Ju-Kon Kim, PhD

CEO

Prof, Seoul National University, 2013~2023

PhD, Plant Molecular Biology, Cornell University, 1992

Dr. Ju-Kon Kim is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lasemilla. Previously a faculty member and dean at Seoul National University, Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Cornell University and a B.S. in agricultural chemistry from Seoul National University. Over the past 25 years, he has conducted pioneering research in crop biotechnology, focusing on identifying and understanding genes related to drought tolerance in crops. Dr. Kim holds more than 20 patents and has published over 100 SCIE research papers. He has also successfully transferred more than 10 technologies to global seed companies. Building on this extensive expertise, Dr. Kim aims to drive innovation in developing seeds with enhanced water and nitrogen use efficiency, identifying superior traits, and advancing a sustainable agriculture vision.

Yong-Whan Kim, PhD

COO

CEO, Farm-Hannong (LG group), 2017~2020
CEO, Syngenta Korea, 2008~2015

PhD, Agricultural Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1992

Dr. Yong-Whan Kim serves as Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Kim has over 15 years of leadership experience serving as CEO of global agricultural companies, including Syngenta Korea and Farm-Hannong (LG group). He received a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry from Seoul University and a BS in agricultural chemistry from Seoul National University. Dr. Kim has gained extensive and diverse experience in the agricultural industry and is an expert in agribusiness. Building on this foundation, he will plan and present LaSemilla's business model and vision. In addition, he will work to strengthen collaborative relationships with future business partners.

Se-Jun Oh, PhD

CTO

Senior manager of Biotech Reg. Affairs, Syngenta Korea, 2009~2021

PhD, Plant Bio-Science, Myongji University, 2007

Dr. Se-Jun Oh is the Chief Technology Officer at LaSemilla. He completed his Ph.D. studies in drought-tolerant crop development at Myongi University and subsequently took a role as a regulatory affairs specialist with Syngenta Korea. Over more than a decade with Syngenta, Dr. Oh managed regulatory affairs for biotech crops developed by the company, becoming an expert in regulatory processes and safety assessments essential for biotech crop registration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biosciences and Bioinformatics from Myongi University. Currently, he oversees the development of drought-tolerant soybean and corn and plays a key role in attracting investment for LaSemilla.

Yeon-Hee Lee, PhD

Research Fellow

Director of Plant Transformation Center, RDA, 1986 ~2022

PhD, Agriculture, Seoul National University, 1997

Dr. Yeon-Hee Lee is currently the Director of the Crop Transformation Team at LaSemilla. With over 30 years of experience at Korea’s Rural Development Administration's National Institute of Agricultural Science, Dr. Lee has held various leadership roles, including as a team manager. She is a recognized expert in crop transformation, with specialized skills in plant tissue culture and transformation techniques. Dr. Lee has successfully transformed various crops, including rice, soybeans, and corn. She holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture from Seoul National University and a B.S. in Biology from Sookmyung Women’s University.