Kim Taek-jin
Kim Taek-jin | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 14, 1967 Seoul, South Korea |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, software engineer |
| Known for | Co-chairman of NCSoft, founder of Hanmesoft, founder of NC Dinos |
Kim Taek-jin (; born March 14, 1967) is a prominent South Korean entrepreneur and software engineer, serving as co-chairman of NCSoft, which ranks as the second-largest gaming firm in South Korea.
According to Forbes' December 2024 evaluation, Kim is among the nation's wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of US$1 billion, positioning him as the 32nd richest individual in South Korea.
Biography
Kim was born in Seoul as the oldest of three children. He completed his secondary education at Daeil High School in 1985, followed by a bachelor's degree in 1989 and a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1991 from Seoul National University. He also embarked on doctoral studies at the same institution but did not finalize the program.
In 1989, Kim played a key role in developing the Hangul word processor and established the software company Hanmesoft. During his compulsory military service from 1991 to 1992, he contributed to Hyundai Electronics' research and development center located in Boston. Subsequently, he led development efforts at Hyundai Electronics between 1995 and 1996 and founded one of South Korea’s pioneering web portals, Aminet.
Kim launched NCSoft in March 1997 and has held the position of CEO since its inception. In 1998, NCSoft introduced Lineage, South Korea's inaugural MMORPG, which gained substantial acclaim both domestically and in Taiwan. The game's success facilitated NCSoft's entry onto the KOSDAQ stock market in July 2000, with public trading starting in 2003. In 2012, Kim divested most of his shares to Nexon, retaining just below a 12% stake as of 2024. Forbes highlighted Nexon's growing dominance within NCSoft and reported tensions regarding Kim's control alongside his family members. His younger brother, Kim Taek-heon, stepped down from the vice president role in 2023. By March 2024, Byungmoo Park was appointed as co-CEO; Kim now dedicates his efforts primarily to game development and creative leadership while Park oversees business management.
In March 2011, Kim established the professional baseball club NC Dinos, remaining its owner since then.
Personal life
Kim was previously married to a woman surnamed Jeon, with whom he had two sons before their divorce finalized in November 2004. As part of the divorce settlement, he transferred shares valued at ₩30 billion. He remarried Songyee Yoon in November 2007, and the couple has two sons together.
In an interview, Kim revealed his habit of retiring early—around 7 p.m.—and waking up between midnight and 1 a.m.