Billionaire Profile
Park Soon-jae
Global Rank
#1094

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Park Soon-jae

CEO, Alteogen
KR
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.7B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Biopharmaceuticals
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
KR

Biography

Park Soon-jae is a prominent South Korean businessman and biochemist, recognized as the co-founder and CEO of Alteogen, a leading biotechnology firm specializing in biosimilars and bio-betters. Born on December 22, 1954, Park has dedicated his career to the biopharmaceutical industry. His career includes research roles at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and leadership positions at LG Chem and Hanwha Petrochemical. Park's vision led to the founding of Alteogen in 2008, with the company's core technology, Hybrozyme, transforming intravenous biopharmaceuticals into more convenient subcutaneous formulations. In 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at $3.7 billion. He is recognized for his expertise in research and development, including extensive experience in drug development, clinical trials, and technology licensing. Park is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic partnerships, as seen by the licensing deals with global pharmaceutical companies.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Park Soon-jae was born in Gunsan, South Korea, on December 22, 1954. He graduated from Seoul High School in 1973. He pursued his higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Yonsei University in 1980. He furthered his studies in the United States, obtaining a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University in 1985.

Rise to Success

After completing his Ph.D., Park worked as a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1986 to 1988. Returning to South Korea, he held several biotechnology research positions before becoming the head of development at LG Chem in 1998. He then took on various leadership roles within LG Chem's life sciences division. In 2006, he served as the managing director of Dream Pharma. Park's entrepreneurial journey began in 2008 when he co-founded Alteogen with his wife, Chung Hye-shin. Alteogen focuses on developing biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars.

Key Business Strategies

Alteogen's core technology, Hybrozyme, converts intravenous (IV) biopharmaceuticals into subcutaneous (SC) formulations, improving patient convenience. Park recognized the growing demand for improved patient convenience in the biopharmaceutical market. The company has made key deals with global pharmaceutical companies, including GPC, MSD, Sandoz, and Daiichi Sankyo, revolving around its SC formulation technology. Notably, the agreement with MSD had a staggering value of $4.37 billion. These licensing deals significantly boosted Alteogen's stock price.

Philanthropy

Specific details about Park Soon-jae's philanthropy amounts were not found in the search results. However, Boryung Pharmaceutical, a company in the healthcare industry, participates in various corporate philanthropic activities and aims to contribute to human health.

Career Milestones

1980

Graduated from Yonsei University

Earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.

1985

Graduated from Purdue University

Earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

1988

Researcher at LG Chem

Held various leadership roles in LG Chem's life sciences division.

2008

Founded Alteogen

Co-founded the biotechnology company Alteogen with his wife.

2024

Licensing Deals with Merck

Alteogen revealed Merck had agreed to a licensing deal to use ALT-B4, for the drug giant's cancer drug pembrolizumab.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

Corporate Philanthropic Activities

$XB

Boryung Pharmaceutical participates in various corporate philanthropic activities and aims to contribute to human health.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""We hope to apply ALT-B4, our SC formulation technology, to a broader range of therapies, providing patients with more diverse treatment options in the future." (Referring to the deal with Daiichi Sankyo)"

Leadership Principles

Innovation and Differentiation

Emphasizes possessing a world-first or clearly differentiated platform.