1. What does it mean?
Short for 케이스 바이 케이스, from 'case by case,' 케바케 says that different circumstances may produce different answers. It pushes back against treating every situation as the same.
Also written or said as 케이스 바이 케이스, kebake
2. The nuance
Compare 사바사, which focuses on differences between people. 케바케 can cover the task, place, timing, or other conditions as well. If someone needs a decision, naming the relevant condition is more useful than leaving the answer at 'it depends.'
3. Examples
“예약 없이 들어갈 수 있는지는 가게마다 케바케야.”
Whether you can walk in without a reservation depends on the place.
“재택근무가 편한지는 맡은 업무에 따라 케바케지.”
Whether remote work is easier depends on the kind of work you do.
Sources
KoreanClass101: Korean language lessons
References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.