Krafton Chairman Jang Byungkyu: "Important to Leave Your Comfort Zone and Choose to Expand Possibilities"

Keynote Address at the 2026 Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition
"Krafton Expands Possibilities with New AI Businesses"

Krafton Chairman Jang Byung-kyu emphasized the importance of taking on challenges and making choices, telling young entrepreneurs, "Possibility begins when you step outside your comfort zone."

Krafton Chairman Jang Byung-gyu delivers a keynote address at the "2026 Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition" on the 28th. Photo courtesy of Krafton.

Jang delivered a keynote speech titled "Expanding into Infinity" at the Demo Day of the 2026 Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition, held on the third floor of COEX in Seoul on October 28.

Now in its 15th year, the Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition is hosted by the Asan Nanum Foundation. This year's event was held under the theme of "infinity," inspired by the words of Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung: "Human potential is infinite."

Beginning with the question, "Because humans are finite, they contemplate infinity," Jang looked back on how he had expanded his own possibilities throughout his life.

He cited "giving up" as a choice that can open up new possibilities. Jang said he had given his all to studying mathematics in college but, after recognizing his limits, changed career paths to software development. "Choosing a different path can also open up possibilities," he explained.

"When I co-founded NEOWIZ, the joy of creating something with my colleagues became a driving force for immersion and growth," he said. Looking back, he added, "My decision to leave the company after working there with them for about 10 years was also part of the process of stepping outside familiar territory and seeking new possibilities."

He pointed to global markets as a platform for expanding possibilities. He emphasized that the understanding of overseas markets he gained through trial and error after founding Krafton became the basis for assessing the potential of "PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS."

He also said Krafton is venturing into new AI businesses in addition to games and physical AI. This reflects the company's efforts to step outside its familiar business areas and expand into new possibilities.

"I, too, am working to step outside my comfort zone and open up more possibilities," Jang said. "I hope all of you taking part in this competition will use it to further expand your own possibilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.