Youngrok Kim is a prominent entrepreneur, educator, and author with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing next-generation startups. He currently serves as Chairman of Next Challenge School, an international school for AI-driven startups and CEO of the Next Challenge Foundation, a leading accelerator supporting early-stage ventures and youth entrepreneurship.

With decades of experience at the intersection of business, education, and technology, Mr. Kim is also a Vice President of the Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA), where he champions the development of Korea’s venture ecosystem. He previously served as a Professor at the Global Entrepreneurship Center of Hanyang University, where he played a key role in cultivating entrepreneurial talent with a global outlook. In addition to his entrepreneurial and academic leadership, Mr. Kim is a celebrated author, having published nine books including The Unknown Wolf, which was selected by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He is also a bestselling writer, with over 100,000 copies sold across his works.

Mr. Kim’s multifaceted career reflects a passion for empowering future innovators and building cross-sectoral bridges between education, enterprise, and public leadership. His ongoing work continues to shape Korea’s startup landscape and inspire a new generation of global changemakers.