OpenAI appoints former Google Korea head as first South Korea chief

SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - OpenAI has named Kim Kyung-hoon, a former head of Google Korea, as its first chief executive in South Korea, the company announced Monday.

Kim, who has more than two decades of experience in global technology and consulting, will lead OpenAI’s strategic partnerships and oversee the expansion of its artificial intelligence ecosystem in the country.

The appointment comes amid surging demand for the company’s products in South Korea. Weekly active users of ChatGPT have risen more than fourfold from a year ago, according to OpenAI.

Kim served as president of Google Korea from 2021 until recently, steering the growth of the company’s advertising business while supporting local AI and digital development through startup and developer initiatives. He previously led Google’s marketing solutions team in Korea and managed strategy and operations for the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on mobile and search advertising.

He holds a computer engineering degree from Seoul National University and an MBA from Duke University. He also serves on the board of AMCHAM Korea, where he has contributed to policy discussions on information technology, cybersecurity and digital content.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.