KOREA WHO

Profile

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  • CEO of Shift Up

    Kim Hyung-tae

    Kim Hyung-tae is the CEO of Shift Up, one of South Korea's top four game companies. He is actively expanding the company's game portfolio. Born on February 7, 1978, Kim initially studied in the Visual Communication Design Department at Chung-Ang University’s College of Arts but eventually dropped out due to an extended leave. In 1997, he began his career as a professional illustrator at game company Mantra, serving as an industrial technical agent. He later worked at Softmax before moving to NCSoft in 2005, where he served as Art Director (AD) and oversaw the overall design for the MMORPG "Blade & Soul," up to its "Silverfrost Mountains" season. Kim is known for his distinctive art style, characterized by exaggerated depictions of certain human features. In 2013, he founded Shift Up. The company entered the gaming business in earnest with the 2016 release of "Destiny Child," a subculture game (styled after Japanese anime) co-developed with Line Games. In 2022, Shift Up launched the subculture game "Goddess of Victory: Nikke," followed by the action-adventure game "Stellar Blade" in 2024. Kim is currently focused on the development of the upcoming game "Project Witches" and expanding the service areas and platforms for existing titles. #KimHyungtae #ShiftUp #GameIndustry #VisualCommunicationDesign #BladeAndSoul #DestinyChild #GoddessOfVictoryNikke #StellarBlade #ProjectWitches #GameDevelopment #ArtDirection

    NEWS

    • • From ‘Too Sexy’ Illustrator to Global Game Disruptor: How Kim Hyung-tae and Shift Up Shook the Industry
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  • CEO of Nexon

    Lee Jung-hun

    Lee Jung-hun is the CEO of Nexon. Nexon is headquartered in Japan and serves as the parent company of the Nexon Group. It oversees Nexon Korea as a subsidiary. The company is focusing on expanding its existing games to overseas markets and launching new titles by utilizing new intellectual property (IP) to maintain its growth trajectory. Following the passing of Kim Jung-ju, the founder of Nexon and CEO of NXC, Lee has been concentrating on stabilizing the organization. Lee was born on March 12, 1979. He began his career at Nexon Korea as a game planning associate and later held various positions, including Head of Neople Control Center, Head of FIFA Division at Nexon Korea, and Vice President. He was eventually appointed as CEO of Nexon Korea and, by the end of 2023, was designated as the CEO of Nexon's Japanese headquarters. Lee demonstrated his expertise in marketing through the use of game IPs and played a pivotal role in the successful launch of *FIFA Online 3*, helping it gain popularity in the domestic PC café market. As a rare non-developer to become a CEO in the gaming industry, Lee has garnered attention for both his management capabilities and performance. He has been a gaming enthusiast since his high school years, particularly enjoying Nexon games, and values diversity in game development. #LeeJungHun #Nexon #NexonKorea #gamingindustry #FIFAOnline3 #NXC #Neople #gameIP #gamingCEO #PCcafe

    NEWS

    • • Lee Jung-hun’s Focus on Nexon’s ‘Vertical Expansion’: Why Kazan’s Success Matters
    • • Nexon Partners with Tencent to Target China, Lee Jung-hun Seeks to Overcome Domestic Slump
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  • Chairman of the Board at Bionote

    Cho Young-shik

    Cho Young-shik is the Chairman of the Board at SD Biosensor. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board at Bionote, the largest shareholder of SD Biosensor. In the post-COVID-19 era, he is seeking new growth engines by diversifying diagnostic test items and pursuing corporate mergers and acquisitions. He was born on June 30, 1961, in Gyeonggi-do. He graduated from Yushin High School in Suwon, Gyeonggi, and earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Seoul National University. He obtained both his master’s and doctoral degrees in biochemistry from the graduate school of Seoul National University. He joined Green Cross, where he worked in the development and marketing of diagnostic reagents, then moved to Viromed. In 1999, he founded SD (now Abbott Diagnostics Korea), a company specializing in human diagnostic reagents. In 2003, he founded Bionote, specializing in veterinary diagnostic products. After SD was sold to a foreign company and SD Biosensor, the diagnostic equipment division, was spun off, he secured management control. During the COVID-19 outbreak, he expanded sales in the diagnostic product market, boosting revenue to over KRW 1 trillion (US$ 721 million). He considers technology to be the driving force behind business growth and competition. His management principle is to enter markets one step ahead of others. He believes in the philosophy that “staying still leads to failure,” emphasizing constant change for survival. #ChoYoungshik #SDBiosensor #Bionote #KoreanBiotech #DiagnosticReagents #COVID19Testing #MergersAndAcquisitions #VeterinaryDiagnostics #CorporateLeadership #BiotechInnovation

