Notable Roles | - Founder, Nexon Co., Ltd. |
Key Recognition | - Tin Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, Presidential Award (2012) |
Background and Early Foundations
Kim Jung-ju was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1968. He studied computer science and engineering at Seoul National University before earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from KAIST. Although he began a Ph.D. at KAIST, he left the program to found Nexon in 1994, a move that would revolutionize South Korea’s gaming industry. In later years, he also completed an MFA in Arts Management at Korea National University of Arts. His deep technical training, paired with a creative outlook and entrepreneurial boldness, laid the groundwork for Nexon’s early and lasting success.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
1994 | Founded Nexon, pioneering online gaming in South Korea. |
1996 | Launched "Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds," the world's first graphic MMORPG. |
2011 | Nexon went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. |
2013 | Acquired BrickLink, an online LEGO marketplace. |
2017 | NXC acquired Korbit, a Korean cryptocurrency exchange. |
2018 | NXC acquired Bitstamp, one of Europe's top crypto exchanges. |
2018 | Pledged $93 million through Nexon Foundation to fund startups and children’s hospitals. |
2021 | Stepped down as CEO of NXC after 16 years of leadership. |
- Nexon IPO: Tokyo Stock Exchange, 2011
- Global Users: Over 350 million in 72+ countries
- Notable Games: MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter, KartRider, Mabinogi
- Net Worth at Peak (2021): $10.9 billion USD
- NXC Holdings: Korbit (crypto), Bitstamp (crypto), Stokke (furniture), BrickLink (LEGO marketplace)
Leadership Style and Influence
Kim Jung-ju was known for pioneering the freemium model in online gaming — a monetization strategy that allowed Nexon to scale globally while reshaping player engagement. He was a discreet yet transformative leader who combined quiet philanthropy with bold technological bets. He cultivated a work culture of creativity and innovation, supporting initiatives in gaming, education, and social good, while building an empire that reached across tech and lifestyle sectors.
Legacy and Future Focus
Though Kim passed away in 2022, his impact on the global gaming industry continues. As the architect behind Nexon and NXC’s diverse portfolio, he shaped not only how people play games, but how gaming could be an engine for global entrepreneurship, creative expression, and social innovation. His philanthropic efforts — from pediatric hospitals to digital education — underscore a legacy that extended far beyond profit. Nexon and the Nexon Foundation continue to advance his mission of doing good through technology and innovation.
