What is Kaia? Things to know about Kaia Chain

Focusing on user-priority web3 applications and messaging app integration, along with hybrid payment capabilities between fiat and cryptocurrency, Kaia aims to simplify web3 adoption, consolidating its position in Asia and now globally.

This article explores Kaia's unique features, how Mini DApps work on LINE Messenger, and why Kaia is increasingly attracting attention in the global blockchain ecosystem.

• What is Kaia Chain?
• What makes Kaia different in the global L1 context?
• How does Kaia work?
• Mini DApp and DApp ecosystem
• Consumer DeFi on Kaia
• Large potential in stablecoin model
• Kaia ecosystem
• Partnerships and ecosystem
• Is Kaia leading web3 adoption in Asia?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaia Chain?

Kaia is a layer 1 (L1) blockchain network developed to support user-oriented decentralized applications (DApps), particularly through integration with mobile messaging/super apps LINE and KakaoTalk.

Launching in 2024, Kaia emerged from the merger of two long-standing Asian blockchain networks, Klaytn and Finschia. Klaytn and Finschia were developed by two Asian tech giants, Kakao and LINE, making them stand out with blockchain applications for businesses and users.

In early 2024, both organizations proposed merging their primary networks to create Asia's largest web3 network. After the merger was completed in August 2024, Kaia was introduced as the new chain. The newly established Kaia DLT Foundation took over governance responsibilities.

What makes Kaia different in the global L1 context?

Focusing on usability and scalability, Kaia aims to bring blockchain-based services to non-professional and mainstream consumers through a mobile-first approach across Asia and globally. In this regard, Kaia Chain can:

• EVM Compatible
• 1-second block time
• Instant finality
• High throughput
• Technologies, protocols, and tools designed to support advanced account abstraction deployment and use (Advanced Account Abstraction Stack).

Its most prominent feature is Mini DApps in LINE Messenger. This allows users to participate in cryptocurrency services like token swap, gaming, and savings without leaving their mobile phones. This gives Kaia a unique distribution advantage — 196 million LINE users across Japan and Southeast Asia serve as an integrated customer base for web3 services.

Therefore, Kaia is an attractive exemplar of integrating web3 functionality into top Asian super apps with an already large user base. Through the Advanced Account Abstraction Stack, Kaia's DApps provide user-friendly interfaces, ensuring quick, easy, and flexible user experiences within reach.

Kaia also has the capability to deploy comprehensive stablecoin operations through its extensive business network and technical readiness. This allows Kaia to serve global and Asian markets, such as South Korea and Japan, where supportive cryptocurrency legal frameworks are gradually forming, in line with global cryptocurrency market changes, including in the United States.

Kaia currently plans to collaborate with financial technology platforms like KakaoPay, which are integrated payment services in super apps. The goal is to integrate hybrid payment solutions between fiat and cryptocurrency into users' daily mobile or web applications. Thus, Kaia will be well-positioned to lead the promising local stablecoin segment.

How does Kaia work?

The Kaia network uses a Byzantine fault-tolerant mechanism and a layered node architecture designed to ensure scalability and security.

• Core Cell Network (CCN): Includes Core Cells (CC) managing transaction validation, smart contract execution, and new block generation.
• Endpoint Node Network (ENN): Composed of Endpoint Nodes (EN) processing API requests and forwarding data between users, service chains, and the primary network.
• Service Chain Network (SCN): Comprises independent blockchains operated by DApps, connected to Kaia's primary network through Endpoint Nodes to ensure interoperability and scalability.

Thanks to EVM compatibility, developers familiar with Ethereum can easily deploy on Kaia. The network also facilitates cross-chain asset flows through bridges like Orbiter and Stargate, allowing users to transfer their assets between Kaia and other ecosystems.

Mini DApp and DApp ecosystem

Mini DApps are lightweight decentralized applications designed for quick and easy use directly within LINE Messenger. These applications are crucial to Kaia's strategy as they provide centralized access to mobile and user services in web3 such as games, DeFi, digital rewards, and token trading without downloading additional wallets or interfaces.

Popular game titles include games like Elderglade and Bombie, as well as DeFi applications like CapybaraDEX, DragonSwap, decentralized exchanges, and Lair Finance, a liquidity staking protocol.

This success has helped Kaia become the fifth-largest EVM-compatible L1 chain by active wallet count as of July. Their top three Mini DApps achieved an average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) of $2,353 (15,719 KAIA), demonstrating strong monetization potential alongside user interaction.

This model reflects an approach that combines web2 usability and web3 functionality. It minimizes difficulties for new users and provides a familiar interface.

"LINE's Mini DApps include various categories and productivity types. DApps that ordinary users can easily access will increasingly meet diverse user needs. This is how Kaia provides user-centric Web3 services, helping users avoid the complexity of logging into a typical DApp," said Dr. Sam Seo, President of Kaia DLT Foundation.

Consumer DeFi on Kaia

Kaia's Consumer DeFi strategy focuses on providing financial products through familiar mobile interfaces. These services are integrated into messaging applications and aim to simplify cryptocurrency-related interactions. The main services include:

• Digital wallet and savings accounts supporting Kaia's native USDT
• Decentralized exchanges on-chain and DeFi protocols
• Staking solutions allowing users to earn profits from holding KAIA or other supported assets

Users can interact with these services by using Kaia's Mini DApps or the Mini DApp Wallet system provided by Kaia, which can be accessed in LINE Messenger. For example, users can earn cryptocurrency by playing games and deposit money into interest-bearing savings accounts without leaving the application.

