Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#518

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Seo Jung-jin

CEO, Celltrion

Real-Time Net Worth

$7.3B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Biotech

Industry

healthcare

Citizenship

Biography

Seo Jung-jin, born October 23, 1957, is a prominent South Korean businessman and the co-founder of Celltrion, a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in biosimilars. With an estimated net worth of $7.3 billion as of December 2024, he ranks among the wealthiest individuals in South Korea. His career began at Samsung Electronics, followed by roles at the Korea Productivity Center and Daewoo Motors. In 1999, he founded Nexol, which later became Celltrion, playing a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of biosimilar drugs for various diseases, including cancer, influenza, and rheumatoid arthritis. Seo retired from the company in March 2021, but returned as chairman in March 2023. His leadership has significantly contributed to Celltrion's success, making him a key figure in the healthcare industry.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Seo Jung-jin was born in Cheongju, South Korea, on October 23, 1957. He attended Jemulpo High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Konkuk University.

Career and Rise to Success

Seo began his professional career at Samsung Electro-Mechanics in 1983. He then moved to the Korea Productivity Center and worked as a consultant for Daewoo Motors. In 1999, Seo founded Nexol, a predecessor company to Celltrion, with colleagues from Daewoo Motors. The company focused on the emerging field of biopharmaceuticals. Seo took Celltrion public in 2008. His strategic vision and leadership were instrumental in Celltrion's growth, making it a favorite among investors.

Key Business Strategies

Seo's strategy focused on developing and commercializing biosimilars, which are affordable versions of existing biological drugs. This approach allowed Celltrion to tap into the growing demand for cost-effective healthcare solutions, particularly in aging societies. Under his leadership, Celltrion achieved significant milestones, including gaining approval from regulatory bodies like the EMA and FDA for Remsima®, the world's first monoclonal antibody biosimilar.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available in the search results, Seo's commitment to improving healthcare and contributing to society is evident through his work in the biopharmaceutical industry. The focus of Celltrion's mission and his leadership reflect a commitment to human health.

Career Milestones

1983

Began Career at Samsung Electro-Mechanics

Started his career after graduating from Konkuk University.

1999

Founded Nexol

Founded Nexol, the predecessor to Celltrion, with colleagues from Daewoo Motors.

2002

Established Celltrion

Started Celltrion Inc., focusing on biopharmaceuticals.

2008

Celltrion went public

Took Celltrion public.

2021

Retired as chairman

Retired from Celltrion.

2023

Returned as chairman

Returned as chairman of Celltrion Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

Healthcare Initiatives

$N/A

Seo Jung-jin's impact on the healthcare industry is shown through Celltrion's biosimilar drugs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Those who sit still with traditional businesses don't cope well with the change. The pandemic has accelerated the trend.""

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Driven by a vision to make better medicines through technology, as expressed by Hanmi's founder.

Value Creation

Committed to creating new values to keep everyone's health and improve their quality of life.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Out of Wedlock Children Controversy

Seo Jung-jin apologized to shareholders regarding the controversy over having children out of wedlock.