What’s the largest South Korean family office by AUM?

As in Japan, there is only a limited number of family offices in South Korea. Instead, most of the wealth of the country’s wealthiest families is allocated to massive conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai, or LG. The closest thing to a family office is the investment holding of the Jung-ju family, NXC Corporation. NXC is the holding company of gaming company Nexon, which was founded by Kim Jung-Ju, who passed away in 2022.  Hence, NXC Corporation, with approximately $8bn in Assets under Management, is, according to the familyofficehub.io research team, the largest South Korean family office.

How does NXC Corporation invest?

NXC Corporation operates as a holding and investment firm with a diversified portfolio. Its core asset is Nexon Co., Ltd., a developer and operator of online games, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and part of the Nikkei 225 index. Nexon is known for game franchises such as MapleStory, KartRider, and Dungeon & Fighter.

Beyond its gaming business, NXC has made a number of acquisitions and investments in various sectors. In 2013, it acquired Bricklink, an online marketplace for Lego products, which it later sold to the Lego Group in 2019. In the consumer goods sector, NXC acquired the Norwegian premium children’s furniture manufacturer Stokke in 2014 and travel gear brand JetKids in 2018. The company has also entered the cryptocurrency sector, acquiring South Korean exchange Korbit in 2017 and European exchange Bitstamp in 2018.

NXC’s portfolio includes investments in technology, media, and education companies. These include SmartStudy, known for its children’s content, Sendbird, a communications technology company, and OnDemandKorea, a Korean content streaming platform. Other investments are focused on AI infrastructure, fintech, and digital solutions, including AkuoDigital, Moreh, and the NIS Indra Fund. In addition, NXC holds positions in consumer and lifestyle brands such as Tridge, Magisso, and Mark & Lona, as well as educational technology firms like Enuma and The Pinkfong Company.

The company is also active in social contribution initiatives. It founded the NEXON Computer Museum in 2013 and the Purme Foundation NEXON Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in 2016. In 2018, it launched the NEXON Foundation in South Korea and the SOHO Impact Foundation in the United States to support global social and cultural activities. These include projects in healthcare, creative education, and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Alternative candidates for the South Korean family office ranking by AUM

Korean billionaire Michael Kim has most of his wealth allocated to his private equity firm, MBK Partners, but we do not know about a dedicated family office. Samsung heir Jay Y. Lee is worth billions of dollars, but our familyofficehub.io team does not know about a dedicated family office. Cho Jung-ho is also worth over $8bn, but most of his wealth is concentrated in his company, Meritz Financial Group.

Picture Source: Getty Images, Unsplash+ (29.04.2025)