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  • CEO of SPC Samlip

    Kim Bum-soo

    Kim Bum-soo is the Vice President and Co-CEO of SPC Samlip. He was born on July 4, 1970. He graduated from the Department of French Language and Literature at Sogang University and earned a master’s degree in marketing from the Graduate School of Business at Seoul National University. He joined SK Telecom in 1997 and worked there for about 20 years. In 2016, he moved to SPC Group and held various positions, including Head of Happy Lab in the Marketing Strategy Office, Head of the Marketing Division at SPC Samlip, Head of the Food Business Division, Head of the Food BU, and Head of the Future Strategy BU. At the end of 2024, he was appointed as Co-CEO of SPC Samlip, taking charge of business operations and internal management. He has faced intense public criticism following a worker fatality incident at SPC Samlip. He is now in a position where he must focus all efforts on handling the aftermath, preventing recurrence, and restoring the company’s image. #KimBumsoo #SPCSamlip #SPCGroup #CoCEO #BusinessLeadership #CorporateManagement #LaborAccident #CrisisManagement #FoodIndustry #KoreanExecutives

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  • CEO of Hancom

    Kim Yeon-su

    Kim Yeon-su is the CEO and President of Hancom. He is a second-generation owner; his father is Kim Sang-cheol, Chairman of Hancom. He is focused on transforming Hancom into a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven enterprise. He is pursuing a growth strategy that expands the company’s business scope through aggressive mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and partnerships. He was born on March 23, 1983. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Boston University in the United States, completed an MBA program at Babson College Graduate School of Business, and earned a master’s degree in Finance from Boston College Graduate School. He previously worked at semiconductor manufacturer Wizit and SoftForum (now HancomWITH), before joining Hancom in 2012 as Director. He has held positions such as Head of Overseas Business, Head of Strategy at Hancom Group, and Head of Growth Strategy Division at Hancom Group. Since 2021, he has served as Co-CEO of Hancom alongside Chief Operating Officer Byun Sung-joon, overseeing the group's future strategy. #KimYeonsu #Hancom #HancomGroup #SaaS #AI #CloudBusiness #BusinessTransformation #SecondGenerationOwner #MergersAndAcquisitions #KoreanTechLeadership

    NEWS

    • • Hancom Accelerates AI Monetization, Kim Yeon-su Sets Sights on First KRW 200 Billion Software Milestone
    • • Hancom Kicks Off AI Solution Monetization, Kim Yeon-su Bets on Korean AI in Japan and Europe
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  • Chairman of Dunamu

    Song Chi-hyung

    Song Chi-hyung is the chairman of Dunamu Inc. He also serves as the chairman of Dunamu's board. Through the fintech specialized company Dunamu, he operates the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, focusing on fostering the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem, as well as ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management. He was born in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, in September 1979. He graduated from Chungnam Science High School and majored in Computer Science and Economics at Seoul National University. After working in the military service exemption at Danal and a consulting company Innomove, he founded Dunamu. He led the operation of the mobile-based securities trading platform 'Securities Plus for Kakao,' bringing innovation to the asset management industry. Building on this experience, he opened the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, marking Dunamu's heyday. He excels in identifying and commercializing upcoming trends such as mobile-based stock trading and cryptocurrencies. He possesses exceptional development skills, earning praise as a genius developer.

    NEWS

    • • Dunamu’s 'Same Person' Isn’t Song Chi-hyung? Who’s Accountable if Trillions Trade Daily on Upbit Go Wrong
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  • Chairman of Samsung Electronics

    Lee Jae-yong

    Lee Jae-yong is the chairman of Samsung Electronics. As the third-generation leader of the Samsung conglomerate, he oversees the management of the group, succeeding former chairman Lee Kun-hee. He is focusing his efforts on reviving the struggling semiconductor sector while prioritizing the development of four major new business areas identified as future growth drivers: automotive electronic components, robotics, healthcare, and eco-friendly air conditioning systems. Born on June 23, 1968, in Seoul, he is the eldest son among one son and three daughters of the late chairman Lee Kun-hee. He graduated from Kyungbock High School in Seoul and majored in Oriental History at Seoul National University. He obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Keio University in Japan and completed a doctoral program in business administration at Harvard Business School in the United States. Lee joined Samsung Electronics as a manager in the General Affairs Group. He climbed through the ranks, holding positions such as executive director in charge of management strategy, chief operating officer (COO) and vice president, president, and vice chairman. After Lee Kun-hee suffered an acute myocardial infarction and was hospitalized, Lee Jae-yong effectively led the Samsung Group as vice chairman. He formally inherited leadership following his father’s passing. He served a prison sentence for his involvement in the Park Geun-hye-Choi Soon-sil corruption scandal but was released on parole. In August 2022, he was reinstated through a special Liberation Day pardon and became chairman of Samsung Electronics in October of the same year. Lee is also involved in a separate trial concerning accounting fraud allegations related to Samsung BioLogics during the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries. Known for his practical and rational decision-making, he is regarded as approachable, with strong interpersonal and communication skills. #Samsung #LeeJaeYong #SamsungElectronics #Semiconductor #NewBusiness #Leadership #Korea #CorporateManagement #Technology #Innovation

