry insider explained, “Services regularly add or remove features. Similarly, Kakao could delete the new features and release an updated version matching the old design—a functional rollback.”

Kakao, however, stated that since some users already use the Instagram-style features, reverting entirely would be impossible. Thus, it opted to restore the friend list while allowing users to choose between the two layouts. This approach aligns with its “Big Bang Project” vision for KakaoTalk’s overhaul.

Critics also fault Kakao’s messaging. An internet industry insider noted, “If Woo had clarified that a functional rollback—restoring the friend list—was possible instead of discussing versions, the controversy might not have escalated.” They added, “Hong Min-taek, the Chief Product Officer who led the redesign, should directly address user concerns about the rollback timeline and clarify misunderstandings.”