KAIST Inaugurates New 'Krafton SoC' Space After ₩11 Billion Donation

A new cradle of knowledge has opened on the KAIST campus. On May 20th, an expanded space for the School of Computing, named 'KRAFTON SoC,' held its completion ceremony, revealing its impressive presence. This building is the fruit of the noble philanthropic spirit of KRAFTON and its members, with a significant fund of 11.0 billion KRW invested. What is noteworthy is its construction method. In 2021, KRAFTON members who graduated from KAIST voluntarily raised 5.5 billion KRW, and KRAFTON as a company added the same amount, completing the donation. It is a beautiful example of 'matching grant' donation, where individual passion and corporate social responsibility harmonize, resulting in a moving outcome born from the power of community. Approximately 100 individuals, including Chang Byung-gyu, Chairman of the KRAFTON Board of Directors, Lee Kwang-hyung, President of KAIST, and Ryu Seok-young, Dean of the School of Computing, attended the completion ceremony, further enhancing its significance. The building, with its harmonious blend of modern aesthetic glass curtain walls and white structures, embraced 'connection' as a core value from the design stage. Designed to naturally link knowledge with people, and people with technology, this is an open space where students and faculty can stay, engage in deep exchange and research, and share comfortable relaxation. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung emphasized the significance of KRAFTON SoC as "a symbolic space of community, created through the collective will of KAIST alumni, current students, and faculty, starting with the participation of KRAFTON members," highlighting the values of sharing and connection embodied within this space. KRAFTON Chairman Chang Byung-gyu stated that it "began with the desire to give back learning and opportunities to the next generation," presenting a profound vision that he hopes this space "will become an environment that contributes to the attitudes towards life essential for talents who will prepare for and lead the AI era." KRAFTON's contributions do not stop there. They have also pledged continuous support by committing to additional donations for the building's maintenance for the next 10 years. As a company that has already operated innovative talent development programs like 'KRAFTON Jungle' and 'KRAFTON Jungle Game Lab,' this donation clearly demonstrates an investment in future generations from a long-term perspective. KRAFTON's move to construct a School of Computing building, extending beyond the realm of gaming, embodies a deep understanding and respect for the 'foundation' where their growth began. No one can predict what new codes, technologies, and innovative ideas will sprout within KRAFTON SoC, which opened today. However, the fact that all those great beginnings stemmed today from the noble sharing of a company and its members will be remembered as an unchanging value.