Founded as a five-pyeong single-practitioner veterinary clinic in 1994, Royal Animal Medical Group has expanded into an eight-facility network projecting 35 billion won in annual revenue. The organization marked its 25th anniversary on October 25 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, gathering 250 staff members and family to outline a future focused on internal depth and standardized veterinary care.
The 25-Year Growth Trajectory at a Glance
- Scale: Grown into a group encompassing eight hospital locations and affiliated entities, with projected revenue hitting 35 billion won.
- Milestones: Achieved domestic firsts with AAHA-KVMA hospital accreditation in 2024 across three main branches and established research infrastructure including Cellany Lab.
From a Single Room in Gwangjin-gu to an Eight-Hospital Network
Struggling with a desire to offer better patient care after exhausting standard options of the era, Jeong expanded the facility twice before it transitioned into the current Gwangjin Animal Medical Center.
The partnership led to the establishment of VCA Korea, culminating in the official opening of the Royal Animal Medical Center and the founding of Royal Animal Medical Group in 2001. The group introduced round-the-clock 24-hour care and departmentalized collaborative treatment systems to South Korea’s veterinary sector, setting a new benchmark for corporate scale and specialization.
Over the subsequent decades, the network expanded to include eight distinct hospital branches.
Pushing Standards and Clinical Research Standards
As the network grew in physical scale, leadership shifted its strategic focus toward internal depth and international accreditation.
Clinical infrastructure evolved alongside administrative expansion. That entity later rebranded as Knotus in 2016 and achieved a KOSDAQ listing in 2019. In 2025, the main branch launched "Cellany Lab," focusing research and development efforts on stem cell therapy, exosomes, and NK cell treatments.
Financial metrics reflect this institutional scaling. Group hospital revenue rose from 9.7 billion won in 2010 to 30.5 billion won by 2025, with leadership anticipating 35 billion won in system-wide revenue.
| Milestone Year | Key Development | Financial & Operational Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Purun Animal Hospital opened as a 5-pyeong single-doctor clinic in Gwangjin-gu. | Single practitioner |
| 2001 | Royal Animal Medical Center founded, introducing 24-hour care and departmental collaboration. | Founding of Royal Animal Medical Group |
| 2010 | Establishment of (사)동물사랑봉사 volunteer service group. | 9.7 billion won group revenue |
| 2024 | Main, W, and Gangdong branches earn domestic first AAHA-KVMA accreditation. | Multi-branch network |
Marking 25 Years at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
On October 25, roughly 250 executives, staff, family members, and industry guests gathered at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Seoul to commemorate the group’s silver jubilee. Korean Veterinary Medical Association President Woo Yeon-cheol attended to deliver congratulatory remarks.
During the event, group leadership emphasized the human element behind the infrastructure. Representative Director Jeong In-sung reflected on the founding philosophy during his address.
Jeong stated during the ceremony that Royal Animal Medical Group was created by gathering an earnest desire to better save patients and provide medical care trusted by guardians.
Staff members with over a decade of service—spanning veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and administrative managers—received long-term service awards. Main branch director Yoo Yong-gyu was honored with a special merit plaque. Jeong acknowledged the clinical staff who remained on duty at the various hospital branches during the weekend event, calling for a round of applause for those maintaining active patient care.
Transitioning Toward the 30th Anniversary Vision
Reflecting on the group’s trajectory, Royal Animal Medical Group President Lee Seung-hwan noted that the initial decade’s emphasis on exterior expansion has matured into a focus on internal depth. The goal, according to leadership, is for internationally standardized group hospitals to cultivate professional talent and establish a reliable standard for veterinary medicine recognized by both pet owners and the veterinary community.
Jeong stressed that administrative longevity does not exempt senior practitioners from constant self-evaluation regarding patient outcomes and clinical diligence. He outlined plans for systematic delegation and generational transition to empower younger staff members.
Jeong committed to providing decision-making authority and institutional support while sharing the responsibility for difficult challenges, stating that he will not insist on familiar methods to block new attempts.
Korean Veterinary Medical Association President Woo Yeon-cheol praised the group’s trajectory within the broader industry context.
Woo remarked that he has watched Royal’s growth and role in the veterinary sector for a long time, noting that the group spearheaded the introduction of AAHA accreditation and continues to lead discussions on the introduction of a specialist system and the operation of training education within the association.
With the 25th-anniversary events concluded, leadership announced plans to formulate a comprehensive mission and vision for South Korea’s veterinary standards ahead of the group’s 30th anniversary.
