About Strategy Team Contact
KCR Partners LLC · Est. 2026 · Seoul, Korea

Growth equity investing with discipline
and long-term conviction

A Seoul-based private equity firm partnering with exceptional companies in Korea's most dynamic and structurally compelling markets.

SMID Cap
Target market segment
Korea
Primary investment focus
Long-Term
Investment horizon
A new generation of
private equity in Korea

KCR Partners LLC is a Seoul-based private equity firm founded in 2026. We partner with exceptional companies at pivotal stages of their growth, bringing deep investment expertise and a disciplined yet flexible approach to value creation across a wide range of sectors.

We invest as both majority and minority partners, providing not only capital but strategic insight and patient, long-term ownership. Headquartered in Korea, we take a pan-Asian perspective on markets and opportunities, with an active intention to expand our geographic reach over time.

Disciplined capital.
Long-term conviction.

KCR Partners targets growth equity investments in small-to-mid cap companies where market tailwinds, strong fundamentals, and the right capital partner can meaningfully accelerate outcomes. We are sector-agnostic, patient in our approach, and focused on building enduring value over the long term.

Investment Focus

Growth equity as a primary strategy, pursuing both majority and minority positions. We also selectively pursue traditional buyout opportunities where compelling value and the right conditions exist.

Target Markets

Niche and structurally advantaged sectors with clear long-term tailwinds. We prioritize businesses with durable competitive positions in markets benefiting from macro and demographic trends.

Deal Size

SMID-cap transactions with equity checks typically ranging from KRW 50 billion to KRW 150 billion. We apply the same rigorous diligence standards regardless of deal size.

Geography

Korea is our primary investment market. We maintain a pan-Asian perspective and intend to selectively pursue opportunities across the broader region as the firm grows.

Experienced. Aligned. Committed.
KR
Kyoo-Cheol Chris Rhee
Partner
Founding Partner
Mr. Rhee is the Founding Partner of KCR Partners and brings over two decades of private equity experience in Korea. He began his career as a strategy consultant at PwC in New York and subsequently served as a Managing Director in the M&A group at UBS Investment Bank in New York before transitioning to private equity.

Mr. Rhee spent approximately eight years as a Partner and Korea Head at Affinity Equity Partners, where he led a number of landmark investments including the acquisition and subsequent sale of Loen Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) — one of the most successful private equity transactions in Korean history by return multiple. He later joined CVC Capital Partners as Korea Head and Global Partner, where he led investments including a significant stake in PharmaResearch, a leading Korean biopharma company.

Mr. Rhee holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Yale University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Affinity Equity Partners CVC Capital Partners UBS M&A PwC Yale · Wharton MBA
JJ
Junho Jung
Vice President
Founding Member
Mr. Jung is a Founding Member of KCR Partners with over seven years of experience spanning private equity, capital markets, and institutional research across Seoul and London. Prior to joining KCR, he was an Associate on the deal team at Anchor Equity Partners, where he was involved in private equity investments across healthcare, education, semiconductors, and consumer sectors, with responsibilities spanning due diligence, financial modeling, and value creation planning.

Before transitioning to private equity, Mr. Jung spent five years at J.P. Morgan across equity research in Seoul and market intelligence in London, where he covered Korea Renewables and Entertainment and advised institutional investors on cross-asset macro strategy across Asia and EMEA. He was promoted early to Vice President at J.P. Morgan in recognition of his performance.

Mr. Jung holds a Masters in Finance from London Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Korea University. He is a native speaker of both English and Korean.
Anchor Equity Partners J.P. Morgan Equity Research Macro Strategy LBS MiF
Get in touch

We welcome inquiries from limited partners, co-investors, and companies seeking a strategic growth partner.

Kyoo-Cheol Chris Rhee — Founding Partner
k.chris.rhee@kcrpartnersllc.com
+82 (10) 4907 1614
Junho Jung — Vice President
junho.jung@kcrpartnersllc.com
+82 (10) 5451 7177
Office 1008, 10F Signature Tower West
100 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu
Seoul, Korea 04542

케이씨알파트너스
서울 중구 청계천로 100
시그니처타워 서관 10층 1008호

This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investment products. KCR Partners LLC does not accept unsolicited investment inquiries. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.