More women venture into start-up scene in South Korea

They are now behind more than 25% of new businesses in sectors from finance to fashion

Ms Lee Hyo-jin (seated, third from left), the founder of 8percent, with her employees at an event last month marking the company's sixth anniversary. The peer-to-peer lending start-up matches lenders with cash-strapped individuals or companies by med
Ms Lee Hyo-jin (seated, third from left), the founder of 8percent, with her employees at an event last month marking the company's sixth anniversary. The peer-to-peer lending start-up matches lenders with cash-strapped individuals or companies by mediating mid-range interest rates. PHOTO: 8PERCENT
Ms Lee Hyo-jin (seated, third from left), the founder of 8percent, with her employees at an event last month marking the company's sixth anniversary. The peer-to-peer lending start-up matches lenders with cash-strapped individuals or companies by med
8percent's founder Lee Hyo-jin (above) and Ms Sophie Kim, who founded premium grocery delivery service Market Kurly, both ventured successfully into the traditionally male-driven start-up scene in South Korea. PHOTO: 8PERCENT
8percent's founder Lee Hyo-jin (at left, above) and Ms Sophie Kim, who founded premium grocery delivery service Market Kurly, both ventured successfully into the traditionally male-driven start-up scene in South Korea.
8percent's founder Lee Hyo-jin and Ms Sophie Kim (above), who founded premium grocery delivery service Market Kurly, both ventured successfully into the traditionally male-driven start-up scene in South Korea.
Chang May Choon South Korea Correspondent In Seoul
Updated
Dec 20, 2020, 05:01 AM
Published
Dec 20, 2020, 05:00 AM
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Dreaming of becoming the next Steve Jobs, a young woman teams up with a geeky trio of male developers to start a small company in South Korea's Silicon Valley.

This may be the premise of the popular South Korean drama Start-Up, but it is also a true reflection of the country's vibrant start-up scene in real life.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 20, 2020, with the headline More women venture into start-up scene in South Korea. Subscribe

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