KRAFTON, widely recognised as the developer and publisher of popular game titles such as “PUBG: Battlegrounds”, has been running KRAFTON JUNGLE, a training programme for aspiring software developers, since 2022, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) mission.

Junghan Kim, co-founder of KRAFTON and head of KRAFTON JUNGLE, speaks with 4i MAG about the goals of the programme and his perspectives on the tech industry.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, I’m Junghan Kim, the head of KRAFTON JUNGLE. I’ve been working as a game developer and engineer for many years, and I’m also a co-founder of KRAFTON.

KRAFTON is mostly known as a game developer, but it has also been operating a CSR programme like KRAFTON JUNGLE for some time now. What is KRAFTON JUNGLE, and how did it come about?

KRAFTON JUNGLE is a CSR initiative launched to contribute to societal goals in a way that aligns with KRAFTON’s strengths. Our aim is to tackle the labour shortage in the software development sector and to provide more career opportunities for younger generations.

Over the course of my career, I’ve found great joy in supporting others’ career development, which is why I decided to take part in KRAFTON JUNGLE. The programme emphasises elements such as immersive experiences, self-directed learning, and team-based collaboration, with its core value being continuous growth. One of the greatest strengths of our campus is that it operates as a boarding school, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies throughout the day, aside from time allocated for meals and rest.

As we continue to develop various programmes that meet the demands of the industry, we aim to expand the campus to accommodate up to 1,000 students per year.

What kind of programmes are available at KRAFTON JUNGLE?

Currently, we offer three main programmes. The first is KRAFTON JUNGLE. Based on the curriculum of SW Academy Jungle, a non-degree programme at KAIST, this course focuses on fundamental computer science knowledge, helping students adapt to the rapidly evolving IT environment.

The second is KRAFTON JUNGLE Game Lab, a programme that allows participants to experience the game development process and supports them in becoming developers capable of creating titles that are widely loved.

The third is the KRAFTON JUNGLE Game Tech Lab, which is designed to help students understand the structure and key components of a game engine. Participants recreate a game engine by referencing Game Engine Architecture and take part in a game jam to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

We’d like to know more about the students of KRAFTON JUNGLE

It accepts applications without any age restriction. Entry is determined through examinations and interviews, where we assess a variety of factors – including, but not limited to, applicants’ goals for becoming developers, their determination to complete the five-month course, and any prior experience in STEM education.

Most applicants are university students or recent graduates, with some full-time workers also applying. Among these professionals are developers seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge, as well as individuals looking to pivot into a tech career. Interestingly, almost 70 per cent of applicants have never majored in computer science or programming.

Has anyone in particular made a lasting impression on you?

There was one student who used to run a fried chicken shop but joined KRAFTON JUNGLE and is now working as a developer in the field. Another was a KRAFTON employee who enrolled in the programme to begin a new chapter in their development career. Alongside these individuals, I genuinely believe all students who have successfully completed the programme are remarkable. Watching their growth up close is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Any memorable episodes?

As I mentioned earlier, students who have never developed games before have the opportunity to brainstorm, create, and publish their own games through the KRAFTON JUNGLE Game Lab. I vividly remember the excitement and sense of accomplishment when they released their games on Steam after six months of hard work. “Frostrain” and “BoardLand”, both developed by our very first cohort, made it onto Steam’s list of popular games. Titles like “Frostrain” and “ENSCROLL” received overwhelmingly positive feedback from players thanks to their unique concepts, innovative presentations, and fun gameplay elements.

We’ve heard that students pay only a minimal amount to join the programme, which must require significant financial support from the company. What are KRAFTON’s expectations for KRAFTON JUNGLE?

KRAFTON launched KRAFTON JUNGLE as part of its CSR initiative and invested heavily in creating a campus where students can experience the most adaptive and immersive learning environment possible. We also partnered with Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour to support students who may face financial challenges, allowing them to participate without concern. Others pay only a nominal fee to take part. While KRAFTON continues to fund the programme, we see it not merely as a social contribution but as a meaningful way to fulfil our responsibility as “KRAFTON”.

What is KRAFTON JUNGLE’s goal for this year?

The long-term goal of KRAFTON JUNGLE is not to recruit top-performing students for the company but to train future developers. Centred around our dedicated campus, we aim to build a foundation capable of nurturing 1,000 developers annually, driving growth that will have a positive impact on the wider industry. As KRAFTON has always done, we’re committed to helping students grow into well-rounded, resilient developers who embrace challenges with confidence.

Ultimately, we hope that KRAFTON JUNGLE will serve not only as an opportunity but as a turning point – for those who are determined to become developers and prepare for a future of their own making.