Why Does Taekjin Hyung Keep Getting Rumored About Entering Politics? [Buaeri's Game Dictionary]

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is shaking hands with CEO Kim Taek-jin during a visit to NCSoft headquarters in Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do on the 27th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Speculation about Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, entering politics resurfaces from time to time. On the 27th, Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, personally visited NCSoft's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, sparking rumors about recruiting him as a candidate for the upcoming Seoul mayoral by-election.

Talks about Kim's political debut began in earnest last summer when a media outlet reported that the conservative opposition party was trying to recruit him. At that time, the United Future Party (now People Power Party) was in dire need of new faces, to the extent that Chairman Kim mentioned Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea.

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft

One reason Kim continues to be mentioned is that he is the only well-known CEO in the gaming industry. Kim is also familiar to the public, having appeared personally in advertisements. Among gamers, he is affectionately called "Taekjin hyung" (Brother Taekjin), reflecting his approachable image. A friendly image is an invaluable advantage for politicians to gain public favor.

Chairman Kim's criteria for next year's Seoul mayoral candidate as a "young talent with business acumen" also bolstered the rumors about recruiting Kim Taek-jin. Kim is the founder of NCSoft, famous for the game "Lineage." NCSoft, which Kim founded with 17 employees and a capital of 100 million KRW, has grown into a giant corporation with annual sales of 1.7012 trillion KRW and operating profit of 479 billion KRW as of 2019. The securities industry predicts NCSoft's sales will exceed 2 trillion KRW this year. Kim fits the profile set by Chairman Kim.

However, Kim Taek-jin has outright denied any plans to enter politics. After a meeting with Chairman Kim, Kim told reporters, "I have absolutely no intention of entering politics." Chairman Kim also drew a line when asked if he plans to meet Kim again, saying, "If there is something specific to ask regarding the company, I can meet him, but there is no particular reason to meet otherwise."