KRAFTON Appoints Kangwook Lee as Chief AI Officer

KRAFTON has appointed Kangwook Lee as its Chief AI Officer, formalizing a leadership role that places artificial intelligence at the center of the company’s long-term strategy. The move marks a significant update to KRAFTON’s AI roadmap and signals deeper integration of AI across gameplay, production tools, and research. Lee has led KRAFTON’s AI division since 2022. During that time, he oversaw machine learning, language models, and other AI functions. 

KRAFTON is best known for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), and Subnautica, franchises built on large-scale interactive systems. AI now plays a more structured role in expanding such experiences.

KRAFTON’s Kangwook Lee to Lead AI Division

The appointment aligns with what the company has described as its AI–first strategy. Under Lee’s leadership, KRAFTON’s AI will focus on three aspects, starting with gameplay innovation. KRAFTON continues developing AI systems designed to improve immersion and player interaction.

Secondly, KRAFTON will focus on developer support. It is investing in AI-driven tools to automate repetitive or technical tasks. The company says this allows developers to focus more on storytelling, design, and creative direction. It has emphasized that all AI systems operate using authorized data and within privacy regulations. 

Finally, it is focusing on long-term research. KRAFTON seeks to achieve this through Ludo Robotics, a newly established entity operating in Korea and the United States. KRAFTON is exploring physical AI and robotics. This research is described as exploratory and simulation-based. The publisher has reiterated that games remain its core business.

KRAFTON’s AI Strategy Update Comes at a Key Moment

KRAFTON’s decision to appoint a Chief AI Officer follows its earlier declaration that it intends to become an AI-first company. Shortly after that announcement, the publisher introduced a voluntary resignation program, describing it as a chance for employees to reassess their roles during an industry-wide AI transition.

At the same time, KRAFTON reported record annual revenue, driven largely by the continued performance of PUBG. The company has positioned AI as a tool to strengthen future growth rather than disrupt its existing creative base.

Kangwook Lee has stated that KRAFTON’s goal is to use AI to amplify human imagination and creativity. With a formal executive role now in place, that vision moves from internal initiative to company-wide mandate.