SEOUL — Neowiz, a prominent South Korean game developer and publisher, announced on Monday, June 8, 2026, that it has nominated Sung-joon Park, the current Head of the New Project Development Group, as its next Co-CEO. This appointment marks a historic milestone for the company, as Park becomes the first executive from a game development background to rise to the top leadership position since Neowiz's inception.
According to the company, the strategic appointment is aimed at prioritizing development expertise and execution capabilities. As Neowiz prepares to aggressively roll out its upcoming pipeline of major titles, the leadership transition is designed to align the company’s business operations directly with its core creative strengths.
Following approval from the board of directors scheduled for this August, Park will officially assume his duties and lead the company alongside current Co-CEO Tae-geun Bae. Meanwhile, current Co-CEO Seung-chul Kim will step down from his executive post but will continue to contribute to the company's long-term vision by retaining his seat on the board of directors.
Park is widely recognized in the global gaming industry as a visionary leader who successfully bridged the gap between traditional Korean PC/mobile gaming and the global console market. After serving as the Development Director at Neowiz CRS in 2013 and later as the Head of the Console Development Division at Neowiz Bless Studio, he took the helm at Round8 Studio in 2019.
Under his leadership, Round8 Studio developed the critically acclaimed dark fantasy action RPG Lies of P. Released in 2023, the game achieved massive global success, selling over one million copies within its first month and sweeping numerous awards. It was highly praised for setting a new milestone for "K-games" on global PC and console platforms. Park further solidified this success by spearheading Lies of P: Prelude, cementing the intellectual property (IP) as a premier global franchise.
Since 2023, Park has also served as the Head of the New Project Development Group, overseeing the company’s comprehensive lineup of next-generation titles. Even after officially stepping into the Co-CEO role this August, he plans to retain his position as the development group chief. This dual role is expected to create a seamless synergy, directly connecting the strategic direction of major upcoming projects with the company's overarching corporate management and business strategies.
"Neowiz is entering a crucial phase where our long-prepared global pipeline is ready to show its full potential," a company representative stated. "With a proven developer now at the helm, we are uniquely positioned to sharpen our competitive edge, maintain our commitment to high-quality game development, and accelerate our growth in the global gaming market."
Industry analysts view this move as a bold and essential transition for Neowiz. By putting a seasoned developer in the corner office, the company signals a shift from a publisher-centric mindset to a studio-first approach, ensuring that product quality remains the driving force behind its commercial ambitions. All eyes are now on how Park’s leadership will shape the next chapter of Neowiz's global expansion.
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