Global business magazine Forbes announced its “2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia” list on January 14 (local time), featuring numerous Korean startups spanning from AI-powered technologies and donation platforms to mental health solutions.

Korean startups selected by Forbes include Nanum Vitamin, DALPHA, Linq Alpha, DongJoo, Moho, MOVIN, BIND, Barreleye, BlueSignum, Sequor Robotics, Waddle, CoxWave, and PYLER.

Forbes annually selects 300 young talents under 30 across the Asia-Pacific region in 10 categories: AI (Artificial Intelligence), Consumer & Enterprise Technology, Entertainment & Sports, Finance & VC, Healthcare & Science, Industry & Manufacturing & Energy, Retail & Commerce, Social Impact, Social Media & Marketing & Advertising, and Arts.

This year’s selection process involved approximately 4,500 candidates who were narrowed down through industry recommendations, online nominations, and referrals from previous winners. The final list was determined through evaluation by Forbes Asia’s editorial team and external judges, with criteria including investment scale, revenue, social impact, and innovation.

The list features 13 Korean startup representatives who have distinguished themselves across various industries including artificial intelligence, social impact, retail, healthcare, and content.

AI and Technology Leaders

Gijung Kim, co-founder of CoxWave, was selected in the Consumer & Enterprise Technology category for operating “Align,” a generative AI-based conversational product analysis tool. Yongjin Kim, co-founder of Linq Alpha, is developing an AI-powered investment intelligence platform for institutional investors.

DALPHA, led by CEO Dogyun Kim and co-founder Sunbin You, operates an “AI Store” that aggregates customized AI solutions for enterprises. Byeoli Choi, CEO of MOVIN, gained attention for developing low-cost, high-quality motion capture technology using LiDAR sensors.

Waddle, led by CEO Jihyuk Park and CSO Yongwon Cho, operates the conversational AI agent “gentoo” and became the first Korean startup to sign an enterprise contract with OpenAI.

Social Impact and Healthcare Innovations

Hayeon Kim, CEO of Nanum Vitamin, was selected in the Social Impact category. The platform has built a beneficiary-customized donation system, leading the digital transformation of donation methods.

Co-founders Junghyun Yoon and Jaewoo Pyo of BlueSignum were recognized in the Healthcare category. The company operates the emotion-tracking app “BlueDiary” and AI-powered stress management solution “Lime AI,” leading the mental health management market.

Seokhwan Oh, co-founder of Barreleye, was selected in the Healthcare category for developing AI-based ultrasound diagnostic technology that aims to achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to existing CT and MRI systems.

Commerce and Creative Solutions

Sihwa Kim, CEO of BIND, was featured in the Retail & Commerce category for “Athler,” a fashion commerce platform targeting men in their 30s and 40s.

Hojun Lee, CEO of Moho, was selected in the Arts category for an AI-based defect prediction solution in ceramic manufacturing processes. Kwangsik Yoon, CEO of DongJoo, developed the webtoon creation platform “SPINNOFF,” while JaeHo Oh, CEO of PYLER, developed an AI-based video content analysis solution, earning recognition in the Social Media & Marketing & Advertising category.

Jeongwoo Oh, CEO of Sequor Robotics, was selected in the Industry & Manufacturing & Energy category. The company develops robot AI models that operate efficiently even in low-power environments, demonstrating applicability across various real-world robots.

The strong representation of Korean startups in Forbes’ prestigious list highlights the country’s growing influence in the global startup ecosystem, particularly in AI technologies and social impact solutions.