“Sometimes you have to give up to open a path”... Advice from Krafton Inc. Chairman Chang Byung-gyu

[Financial News] Krafton Inc. Chairman Chang Byung-gyu stressed that entrepreneurs should step outside familiar environments to seek new possibilities. Reflecting on his own choices, from giving up his dream of becoming a mathematician to venturing into entrepreneurship and learning through trial and error in the global game market, he underscored that the decision to give up and change direction can sometimes be the starting point for new growth. He also presented Krafton’s push to expand beyond games into new businesses such as physical artificial intelligence (AI) in the same context.
According to Krafton Inc. on the 29th, Chairman Chang delivered a keynote address on “Expanding into Infinity” at the demo day for the 2026 Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition, held the previous day at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, and hosted by the Asan Nanum Foundation. This year’s event was organized around the theme of “infinity,” inspired by the words of Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung: “Human potential is infinite.”
One point worth noting is that Chairman Chang emphasized the need to sometimes give up existing choices in order to find new possibilities. He recounted how, during college, he immersed himself in mathematics but changed career paths after feeling he had reached his own limits. His point was that even after pursuing one field for a long time, it may be necessary to change direction if another path offers greater scope to realize one’s potential.
What he immersed himself in instead of mathematics was software development. Chairman Chang recalled discovering new interests and possibilities in college through club activities, as he and his peers created programs and solved problems together. In effect, the decision to let go of his original goal became a stepping stone to starting a business.
He continued to make such choices after launching his business. Chairman Chang explained that, when he co-founded NEOWIZ, the joy of creating new services with his colleagues became a driving force that drew him into the business. He also said that leaving the company, where he had worked for about 10 years, was a decision to seek new possibilities rather than remain in a stable environment.
He also cited the trial and error he encountered in the global game market as an important asset. Chairman Chang explained that he gained an understanding of overseas users and markets during the North American service of the online game TERA, and that this experience laid the groundwork for assessing the potential for PUBG: Battlegrounds to succeed globally.
He particularly emphasized that experience gained from an earlier business can serve as a benchmark for judging the success or failure of the next one. The point, he said, is that not only immediate results but also experience accumulated through challenges and an understanding of the market can become competitive advantages in spotting new opportunities.
He also spoke about the importance of respecting creators’ originality. Chairman Chang stressed the importance of “heritage”—preserving the distinctive values and identity established by creators while carrying them forward and developing them. Rather than simply repeating past achievements, the idea is to understand the creators’ philosophy and strengths embedded in them and expand them into new possibilities.
This kind of challenge is also connected to Krafton Inc.’s business expansion. Chairman Chang said the company is not limiting itself to its existing gaming business and is also taking on new AI businesses, including physical AI. He explained that Krafton is exploring new areas of growth based on the technology and experience it has accumulated through game development and global services.
Chairman Chang said, “I, too, am working to step outside my comfort zone and open up more possibilities,” adding, “I hope all of you taking part will also continue to broaden your own possibilities through this competition.” 
[email protected] Jang Min-kwon Reporter