Chief Executive Kim Jae-won of Ellis Group took office as the fifth chair of the Korea Startup Forum (KOSFO).
KOSFO said on the 27th that it held the "2026 regular general assembly of delegates" and unanimously elected Chief Executive Kim Jae-won, who was recommended as the sole candidate at the first board meeting, as the fifth chair.
Newly appointed Chair Kim is the head of Ellis Group, an "AI full-stack" company that integrates and provides AI infrastructure, cloud, industry-specific solutions, and education. Kim has played a leading role in spreading Korea's AI ecosystem.
In remarks upon taking office, the new chair said, "As we enter the era of a 730 trillion won national budget, KOSFO aims to leap forward as a key policy partner that designs the future of the national economy," and added, "Starting in 2026, which marks the 10th anniversary of our launch, we will strengthen regulatory innovation and global cooperation in new industries, including the introduction of an AI technology quota system."
About 60 people attended the general assembly of delegates, including Han Sang-woo, the fourth chair and head of Wizdom, vice chairs, and officials from director companies, delegate companies, and regular member companies. The assembly reported on the 2025 business results and settlement of account, and approved key agenda items such as the 2026 business plan and budget bill.
Marking the 10th anniversary of its launch this year, KOSFO said it will transition into a "problem-solving platform" that designs the next 10 years of Korean startups. KOSFO plans to support member companies' AX (AI transformation) to enhance industrial competitiveness, and to energize startup policy agendas to strengthen regulatory innovation and growth foundations. It also plans to support domestic founders' overseas expansion by advancing the global startup event "COMEUP 2026" and expanding global partnerships.
Han Sang-woo of Wizdom, who led KOSFO over the past two years, said, "Thanks to the dedication of member companies, executives, and the secretariat, KOSFO was able to achieve meaningful results as 'a reliable running mate for startups,'" and added, "I support KOSFO to take a step forward under the newly launched leadership of Chair Kim Jae-won."