Korea VC Association Concludes Year-End Night... Minister's Commendations for Outstanding Venture Investment Groups and Employees

VC Association: "Supporting a Virtuous Cycle through the National Growth Fund, KOSDAQ Revitalization, and Diversified Exits"
Minister Han Seongsuk: "Investment in Innovative Companies Drives Growth... Promoting the Annual 40 Trillion Won 'Global Top Four Venture Powerhouse' Strategy"

The venture capital (VC) industry and related organizations gathered in one place to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to the development of the venture investment industry this year and to spend time networking and collaborating.

On December 5, the Korea Venture Capital Association held the "2025 Venture Capital Year-End Night" event at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, awarding individuals who have contributed to the activation of venture investment and the creation of a startup ecosystem. The event was attended by more than 180 people, including Hakkyun Kim, Chairman of the Korea Venture Capital Association, Seongsuk Han, Minister of SMEs and Startups, representatives and executives of member companies, limited partners (LPs), and officials from related organizations.

At the "2025 Venture Capital Year-End Night" event held on the 5th at Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Hakkyun Kim, Chairman of the Korea Venture Capital Association (middle left), and Seongsuk Han, Minister of SMEs and Startups (middle right), are awarding contributors who have contributed to the activation of venture investment and the creation of a startup ecosystem. Photo by Daehyun Kim

In his welcome speech, Hakkyun Kim, Chairman of the Korea Venture Capital Association, said, "There have been many variables this year, but I am grateful to the member companies who have persevered. I hope today will be a day to reflect on the hard work of the past year and encourage each other. I wish you health, happiness, and even greater achievements in 2026."

Minister Han Seongsuk: "A time when the structure of future industries is being rewritten... Venture investment will determine competitiveness"

In her congratulatory remarks, Seongsuk Han, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "For the first time ever, venture investment surpassed 4 trillion won in a single quarter in the third quarter of this year. The venture investment industry played a significant role in the market's return to a growth trajectory." She added, "In 2026 as well, I ask you to actively invest in innovative startups and venture companies that will drive the growth of our economy."

Minister Han said, "The global industrial structure is being rewritten, centered on artificial intelligence (AI), bio,·and deep tech, and venture investment is a key means that will determine future competitiveness." She continued, "The government also plans to announce within the year the 'Comprehensive Strategy for Becoming One of the World's Top Four Venture Powerhouses,' which includes measures totaling 40 trillion won annually to channel private capital into the venture investment market."

At the "Minister of SMEs and Startups Commendation" ceremony, a total of 16 people were honored. In the venture investment activation category, individual (VC) awardees included Sanghoon Kwak, Vice President of Atinum Investment; Kim Junghyun, CEO of KRun Ventures; and Jeon Hwansuk, Executive Director of SL Investment. In the group (VC) category, Daedeok Venture Partners and Magna Investment were recognized. For individuals (LP), Intae Kim, Deputy President of Industrial Bank of Korea; Park Dongwon, Manager at Korea Growth Investment Management; and Seo Younghwa, Deputy General Manager at JB Woori Capital, were selected.

In the venture startup promotion category, individual (VC) commendations went to Kang Minsu, Executive Director of Kiwoom Investment; Kuk Chanwoo, Executive Director of KB Investment; Kim Kyungsik, Director of STIC Ventures; Bang Seungok, Managing Director of K2 Investment Partners; Song Wongang, CEO of Daejeon Investment Finance; Jang Jungho, Executive Director of Smilegate Investment; and Heo Changmin, Executive Director of ID Ventures. In the group (VC) category, Intervest was honored for its contribution to promoting venture startups and expanding the base of the investment ecosystem.

VC Association: "We will create a virtuous capital market through the National Growth Fund, diversified exits, and globalization"

After the awards ceremony, the heads of each committee within the VC Association shared the progress of their business operations this year and discussed next year's policy issues and industry challenges. Yoo Seungwoon, CEO of Stonebridge Ventures and head of the Policy Committee, said, "We are working on ways to utilize the 150 trillion won National Growth Fund to revitalize the KOSDAQ market. We will continue to do our best for even greater results next year."

Beomseok Lee, CEO of Murex Partners and head of the Global Committee, explained, "To diversify exit strategies, we brought together overseas stakeholders to provide opportunities for learning about local listing markets and networking. We also conducted surveys within the association to promote the globalization of VCs and investment portfolios, and we plan to provide full support starting next year."

Ahn Sangjun, CEO of Kolon Investment and head of the Venture Growth Committee, said, "We have actively provided feedback to relevant organizations to vitalize the exit market and improve the KOSDAQ IPO system. We also discussed improvements to internal practices related to fund management and investment." KimJunghyun, CEO of KRun Ventures and head of the Ecosystem Committee, stated, "We plan to nurture even better prospective entrepreneurs through our pre-entrepreneur schooling program," adding, "We will also seek ecosystem-level improvements for GP changes and fund sales."

The event continued with a pre-dinner performance and networking dinner, providing an opportunity for industry and policy officials to freely interact. The VC Association announced its commitment to further strengthen the virtuous cycle of private and policy capital next year and to support the sustainable growth of the venture investment ecosystem through various networking programs.