    NEWS

    • • Governance Overhaul Sparked by Samsung Biologics Rekindles Focus on Lee Jae-yong's Power Play
    • • Crying Then Smiling: Samsung Semiconductor Profit to Soar from Q1 to Q4
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  • Chairman of Daewoo E&C

    Jung Won-ju

    Jung Won-ju is the Chairman of Daewoo E&C and Vice Chairman of Jungheung Group. He is focusing on expanding Daewoo E&C’s overseas operations, particularly in key countries such as Vietnam and Nigeria. As the second-generation owner-executive of Jungheung Group, he is also putting effort into raising awareness of Jungheung Construction’s apartment brand, ‘Jungheung S-Class.’ He was born on July 30, 1968, in Gwangju Metropolitan City as the eldest son of Jungheung Group Chairman Jung Chang-sun. He graduated from Gwangil High School and the Department of Public Administration at Honam University. Following his father’s emphasis on field experience, he worked at Jungheung Housing’s construction sites after graduating from high school. He has effectively taken over the management of Jungheung Group from Chairman Jung Chang-sun. He has served as the Chairman of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter and Central Headquarters of the Korea Housing Builders Association, as well as Chairman of The Herald. He is continuing the cautious business strategy of Chairman Jung Chang-sun, who is known for his careful approach, like “tapping even on a stone bridge before crossing.” #JungWonju #DaewooE&C #JungheungGroup #SouthKoreaConstruction #VietnamProjects #NigeriaDevelopment #JungheungSClass #SecondGenCEO #KoreaHousingBuildersAssociation #GwangjuBusiness

    NEWS

    • • Despite Overseas Slowdown, Hopes Rise for Daewoo E&C as Jung Won-ju's Post-Middle East Strategy Shows Promise
    • • Daewoo E&C Reaps 40 Years of Efforts in Nigeria, Chairman Jung Won-ju Races to Expand Global Presence
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  • CEO of Samsung Display

    Yi Chung

    Yi Chung is the President and CEO of Samsung Display. He is solidifying his dominance in the small and medium-sized OLED display market for IT devices such as smartphones and PCs, and is working hard to stay ahead of the competition from China. He was born in Seoul in 1966. He graduated from Shinil High School in Seoul and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Sogang University. He received both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Chemical Engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). He served as the head of the Development Group and the Panel Development Team in the OLED Business Division at Samsung Display. He later held positions as the Head of Development in the Small and Medium Business Division, Division Head, and Head of the IT Business Team. In November 2024, he was appointed President and CEO of Samsung Display, becoming the company’s first CEO with a background as a display engineer. He serves as Chairman of the Korea Display Industry Association. He is recognized as a technical expert with extensive experience in display process technologies, having worked in the LCD Business Division at Samsung Electronics and at Samsung Display. #YiChung #SamsungDisplay #OLED #DisplayEngineer #KoreaDisplayIndustryAssociation #POSTECH #ChemicalEngineering #ITDisplays #DisplayTechnology #TechLeadership

    NEWS

    • • Apple and Now Amazon Enter Foldables, Samsung Display's Yi Chung Poised to 'Jump Up' with Foldable OLEDs
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  • CEO of Kakaobank

    Yun Ho-young

    Yun Ho-young is the CEO of KakaoBank. He is actively pursuing overseas market expansion, starting with Indonesia and Thailand, and is focusing on new business ventures in the finance and investment sectors. He also faces the challenge of recovering KakaoBank's declining stock price, which has been affected by the legal risks surrounding its parent company, Kakao. Yun was born on June 20, 1971, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. He graduated from Anyang Shinsung High School and Hanyang University with a degree in Business Administration. Yun began his career at Daehan Fire & Marine Insurance, later working at ERGO Daum Direct and Kakao before being appointed as CEO of KakaoBank. As an expert in finance and information and communication technology (ICT), he played a key role in the launch of KakaoBank. He is recognized for leading the organization and business through autonomous and innovative management. Within KakaoBank, he is referred to by his English name, "Daniel," without any formal title. #KakaoBank #YunHoYoung #CEO #finance #ICT #overseasexpansion #businessleadership #innovation #fintech #investment

    NEWS

    • • Yun Ho-young Secures Fifth Term as KakaoBank CEO, Faces Pressure to Deliver
    • • KakaoBank's value-up focus: 'Aggressive growth,' Yun Ho-young diverges from traditional banks.