Billionaire Profile
Seo Jung-jin
Global Rank
#438

Image: ⓒ블루포토 홍준기 | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Seo Jung-jin

CEO, Biotech
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.24B
Estimated based on Biotech stock value as of April 20, 2026
-1.02% (24h)
Age
68
Source
Biotech
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Seo Jung-jin is a South Korean businessman and the co-founder of Celltrion, a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in biosimilars. Born in 1957, Seo earned degrees from Konkuk University and began his career at Samsung Electronics. After working as a consultant, he founded Nexol, the precursor to Celltrion, in 1999. Under his leadership, Celltrion has become a global force, developing and manufacturing drugs for cancer, influenza, and rheumatoid arthritis. His career highlights his achievements, including making Celltrion the largest exporter of biosimilars, and developing a COVID-19 antibody treatment. Seo's estimated net worth of $7.2 billion (December 2024) reflects his success in the biotech industry, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals in South Korea. He is also the Chairman of Celltrion Group.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Seo Jung-jin was born on October 23, 1957, in Cheongju, South Korea. He graduated from Jemulpo High School in Incheon and earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Konkuk University.

Rise to Success

Seo began his career at Samsung Electronics and later worked as a consultant for Daewoo Motors. In 1999, after the Asian financial crisis, he founded Nexol, which later became Celltrion, with colleagues from Daewoo Motors. His vision was to capitalize on the potential of biosimilars, lower-cost versions of biologic drugs. Celltrion focused on manufacturing drugs for other companies initially. Seo's strategic vision led to a shift towards biosimilars. Celltrion received approval from EMA and FDA for the world's first mAb biosimilar, Remsima® (INFLECTRA®).

Key Business Strategies

Seo's key strategy was to focus on biosimilars, offering lower-cost alternatives to existing biologic drugs. He also aimed to meet global regulations from the beginning, which facilitated the company's international expansion. In December 2023, marketing subsidiary Celltrion Healthcare was merged with Celltrion.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Seo Jung-jin's specific philanthropic contributions or amounts could not be found in the current search results.

Career Milestones

1999

Founded Nexol

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

2002

Founded Celltrion

Established Celltrion, a biopharmaceutical company.

2008

Celltrion went public

Celltrion Inc. was taken public.

2021

Retired from Celltrion

Stepped down as chairman.

2023

Returned as Chairman

Returned as chairman of Celltrion Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Welfare

Celltrion Welfare Foundation

Undisclosed

Seo is the chairman of the Celltrion Welfare Foundation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“But I felt something is going to happen with it.”"

Leadership Principles

Visionary Leadership

Seo identified the potential of biosimilars early on and steered Celltrion towards this market, establishing a global presence.

Innovation and Research

Investing in research and development to create new drugs and expand into novel therapeutics, driving the company's growth.

Strategic Restructuring

Overseeing restructuring efforts, including mergers, to streamline operations and focus on growth.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Stock Price Manipulation Allegations

Summoned by prosecutors for alleged stock price manipulation and fined for violating capital market laws.