Top 20 Billionaires In South Korea

The landscape of high-level wealth in South Korea is currently undergoing a fascinating transition. While the traditional industrial conglomerates known as chaebols continue to hold significant influence, a new generation of self-made entrepreneurs in technology, gaming, and biopharmaceuticals is rapidly rising. In 2025, the combined net worth of the nation’s wealthiest individuals reflects a resilient economy that is pivoting toward artificial intelligence and global entertainment. This article provides a comprehensive look at the twenty individuals who define the pinnacle of South Korean prosperity, examining their business strategies and the legacies they are building in a rapidly changing global market.

1. Michael Kim

Michael Kim, the co-founder of MBK Partners, remains the wealthiest individual in South Korea in 2025 with a net worth of approximately $9.5 billion. Often referred to as the godfather of Asian private equity, Kim has built an empire by identifying undervalued assets and transforming them into market leaders. His firm manages over $30 billion in assets, making it the largest independent private equity group in North Asia. Kim’s success is rooted in his ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions, particularly in the South Korean, Japanese, and Chinese markets.

In 2025, Kim has focused heavily on the digital transformation of his portfolio companies. He has been a vocal advocate for corporate governance reform in South Korea, pushing for greater transparency and shareholder value in a corporate culture traditionally dominated by family-run dynasties. His firm has recently made significant moves in the consumer retail and financial services sectors, leveraging data analytics to drive growth. Beyond his business acumen, Kim is a dedicated patron of the arts and education. He serves on the boards of several prestigious international institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His philanthropic efforts often focus on providing scholarships to gifted students and supporting cultural exchange programmes between Asia and the West. Kim’s rise to the top of the wealth list as a self-made financier represents a significant shift in the Korean economic narrative, where financial expertise and strategic investment are now as powerful as traditional manufacturing.

2. Jay Y. Lee (Lee Jae-yong)

Jay Y. Lee, the Executive Chairman of Samsung Electronics, has a net worth that ranges from $7.8 billion to $14.7 billion, depending on market valuations and inheritance tax structures. As the third-generation leader of the Samsung Group, Lee bears the responsibility for maintaining the company’s global leadership in semiconductors, smartphones, and display technology. In 2025, his focus has shifted decisively toward artificial intelligence and advanced foundry services, as Samsung seeks to regain its competitive edge against global competitors such as TSMC and NVIDIA.

Lee’s tenure has been marked by a transition from a hardware-centric company to one that excels in software and system integration. He has spent much of 2025 engaging in high-level diplomacy with global tech leaders to secure Samsung’s position in the AI supply chain. His recent meetings with prominent Western tech CEOs have focused on joint ventures in chip manufacturing and the development of next-generation 6G networks. Despite the legal and personal challenges he has faced in recent years, Lee remains the most influential figure in the Korean business world. He is increasingly focused on “New Samsung”, a vision that emphasises agility, innovation, and a more horizontal corporate culture. His leadership is critical to South Korea’s national interest, as Samsung accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s total exports. Lee is also active in philanthropy through the Samsung Foundation, which supports healthcare initiatives and the preservation of Korean cultural heritage.

3. Cho Jung-ho

Cho Jung-ho, the Chairman of Meritz Financial Group, has seen his fortune surge to approximately $7.7 billion in 2025. This increase is attributed mainly to his successful consolidation of Meritz’s various arms into a single, highly efficient holding company. Investors have praised Cho for his commitment to shareholder returns and his focus on “meritocracy,” a word from which the company’s name is derived. Meritz has become a powerhouse in the South Korean financial sector, excelling in securities, insurance, and alternative investments.

In 2025, Cho has prioritised the expansion of Meritz’s digital financial services, targeting a younger, tech-savvy investor demographic. He is known for his hands-off management style, choosing to empower professional managers rather than maintaining a traditional family-led command structure. This approach has allowed Meritz to remain nimble in a volatile market. Cho’s wealth has also been bolstered by the company’s aggressive share buyback programmes, which have significantly increased the value of his holdings. He remains a relatively private figure, rarely appearing in the media, but his influence on the Korean financial landscape is undeniable. Cho is a member of the Hanjin family, the dynasty behind Korean Air, but he has built his economic empire independently of the family’s core transportation business. His success serves as a model for how the younger generation of chaebol families can forge their own paths by modernising the financial sector.

