SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY) ("The9"), a leading online game operator in China, today announced that it has appointed Swun Woo (Tony) Park as Vice President, effective January 31, 2007. Mr. Park will be in charge of The9's international business development and will also participate in our online game operations.
Prior to joining The9, Mr. Park served as the President of International Business at Hanbitsoft Inc. ("Hanbitsoft"), a leading game developer and publisher in Korea. Since April 2002, he has served various management functions at Hanbitsoft, including business development, strategic planning, marketing and brand management, game studio management, localization & technical operations, joint venture management, as well as investor relations. Prior to joining Hanbitsoft, Tony worked as a venture capitalist at ADL Partners from April 2000 to April 2002, and as a management consultant at Arthur D. Little from December 1998 to April 2000. Mr. Park received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Korea University.
Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and CEO, commented: "We are delighted to have Tony join our management team. With his valuable experience at one of Korea's leading game companies and his unique background, we believe Tony will not only further strengthen our team's game operation expertise, but will also bring new business development ideas to The9. Moreover, Tony's strong ties with Hanbitsoft will no doubt enhance the partnership between the two companies and ensure seamless communication and cooperation going forward."
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in China. The9's business is primarily focused on operating and developing MMORPGs for the Chinese online game players market. The9 directly or through affiliates operates licensed MMORPGs, consisting of Blizzard Entertainment(R)'s World of Warcraft(R), MU(R) and Mystina Online(R) and its first proprietary MMORPG, Joyful Journey West(TM), in China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado Espada(R), Soul of The Ultimate Nation(R), Guild Wars(R), Hellgate: London(R), Ragnarok Online 2(R) and Emil Chronicle Online(R). In addition, The9 is also working on the development of a 3D fantasy MMORPG game, Fantasy Melody Online(TM).
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an online game operator, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing the online game industry, information disseminated over the Internet and Internet content providers in China, intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Dahlia Wei
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
The9 Limited
Tel: +86-21-5172-9990
Email: IR@corp.the9.com
Web: http://www.corp.the9.com
