Krafton Accelerates Software Talent Development Program 'Krafton Jungle'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Krafton announced on the 11th that it will actively promote its software talent development program, ‘Krafton Jungle.’

‘Krafton Jungle’ is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program designed to nurture software talent in Krafton’s unique way, aiming to address the software workforce shortage in the industry while contributing to youth employment creation.

The program will recruit about 60 applicants aged 22 to 32 who are prospective graduates or graduates wishing to transition their careers to developers, starting education in the second half of this year. The plan is to gradually expand the scale to produce up to 1,000 developers annually by 2025.

Krafton Jungle continues the core values of KAIST’s currently operating non-degree course, ‘SW Officer School Jungle.’ The curriculum applies the core philosophy and computer science fundamentals pursued by ‘SW Officer School Jungle,’ including immersive experience through five months of residential training, self-directed learning, and team-based collaboration. Most graduates of ‘SW Officer School Jungle’ have joined major IT companies, and Krafton Jungle aims to nurture continuously growing developers to achieve successful outcomes.

To this end, Krafton signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KAIST on the 5th, pledging mutual cooperation for the operation of Krafton Jungle. Krafton will incorporate the core values of ‘SW Officer School Jungle’ into the program, and KAIST will provide advisory support for program operation.

Ryu Seok-young, head of the KAIST Department of Computer Science, said, “The door to Jungle is open to those with a passion for learning and growth,” adding, “We will closely cooperate with Krafton throughout the program, including developing a high-quality curriculum.”

Additionally, Krafton appointed Kim Jeong-han, co-founder of Bluehole (now Krafton), as the director of Krafton Jungle. Krafton explained that Kim Jeong-han was appointed because of his extensive experience as a game developer and software engineer and his potential to contribute to nurturing future talent.

Kim Jeong-han, director of Krafton Jungle, stated, “While the demand for software developers is rapidly increasing, there is a severe shortage of talent with the capabilities required by the industry, causing companies to struggle with talent acquisition. Krafton Jungle will nurture talent who constantly challenge themselves, contribute to youth employment creation, and play a key role in mutual growth and development.”