4. Seo Jung-jin

Seo Jung-jin, the founder of the biopharmaceutical giant Celltrion, is a quintessential self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $6.3-$7.3 billion. Seo began his career at Daewoo Motors but entered the biotech industry in the early 2000s, long before it was widely recognized as a viable sector in South Korea. Today, Celltrion is a global leader in biosimilars, which are lower-cost versions of high-cost biologic drugs. In 2025, Seo returned to a more active role in the company to oversee its transition into a developer of original, innovative drugs.

Seo’s strategic vision for 2025 involves massive investments in obesity treatments and mRNA technology. He has announced plans to build new production facilities in both the United States and South Korea to bypass potential trade barriers and meet rising global demand. Seo is known for his flamboyant personality and his direct communication with employees and shareholders. He often emphasizes the importance of “bio-sovereignty,” arguing that South Korea must have the capacity to produce its own critical medicines. His philanthropic activities are significant, particularly in public health. Through the Celltrion Welfare Foundation, he has donated billions of won to support low-income families and provide medical assistance in underserved regions. Seo’s journey from a small startup founder to a global pharmaceutical titan has inspired a new generation of Korean entrepreneurs to look beyond traditional electronics and toward the life sciences.

5. Chung Mong-koo

Chung Mong-koo, the Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, maintains a net worth between $3.9 billion and $5.3 billion in 2025. Although he has passed the day-to-day leadership of the group to his son, his legacy as the man who turned Hyundai into a top-five global automaker remains the foundation of the family’s wealth. Chung is credited with implementing a “quality first” management philosophy that allowed Hyundai and Kia to shed their image as budget brands and compete with premium European and Japanese manufacturers.

In 2025, Chung continues to provide strategic counsel to the group, particularly in hydrogen fuel cell technology, a field he has championed for decades. His wealth is tied to significant stakes in various Hyundai affiliates, including Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai Steel. Despite his retirement from active management, he remains a symbol of the “can-do” spirit that drove South Korea’s rapid industrialisation. Chung’s influence extends into the sporting world, where he has long supported Korean archery, helping the nation achieve global dominance in the sport. His philanthropic work is conducted mainly through the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation, which focuses on fostering future leaders in science, culture, and the arts. The foundation’s initiatives include providing scholarships to students from multicultural families and supporting rural education programmes. Chung’s life story is a testament to the power of industrial perseverance and the transformation of a local manufacturer into a global icon.

6. Bom Kim

Bom Kim, the founder and CEO of the e-commerce giant Coupang, has a net worth of approximately $3.4 billion in 2025. Born in Seoul and educated in the United States, Kim returned to his home country to establish what is now often referred to as the “Amazon of South Korea.” Coupang’s rise was fueled by its “Rocket Delivery” service, which guarantees next-day or even same-day delivery for millions of items. In 2025, Kim successfully expanded Coupang’s footprint into the Taiwanese market, where the company is replicating its high-density logistics model.

Kim’s strategy in 2025 has focused on achieving sustained profitability after years of aggressive, capital-intensive growth. He has integrated artificial intelligence across the entire supply chain, from inventory forecasting to route optimisation for delivery drivers. Coupang has also ventured into the luxury retail market through the acquisition of Farfetch, aiming to capture a larger share of the high-end consumer segment. Kim is known for his obsessive focus on the customer experience, often stating that he wants to create a world where customers wonder how they ever lived without Coupang. Despite past criticism of labour conditions, the company has made significant investments in automation and safety technology in its fulfillment centres. Kim remains an influential figure in the global tech scene, particularly after Coupang’s successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange. His success highlights the potential for South Korean companies to innovate in service sectors and expand their influence across the Asia-Pacific region.

7. Kim Beom-su

Kim Beom-su, the founder of Kakao, has a net worth of between $3.3 billion and $4.4 billion as of 2025. KakaoTalk is the dominant messaging app in South Korea, used by nearly the entire population. From this base, Kim has built a sprawling ecosystem that includes banking, taxi-hailing, gaming, and digital entertainment. In 2025, Kim has been focused on navigating a series of regulatory challenges and corporate governance reforms following public scrutiny of Kakao’s market dominance.

Kim’s 2025 agenda is centred on “Kakao 2.0,” a plan to streamline the group’s many affiliates and focus on core technologies like artificial intelligence and global content. Kakao Entertainment is currently a major player in the worldwide webtoon and K-drama markets, sectors that Kim considers vital to future growth. He is also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, having committed to donating more than half of his wealth to social causes. His personal philanthropy is managed through the Brian Foundation, named after his English name. The foundation focuses on solving social problems through technology and supporting social entrepreneurs. Kim’s rise from a humble background to becoming a tech mogul is a source of inspiration in South Korea. However, his recent challenges highlight the difficulties of transitioning from a nimble startup to a massive conglomerate. He remains a key visionary in the Korean internet industry, constantly seeking new ways to integrate digital services into the daily lives of citizens.

