Billionaire Profile
Song Chi-hyung
Global Rank
#1758

Image: Daumier, Honoré, 1808-1879 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Song Chi-hyung

CEO, Fintech
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.371B
Estimated based on Fintech stock value as of May 3, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
46
Source
Cryptocurrency
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Song Chi-hyung is a prominent South Korean entrepreneur, best known as the founder and chairman of Dunamu, a leading fintech and blockchain company. Dunamu operates Upbit, South Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and has been instrumental in shaping the country's digital finance sector. Born in 1979, Song's early career included working for Danal, a mobile payment company, before founding Dunamu in 2012. His vision and leadership have propelled Upbit to become a dominant player in the crypto market, with significant trading volumes and a wide user base. Song's net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion as of March 25, 2026, reflecting his success in the dynamic cryptocurrency industry and his strategic leadership in growing Dunamu.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 5/3/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Song Chi-hyung was born in Gongju, South Korea, in September 1979. He attended Choongnam Science High School and enrolled at Seoul National University in 1998. He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, minoring in Economics.

Career

After completing his military service, Song started his career at Danal, a mobile payment company, where he gained experience in software development and mobile payment systems. In 2011, he joined the consulting firm Innomove. He founded Dunamu in 2012. Dunamu initially started as an e-book platform, but after realizing it wasn't as profitable as expected, he pivoted the business. Dunamu launched NewsMate, a news aggregation service. Later, he created Stockplus under Dunamu, a stock market data aggregator. In 2017, Song launched Upbit, a cryptocurrency exchange platform, which quickly became a major player in the South Korean market. Song stepped down as CEO in 2021, remaining as chairman of the company.

Key Business Strategies

Song's key strategies involved pivoting the company's focus from e-books and news aggregation to fintech and, eventually, cryptocurrency. This strategic shift led to the creation of Upbit, capitalizing on the growing interest in digital assets. His partnership with U.S.-based Bittrex, secured funding from Kakao Corp, and the alliance with Kakao led to the creation of KakaoStock.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Song Chi-hyung's specific philanthropic initiatives is not readily available in the search results. Further research may be required to obtain the precise details of his philanthropic contributions. Dunamu focuses on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management.

Career Milestones

2012

Founded Dunamu

Founded Dunamu, a fintech company, as an e-book platform and then pivoted to fintech services.

2017

Launched Upbit

Launched Upbit, a cryptocurrency exchange, which quickly became a dominant exchange in South Korea.

2018

Chairman of Dunamu

Became Chairman of Dunamu.

2021

Strategic Partnership with HYBE

Dunamu and HYBE formed a strategic partnership, exchanging stakes to collaborate on NFT-related projects.

2021

Naver's acquisition of Dunamu

Naver Financial is set to acquire Dunamu in a stock swap.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

ESG

ESG Management

Undisclosed

Committed to developing the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem, as well as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Information regarding notable quotes is not readily available in the search results."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Identifies and commercializes upcoming trends.

Adaptability

Shows ability to adapt and find new opportunities.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Fraud and forgery charges

Song, along with other executives, was accused of fabricating an account to inflate trading volume.

2023

Acquittal of Fraud Charges

The Supreme Court of South Korea acquitted Song Chi-hyung of fraud and forgery charges.