Additional financial infrastructure layers include an AI-driven strategy manager and a fiat gateway for local currencies.

Large Potential in Stablecoin Model

In May 2025, Tether introduced native USDT on Kaia Chain. As a result, Kaia users can now make payments and will soon be able to transfer cross-border using stablecoins directly from their chat interface or on/off ramps like Slash Payment (https://vpc.slash.fi/).

"Starting with the partnership with Tether, we are collaborating with our key partners to ensure expanded stablecoin projects, such as KRW or JPY-backed stablecoins and hybrid crypto-based payment solutions on Kaia Chain, after legal frameworks become clear in these countries," Dr. Sam Seo added.

Kaia's goal is to provide hybrid payment options, familiar-format earning opportunities, and cross-border money transfer services, serving users facing low domestic interest rates, limited access to USD savings products, and expensive currency conversion transactions.

Through these stablecoin services, Kaia strives to meet the growing demand for accessible and transparent financial tools in various regions worldwide.

Kaia Ecosystem

Kaia prioritizes mobile accessibility and usability. Kaia's core services are provided through the Kaia Wallet, integrated into LINE Messenger and serving as a gateway to all Mini DApps. Your existing OKX and Bitget wallets will help you access the DApp Portal in just half a minute after registration, with a web version of the DApp Portal supporting instant Google account login. The wallet allows users to:

• Store
• Send
• Receive
• Interact with DApps and receive rewards

The DApp Portal in LINE Messenger is the primary directory for exploring over 87 Mini DApps built on Kaia. These applications include games, savings tools, and other services that can be accessed with just a few taps. Unlike most blockchain platforms, Kaia eliminates the need for browser extensions or separate wallet applications.

In terms of trading and liquidity, KAIA is listed on most major exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, Bitget, Gate.io, Bitfinex, and Bithumb. USDT issued on Kaia is also supported on various platforms, including CEX, on-chain wallets, and DeFi protocols.

Developers can use SDK, smart contract libraries, and tools like Kaia Agent Kit to build applications suitable for a mobile-first environment. This integrated approach helps position Kaia as a solution for mobile web3 participation.

Partnerships and Ecosystem

Kaia's expansion strategy includes forming partnerships across infrastructure layers, custody, exchanges, and applications.

One of Kaia's most notable partnerships is collaboration with Tether. Custody service provider Fireblocks supports safe asset management for organizations building on Kaia, while exchanges like KuCoin and MEXC provide listing support for ecosystem tokens, including tokens from Mini DApp TGEs.

Republic's enterprise incubator supports tokenomics and project acceleration, providing consulting services for developers.

Beyond partnerships, Kaia has introduced programs like Kaia Wave and Kaito Yapper Leaderboard to encourage user content and developer activity. The fund has also organized developer camps and launched analysis tools to improve ecosystem visibility.

Developer and builder support is structured across four programs:

➤ Ignite on Kaia (IOK): supports early-stage builders with onboarding and GTM support

➤ Kaia Wave: facilitates builder Mini DApp onboarding and drives user adoption through ecosystem awareness activities, in collaboration with LINE NEXT.

These efforts have been supported by a recent funding round led by 1kx and Blockchain Capital, with participation from Galaxy Digital and other companies.

"Supported by leading tech companies like LINE, Kakao, and Tether, as well as top global partners like Blockchain Capital, 1kx, and Spartan Group, Kaia's ecosystem demonstrates unprecedented growth and innovation potential. [...] Since all Ethereum developer tools work seamlessly with Kaia as an EVM chain with full EVM compatibility, you can leverage familiar workflows as if navigating a new ecosystem," said Dr. Sam Seo.

Is Kaia Leading Web3 Adoption in Asia?

Kaia presents a unique model for web3 development in Asia and beyond by leveraging existing digital infrastructure and mobile platforms to provide blockchain services. Focusing on integrating Web3 super applications like Mini DApp, financial solutions and payment methods bridging fiat and cryptocurrency, along with in-app user experience, represents a significant shift from traditional cryptocurrency approaches.

This platform also provides one of the most developed examples of widespread web3 integration. Its approach could serve as a model for other regions seeking to promote adoption through embedded, user-friendly blockchain applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaia Blockchain?

Kaia is a layer 1 blockchain created from the merger of Kakao's Klaytn and LINE's Finschia, focusing on consumer-oriented Web3 services across Asia.

What are Mini DApps on Kaia?

Mini DApps are lightweight decentralized applications optimized for mobile devices, embedded in messaging platforms like LINE, including games, finance, etc.

How is Kaia Different from Other Blockchains?

Kaia focuses on messaging application integration, mobile-first UX, and real-world asset DeFi, targeting non-cryptocurrency users in Asia. Additionally, Kaia's fintech integration will ensure a robust hybrid payment ecosystem between stablecoin and crypto/fiat currencies in Asia and globally, leveraging its strong business network.

Where Can I Buy or Use KAIA?

KAIA is listed on exchanges like Bitfinex, KuCoin, and Bybit. Users can also earn and spend KAIA in Mini DApps through LINE's DApp Portal.