8. Hong Ra-hee

Hong Ra-hee, the former director of the Samsung Museum of Art (Leeum) and widow of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, has a net worth of approximately $3.2 billion in 2025. Her wealth is primarily derived from her significant shareholdings in Samsung Electronics and other key affiliates. In 2025, Hong continued to manage the family’s vast art collection, widely regarded as one of the most valuable private collections in the world. Following her husband’s passing, she and her children donated thousands of artworks to national museums to help cover a massive inheritance tax bill.

Hong’s influence in the Korean cultural scene remains profound. She is widely respected for her deep knowledge of both traditional Korean art and international contemporary works. In 2025, she has been active in supporting young Korean artists through various grants and exhibition opportunities. Her role within the Samsung family is that of a matriarch, providing stability and counsel during a period of significant transition for the group. While she does not have a formal role in the management of Samsung’s business operations, her shareholdings make her a critical stakeholder in the group’s future. Hong is known for her elegance and her commitment to public service through the Samsung Welfare Foundation. Her life reflects the intersection of corporate power and cultural patronage, as she continues to advocate for the importance of the arts in a modern, technological society.

9. Lee Boo-jin

Lee Boo-jin, President and CEO of Hotel Shilla, is the eldest daughter of the late Lee Kun-hee and has an estimated net worth of approximately $3.1 billion in 2025. She has established herself as a formidable business leader, particularly in the hospitality and duty-free sectors. Under her leadership, Hotel Shilla has become a global leader in travel retail, with a significant presence at major airports across Asia. In 2025, Lee focused on the recovery and expansion of the tourism sector after years of disruptions in global travel.

Lee is often praised for her sharp business acumen and decisive management style, which are reminiscent of her father’s. Her 2025 strategy includes the digital transformation of Hotel Shilla’s services and the expansion of the “Shilla Monogram” brand into luxury international markets. She is also a key figure in significant strategic discussions within the Samsung Group, working closely with her brother, J.Y. Lee. Beyond her business roles, Lee is active in several charitable organizations, particularly those focused on children’s welfare and women’s empowerment. Numerous international publications have recognized her as one of the most powerful women in business. Her ability to navigate the highly competitive duty-free market, even amidst geopolitical tensions, has solidified her position as a top-tier executive. Lee remains a central figure in the Korean social and business landscape, balancing her responsibilities to the Samsung legacy with her own entrepreneurial ambitions.

10. Chung Eui-sun

Chung Eui-sun, the Executive Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, has a net worth estimated between $3.0 billion and $4.6 billion in 2025. As the leader of Korea’s second-largest conglomerate, Chung is the architect of Hyundai’s aggressive shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and robotics. Since assuming leadership from his father, he has focused on transforming the company from a traditional carmaker into a “smart mobility solutions provider.” In 2025, Hyundai’s IONIQ series of electric cars became a global benchmark for design and technology.

Chung’s 2025 vision includes the commercialisation of autonomous driving technology and the expansion of Boston Dynamics, the robotics firm that he led in its acquisition by Hyundai. He is also a major proponent of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), envisioning a future where flying taxis alleviate urban congestion. Chung is known for his communicative leadership style, frequently engaging with younger employees to foster an innovative environment. His wealth is tied to his holdings in Hyundai Glovis and Hyundai Mobis, which are central to the group’s supply chain. Chung is also deeply involved in sports, serving as President of the Korea Archery Association. His philanthropic efforts are extensive, focusing on environmental sustainability and the promotion of Korean culture abroad. He is seen as a moderniser who is successfully leading one of Korea’s oldest industrial giants into the high-tech era.

11. Lee Seo-hyun

Lee Seo-hyun, the head of the Samsung Welfare Foundation and a board member of various Samsung affiliates, has a net worth of approximately $2.9 billion in 2025. She is the second daughter of Lee Kun-hee and has previously held leadership roles in Samsung’s fashion and advertising divisions. In 2025, her primary focus is on the group’s social responsibility initiatives and on managing the Samsung Museum of Art, alongside her mother.

