"The Myth of Korean Ventures" Political Circles Also Mourn 'Nexon Founder' Kim Jungju

Lee Jae-myung "Grew Korean Games into a Global Industry"
Lee Jun-seok "Mourn with a Heavy Heart"

Kim Jung-ju, director of NXC and founder of the game company 'Nexon,' passed away at the end of last month at the age of 54. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] News of the sudden passing of Kim Jungju, founder of 'Nexon' and director of NXC, a leading figure in the domestic online gaming industry, has spread, prompting condolences from the political sphere.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, wrote on his Twitter on the 1st, "I cannot help but feel sorrow at the sudden news. I express my condolences on the passing of Chairman Kim Jungju of Nexon."

He added, "The late Chairman Kim Jungju was a legend of venture challenges in our country and a pioneer who developed our gaming industry into a global industry."

He continued, "The game he created, 'Baram-ui Nara' (The Kingdom of the Winds), established the archetype of online games where people meet, become comrades, complete missions, and trade," explaining, "It is Nexon's oldest classic game since its founding in 1996 and has written the history of the world's longest-loved online game."

Lee said, "Creating a new path in any field requires tremendous courage and revolutionary thinking. It is truly regrettable as he had so much more to accomplish."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, expressed condolences on the news of the passing of Director Kim Jeong-ju / Photo by Twitter capture

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, also expressed on his Facebook that day, "A great star has fallen. I mourn the passing of Director Kim Jungju."

He added, "It would be impossible to talk about the development of South Korea's gaming industry without mentioning Director Kim's contributions. I mourn with a heavy heart."

Won Hee-ryong, head of policy at the People Power Party's election headquarters, wrote on Facebook, "I will remember the memories of KartRider and the Nexon Computer Museum space in Jeju along with the director for a long time," adding, "He was a key figure who led our country to become a gaming powerhouse."

Meanwhile, NXC, Nexon's holding company, announced in an official statement that day, "Kim Jungju, director of NXC and founder of Nexon, passed away last month in the United States."

NXC said, "The bereaved family is in a state of shock, so we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide detailed explanations," but added, "However, the late had been receiving treatment for depression for some time, and it appears to have worsened recently, which is very unfortunate."

Director Kim founded 'Nexon' in 1994 and led the development of online games in Korea. / Photo by Yonhap News

They further stated, "We earnestly ask that you respect the family's wish to quietly send off the deceased."

Kim Jungju, who passed away at the age of 54, founded Nexon in 1994. The company name was created with the meaning of 'Next Generation Online Service.'

In its early days, Nexon secured funds by developing various internet-related solutions such as web office services, and invested these into game production, completing Korea's first massively multiplayer online game, 'Baram-ui Nara' (The Kingdom of the Winds).

Following the success of Baram-ui Nara, Nexon released popular titles that had a huge impact on domestic game companies, including Crazy Arcade (2001), MapleStory (2003), KartRider (2004), Sudden Attack (2005), and Dungeon & Fighter (2005). Many of these games developed during that time continue to be loved by users both domestically and internationally.

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