LeaderPortfolio
Yong-ji
Chung Yong-ji
Rank #2126
SOUTH KOREAHealthcareBiotech

Chung Yong-ji

Net Worth
$1.936B
+9.65% (24h)
Chung Yong-ji is a prominent South Korean businessman and the founder and CEO of Caregen, a biotechnology company specializing in peptide technology. Born on February 25, 1970, Chung's career has been marked by significant achievements, including developing anti-wrinkle treatments and diabetes drugs. His net worth is estimated at $11.7 billion as of March 2026. Chung's focus on peptide research and development has led to the creation of various products, expanding into treatments for COVID-19, macular degeneration, and diabetes. He is known for his commitment to innovation and his ambition to advance the biotech field.

How to read Chung Yong-ji's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Chung Yong-ji, we anchor the narrative to Biotech and Biotech, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.936B alongside global rank #2126, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (SOUTH KOREA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Chung Yong-ji was born in South Korea on February 25, 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University, a Master's degree in biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a PhD in molecular biology (animal science) from Cornell University in 1996. He also conducted postdoctoral research in Breast Oncology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine from 2000 to 2001.

Rise to Success

Chung founded Caregen in August 2001. Caregen went public on the KOSDAQ in 2015, raising approximately $160 million. As of late 2023, Chung holds roughly 64% of the company. The company is best known for its anti-wrinkle treatments and diabetes drugs.

Key Business Strategies

Caregen's success is built on peptide technology research and development. The company sells its products to more than 130 countries. Its most popular product is an injectable dermal filler that treats wrinkles. Another revenue source is Dr. CYJ Hair Filler, which claims to help regrow hair. Chung has signed a global exclusive agreement with BASF, a global chemical company, to supply cosmetic peptides and has focused on developing treatments for COVID-19, macular degeneration, and diabetes.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific philanthropy amounts is unavailable in the search results. However, the Hyundai Group, which Chung's family has ties to, has a history of philanthropic initiatives, particularly through the Asan Foundation.

Career Timeline

2024

Named Chairman of Shinsegae Group

Promoted to chairman of the retail conglomerate.

2015

Caregen IPO

Caregen went public on the KOSDAQ.

2001

Founded Caregen

Established biotechnology company focused on peptide technology.

Philanthropic Impact

Healthcare and Social Welfare$XB

Asan Foundation

Supports medical support, social welfare, research and development, and a scholarship fund.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Caregen63.00%$3.4M
E-Mart28.56%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Chung Yong-ji was born in South Korea on February 25, 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University, a Master's degree in biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a PhD in molecular biology (animal science) from Cornell University in 1996. He also conducted postdoctoral research in Breast Oncology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine from 2000 to 2001.

Rise to Success

Chung founded Caregen in August 2001. Caregen went public on the KOSDAQ in 2015, raising approximately $160 million. As of late 2023, Chung holds roughly 64% of the company. The company is best known for its anti-wrinkle treatments and diabetes drugs.

Key Business Strategies

Caregen's success is built on peptide technology research and development. The company sells its products to more than 130 countries. Its most popular product is an injectable dermal filler that treats wrinkles. Another revenue source is Dr. CYJ Hair Filler, which claims to help regrow hair. Chung has signed a global exclusive agreement with BASF, a global chemical company, to supply cosmetic peptides and has focused on developing treatments for COVID-19, macular degeneration, and diabetes.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific philanthropy amounts is unavailable in the search results. However, the Hyundai Group, which Chung's family has ties to, has a history of philanthropic initiatives, particularly through the Asan Foundation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Chung Yong-ji are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.