Billionaire Profile
Yoo Jung-hyun
Global Rank
#1336

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Yoo Jung-hyun

CEO, Nexon
KR
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.93B
As of December 2025
Age
56
Source
Online games
Industry
media-entertainment
Citizenship
KR

Biography

Yoo Jung-hyun, a prominent figure in the media and entertainment industry, is a South Korean businesswoman and auditor. She is ranked among the wealthiest individuals in South Korea, with an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion as of December 2025. Her primary source of wealth stems from her stake in online games, a sector her late husband, Kim Jung-ju, helped pioneer. Yoo's career includes serving as a director of NXC, the holding company of Nexon, a major online gaming company, where she continues to be involved. She is known for her role in Nexon and its holding company. Her journey is a testament to her leadership and business acumen in the dynamic world of online gaming.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Family

Yoo Jung-hyun was born on April 16, 1969. She is the widow of Kim Jung-ju, the founder of the online gaming giant Nexon. She has two daughters. Yoo met her future husband at a ski resort when he was a freshman.

Rise to Success

Yoo Jung-hyun's prominence in the business world is largely attributed to her involvement with Nexon and its holding company, NXC. She joined Nexon upon its founding in 1994 and has held various positions, including head of management support and director of Nexon and NXC. Following her husband's death in February 2022, she became the largest shareholder of NXC, with a 34% stake. She was appointed as the chairman of the NXC board of directors on February 29, 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Yoo's key business strategy appears to be centered around maintaining and growing the family's stake in Nexon. She is actively involved in the holding company, NXC, and is focused on the company's future. In 2024, NXC announced it was buying some of its shares from Yoo and her children.

Philanthropy

While specific details about her philanthropic activities are limited in the search results, it is known that her late husband was involved in philanthropic projects, including establishing a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in Korea and a computer museum.

Career Milestones

1994

Joined Nexon

Joined Nexon upon its founding as head of management support.

2003

Director of Nexon and NXC

Became a director of Nexon and its holding company NXC.

2010

Auditor of NXC

Made an auditor of NXC.

2022

Head of Nexon Group

Designated as the head of Nexon Group by the Fair Trade Commission.

2024

Chairperson of NXC

Appointed as the new chairman of the NXC board of directors.