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Jang Kyung-ik
Jang Kyung-ik (Korean: 장경익, born January 12, 1972) is a South Korean filmmaker, producer and entertainment executive. He established himself as a prominent producer in South Korea through his work on blockbuster films such as Miracle in Cell No. 7 and Train to Busan, which attracted over 10 million viewers. He is also known for producing series Descendants of the Sun, as well as Moving and Doctor Cha, for which he received the Best Series Producer award from Cine21.
Jang was one of the founder of Next Entertainment World (NEW) and served as the head of its film division, as well as the CEO of its subsidiary, Studio&NEW. After leaving NEW, in July 2024, CJ ENM appointed Jang as CEO of its subsidiary, Studio Dragon.
Jang Kyung-ik was born on January 12, 1972. During his school years, he did not have specific aspirations for the future; however, he developed a strong interest in cinema. He was particularly drawn to films such as The Sound of Music and Graduation, which he watched multiple times. While he did not have a particular favorite director, he admired actors like Tom Hanks, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Meg Ryan.
His life film is Chungking Express, which provided solace during his most turbulent periods. In his twenties, he struggled with self-image, finding his path in life, and navigating romantic relationships. To cope, he took breaks from school and later enlisted in the military after receiving his mandatory service warrant. He also took a leave of absence to focus on exam preparation and departed Korea for language training just one semester before graduation.
Jang graduated with a degree in economics and began his career as an office worker in the mobile telecommunications industry. Dissatisfied with the routine corporate environment at Shinsegi Telecommunications, he made the bold decision to leave and start his own business. After trying his hand at a web animation venture for two years, Jang realized he was seeking something more fulfilling. In early 2002, he secured a position at Megabox, where his interviewer saw his talent as a movie theater programmer. With dedication and perseverance, Jang rapidly progressed in his role, eventually leading the programming team.
As the head of Megabox's programming team, Jang Kyung-ik was responsible for tasks such as theater placement and movie purchasing. His team determined which movies will be shown at Megabox's 19 theater sites nationwide. Despite not hiring film majors, the team consists of members with movie theater experience who judge movie success based on the preferences of the general audience. They focused on capturing audience emotions by carefully examining movie titles, posters, trailers, and considering press reactions, online community responses, and preview screenings. The team acknowledged the significant influence of word-of-mouth in the film industry.
During his seven years at Megabox, Jang had the opportunity to work closely with Kim Woo-taek. In his role as team leader during his second to third year, Jang Kyung-ik organized Japanese and European film festivals and launched the 'Movie On Style' brand. He actively engaged in marketing and distributing high-art films, which he found immensely enjoyable. As Jang approached his mid-30s, his love for movies grew stronger, solidifying his lifelong aspiration of a career in the film industry. When considering the idea of starting a film company, Kim Woo-taek proposed that they embark on the venture together.
In 2008, Jang Kyung-ik joined Kim Woo-taek as co-founder in Kim newly established Next Entertainment World (NEW) alongside Kim Hyeong-cheol, Kim Jae-min, and Park Jun-kyung. Jang led the film division, while his co-founders managed investment, distribution, and marketing respectively. The name "NEW" was chosen to represent innovation and a departure from outdated industry concepts. Unlike competitors, NEW operates without owning multiplex cinema chains. This unique position focuses the company's strategy entirely on investment and distribution. To make the company more agile, Jang and Kim established a "club culture" defined by flat hierarchies and minimal formal meetings. This system prioritizes individual responsibility and open communication, allowing employees to challenge ideas regardless of rank. This collegiate environment emphasizes thorough consensus over rapid decision-making.
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Jang Kyung-ik
Jang Kyung-ik (Korean: 장경익, born January 12, 1972) is a South Korean filmmaker, producer and entertainment executive. He established himself as a prominent producer in South Korea through his work on blockbuster films such as Miracle in Cell No. 7 and Train to Busan, which attracted over 10 million viewers. He is also known for producing series Descendants of the Sun, as well as Moving and Doctor Cha, for which he received the Best Series Producer award from Cine21.
Jang was one of the founder of Next Entertainment World (NEW) and served as the head of its film division, as well as the CEO of its subsidiary, Studio&NEW. After leaving NEW, in July 2024, CJ ENM appointed Jang as CEO of its subsidiary, Studio Dragon.
Jang Kyung-ik was born on January 12, 1972. During his school years, he did not have specific aspirations for the future; however, he developed a strong interest in cinema. He was particularly drawn to films such as The Sound of Music and Graduation, which he watched multiple times. While he did not have a particular favorite director, he admired actors like Tom Hanks, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Meg Ryan.
His life film is Chungking Express, which provided solace during his most turbulent periods. In his twenties, he struggled with self-image, finding his path in life, and navigating romantic relationships. To cope, he took breaks from school and later enlisted in the military after receiving his mandatory service warrant. He also took a leave of absence to focus on exam preparation and departed Korea for language training just one semester before graduation.
Jang graduated with a degree in economics and began his career as an office worker in the mobile telecommunications industry. Dissatisfied with the routine corporate environment at Shinsegi Telecommunications, he made the bold decision to leave and start his own business. After trying his hand at a web animation venture for two years, Jang realized he was seeking something more fulfilling. In early 2002, he secured a position at Megabox, where his interviewer saw his talent as a movie theater programmer. With dedication and perseverance, Jang rapidly progressed in his role, eventually leading the programming team.
As the head of Megabox's programming team, Jang Kyung-ik was responsible for tasks such as theater placement and movie purchasing. His team determined which movies will be shown at Megabox's 19 theater sites nationwide. Despite not hiring film majors, the team consists of members with movie theater experience who judge movie success based on the preferences of the general audience. They focused on capturing audience emotions by carefully examining movie titles, posters, trailers, and considering press reactions, online community responses, and preview screenings. The team acknowledged the significant influence of word-of-mouth in the film industry.
During his seven years at Megabox, Jang had the opportunity to work closely with Kim Woo-taek. In his role as team leader during his second to third year, Jang Kyung-ik organized Japanese and European film festivals and launched the 'Movie On Style' brand. He actively engaged in marketing and distributing high-art films, which he found immensely enjoyable. As Jang approached his mid-30s, his love for movies grew stronger, solidifying his lifelong aspiration of a career in the film industry. When considering the idea of starting a film company, Kim Woo-taek proposed that they embark on the venture together.
In 2008, Jang Kyung-ik joined Kim Woo-taek as co-founder in Kim newly established Next Entertainment World (NEW) alongside Kim Hyeong-cheol, Kim Jae-min, and Park Jun-kyung. Jang led the film division, while his co-founders managed investment, distribution, and marketing respectively. The name "NEW" was chosen to represent innovation and a departure from outdated industry concepts. Unlike competitors, NEW operates without owning multiplex cinema chains. This unique position focuses the company's strategy entirely on investment and distribution. To make the company more agile, Jang and Kim established a "club culture" defined by flat hierarchies and minimal formal meetings. This system prioritizes individual responsibility and open communication, allowing employees to challenge ideas regardless of rank. This collegiate environment emphasizes thorough consensus over rapid decision-making.