Billionaire Profile
Yoo Jung-hyun
Global Rank
#1733

Image: 사진&여행 | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Yoo Jung-hyun

CEO, Online games
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.443B
Estimated based on Online games stock value as of April 21, 2026
-1.29% (24h)
Age
56
Source
Online games
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Yoo Jung-hyun is a prominent South Korean businesswoman and auditor, best known as the widow of Kim Jung-ju, the founder of the online gaming giant Nexon. With a net worth of $2.5 billion as of March 2026, she holds a significant stake in NXC, the holding company of Nexon, which she co-founded with her husband in 1994. She has served as a director of NXC and Nexon and became the chairperson of the board of directors at NXC in May 2024. Yoo's career in the media-entertainment industry has seen her involved in the strategic direction of Nexon following her husband's passing, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the company's long-term success.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Yoo Jung-hyun was born on April 16, 1969. She met her future husband, Kim Jung-ju, at a ski resort when he was a freshman.

Rise to Success

Yoo co-founded Nexon in 1994 with Kim Jung-ju and played a crucial role in the company's early development, serving as head of management support. She became a director of Nexon and NXC in 2003 and an auditor of NXC in 2010. After Kim Jung-ju's death in 2022, Yoo inherited a significant portion of his wealth, including a 34% stake in NXC, becoming the largest shareholder. In 2024, she was appointed as the chairperson of the board of directors at NXC.

Key Business Strategies

Following her husband's passing, Yoo has taken an active interest in the strategic direction of the Nexon Group. In August 2024, NXC bought back shares from Yoo and her children to help with inheritance tax payments and stabilize management.

Philanthropy

Kim Jung-ju was known for his generosity to children's hospitals, and was listed on the 15 Heroes of Philanthropy list released by Forbes Asia. Further information on Yoo Jung-hyun's specific philanthropic initiatives is unavailable in the current search results.

Career Milestones

1994

Co-founded Nexon

Co-founded the online gaming company Nexon with her husband, Kim Jung-ju.

1995

Joined NXC

Joined NXC, the holding company of Nexon.

2003

Director of Nexon and NXC

Became a director of both Nexon and its holding company, NXC.

2010

Auditor of NXC

Became an auditor of NXC.

2022

Inherited NXC shares

Became the largest shareholder of NXC after the death of her husband.

2024

Chairperson of NXC

Appointed as the chairperson of the board of directors at NXC.