The Changing Landscape of Domestic Stock Tycoons Due to COVID-19... Thriving KOSDAQ Tycoons

Cheon Jong-yoon, CEO of Seegene, Rises 188 Steps to 16th Place Compared to One Year Ago

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has changed the landscape of domestic stock tycoons. The CEOs of Seegene and Alteogen, showcasing the power of 'K-Bio,' have each entered the top 20 in the individual shareholder rankings. This marks the rise of KOSDAQ stock tycoons, who have pushed out KOSPI stock tycoons to join the ranks of leading stock tycoons.

According to financial information company FnGuide on the 31st, as of the 30th, Seegene CEO Cheon Jong-yoon ranked 16th, and Alteogen CEO Park Soon-jae ranked 20th in the individual shareholder rankings. Compared to a year ago, their rankings rose by 188 and 246 places, respectively. Seegene, a molecular diagnostics specialist company, manufactures COVID-19 diagnostic kits and exports them to various countries overseas. Alteogen, a developer of antibody drugs, has gained attention for its subcutaneous injection formulation (SC) technology amid the spread of COVID-19.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the stock prices of Seegene and Alteogen have surged. Seegene's stock price, which was 22,250 KRW on July 31 last year, rose to 111,100 KRW on March 31 when COVID-19 was rapidly spreading, and further increased to 243,700 KRW recently. This represents a 995.28% increase over one year. Alteogen's situation is similar. During the same period, Alteogen's stock price rose from 29,050 KRW to 82,000 KRW, and then to 174,400 KRW.

In particular, Seegene's second-quarter performance is expected to be the largest ever, raising expectations for the second half of the year. Hanwha Investment & Securities estimated Seegene's second-quarter results at 257.2 billion KRW in sales and 134.9 billion KRW in operating profit. This represents a 777.7% increase in sales and a 2805% increase in operating profit compared to the previous year. The sales figure includes 212 billion KRW from COVID-19 diagnostic kit sales.

The fact that Seegene and Alteogen are KOSDAQ-listed companies draws attention to the rise of KOSDAQ company CEOs into the ranks of stock tycoons. While CEOs Cheon and Park entered the top 20 in individual shareholder rankings, LG Group advisor Koo Bon-joon and Shinsegae Chairwoman Lee Myung-hee dropped by one and five places respectively over the past year, ranking 21st and 22nd.

Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin also rose four places to 3rd, thanks not only to Celltrion but also to the sharp rise of KOSDAQ companies Celltrion Healthcare and Celltrion Pharm. The Celltrion "three brothers" have benefited from the development of COVID-19 treatments. A year ago, the 3rd place was held by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo. Above Chairman Seo are Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee in 1st place and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong in 2nd.

Among KOSDAQ stock tycoons, Pearl Abyss Chairman Kim Dae-il and KMW Chairman Kim Deok-yong also attracted attention by rising one and two places respectively compared to a year ago, ranking 24th and 25th.

Meanwhile, among KOSPI companies, the rise of untact (contactless) due to COVID-19 has propelled Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su up three places to 4th. It is significant that he entered the top 5 domestic stock tycoons. Kakao continues to see high growth in commerce sectors such as gifting and Makers, driven by increased untact consumption. Choi Jin-sung, a researcher at Hyundai Motor Securities, explained, "This is a time when the benefits from the prolonged COVID-19 and the influence of mobile platforms are highlighted, and high growth will continue through synergy across all business sectors." Naver Global Investment Officer (GIO) Lee Hae-jin also jumped 11 places to 13th. Naver continues to have positive prospects due to sustained IT platform growth based on increased shopping transaction volume and the full-scale launch of financial services.

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