Early Life and Education
Lee Hae-jin was born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 22, 1967. He pursued higher education with a strong focus on computer science. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Seoul National University and a Master's degree from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
Rise to Success
Lee's professional journey began in 1992 when he joined Samsung SDS. In 1997, he won an internal venture challenge within Samsung SDS, which led to the creation of the foundational search service that would become Naver. Recognizing a gap in the market dominated by foreign services, Lee saw the opportunity to create a search engine specifically for Korean internet users. In 1999, he founded Naver Comm, the precursor to Naver Corporation. The company quickly expanded its services to include web portals, online communities, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications. Naver launched its 'comprehensive search' service in August 2000, offering users a variety of organized search results on a single page. This innovation was a key factor in its early success, setting Naver apart from its competitors. In 2001, Naver Comm merged with Hangame Communications Inc., and the company was renamed NHN Corporation. Lee has served as CEO and Chairman of NHN and currently holds the position of Founder and Chairman of the Board at Naver Corporation.
Key Business Strategies
Lee Hae-jin's strategic leadership has been instrumental in Naver's success. The company's development of the Naver search engine, which incorporates advanced algorithms to prioritize content relevant to Korean users, was pivotal in its dominance in the Korean search engine market. Under Lee's guidance, Naver diversified its portfolio with ventures into digital content, fintech, and AI. Naver has been investing in AI and cloud infrastructure, aiming to integrate AI across its services to improve user experience and operational efficiency. In 2025, Naver plans to fully integrate AI across all its services, including search, advertising, commerce, and local services. The company has also expanded its operations internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia, and is focused on innovation to enhance its user experience.
Philanthropy
While specific details regarding Lee Hae-jin's direct philanthropic activities are limited in the search results, Naver as a company has implemented initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.