Lee’s role is crucial in maintaining the “social license” of the Samsung Group. Through the Samsung Welfare Foundation, she oversees a wide range of programmes that support early childhood education, assist low-income families, and fund medical research. She is known for her keen interest in design and aesthetics, which she integrated into her previous work at Samsung C&T’s fashion group. In 2025, she was instrumental in promoting “sustainable fashion” within Korea’s retail sector. Although she is less involved in the core technology business than her siblings, her influence as a major shareholder and a cultural leader is significant. Lee is often seen at major international art and design events, representing the artistic face of the Samsung family. Her commitment to philanthropy and the arts serves to balance the group’s image as a global industrial powerhouse.

12. Park Soon-jae

Park Soon-jae, CEO and founder of biotech firm Altiogen, saw his net worth increase to between $2.4 billion and $2.9 billion in 2025. Altiogen is a leader in the development of drug-delivery technology, particularly its Hybrozyme platform, which enables subcutaneous administration of drugs previously available only via intravenous injection. This technology is highly sought after by major pharmaceutical companies worldwide, leading to several multi-billion-dollar licensing agreements.

In 2025, Park focused on expanding Altiogen’s pipeline of proprietary drugs and forging more partnerships with international firms. A scientist-turned-entrepreneur, he holds a PhD in biochemistry and is known for his deep technical expertise. Park’s inclusion on the list of billionaires attests to the growing importance of the “K-bio” sector globally. He has invested heavily in research and development, ensuring that Altiogen remains at the forefront of biotechnology. Park also mentors many young scientists in Korea, encouraging them to launch commercial ventures based on their research. His wealth is directly attributable to the high market valuation of Altiogen’s platform technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of many chronic diseases. Park remains committed to the belief that Korean biotechnology can compete globally, and his success has made him a key figure in the country’s innovation economy.

13. Kwon Hyuk-bin

Kwon Hyuk-bin, the founder of Smilegate, is one of South Korea’s wealthiest self-made individuals, with a net worth of approximately $2.55 billion as of 2025. Smilegate is the creator of Crossfire, one of the world’s most popular first-person shooter games, which has a massive following in China and Southeast Asia. In 2025, Kwon has diversified Smilegate’s interests into cinema, animation, and venture capital, aiming to create a global entertainment brand that rivals the major Hollywood studios.

Kwon’s 2025 strategy involves the expansion of the “Lost Ark” franchise and the development of new AI-driven gaming experiences. He has also established the Smilegate Orange Farm, a startup incubator that provides support and funding to aspiring game developers. Kwon is known for his focus on “social value” and has donated significant sums to educational and cultural projects. He is a graduate of Sogang University, where he has founded a new school of computer science. His wealth is managed through the Smilegate Foundation, which conducts various philanthropic activities across Asia. Kwon is a relatively private individual, but his impact on the global gaming industry is immense. He represents the success of the Korean gaming sector, which has become one of the country’s most important cultural exports. His ability to sustain Crossfire’s popularity for over a decade while simultaneously building a diverse entertainment group is a remarkable feat of entrepreneurship.

14. Kim Jung-min & Jung-youn

The siblings Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn, heirs to the Nexon gaming fortune, have a combined net worth of approximately $2.6 billion in 2025. They inherited their wealth from their late father, Kim Jung-ju, the founder of Nexon, which is one of the world’s largest and most successful gaming companies. While they do not take an active role in the day-to-day management of Nexon, they are major shareholders in NXC, the holding company that controls the gaming giant and various other investments.

In 2025, the siblings are primarily focused on their philanthropic work and on managing their father’s legacy. NXC has a diverse portfolio that includes interests in cryptocurrency exchanges and luxury consumer brands. The siblings are known for their interest in environmental conservation and social justice. They have supported various initiatives to protect Korea’s natural heritage and to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Their father was a pioneer in the Korean tech industry, and the siblings are committed to maintaining his spirit of innovation and social responsibility. They reside primarily in Seoul but keep a low public profile, preferring to work through their family foundations. Their significant wealth ensures that they remain influential figures in the Korean investment landscape, even as they pursue their own personal and philanthropic interests.

15. Yoo Jung-hyun

Yoo Jung-hyun, the widow of Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju and mother of Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn, has an estimated net worth of approximately $2.0 billion in 2025. She played a crucial role in Nexon’s early days, helping her husband transform the company from a small startup into a global powerhouse. Following his passing, she became the largest shareholder in NXC and has taken an active interest in the group’s strategic direction.

In 2025, Yoo is lauded for her steady leadership and commitment to Nexon’s long-term success. She has worked alongside professional managers to ensure the company continues to innovate in the competitive gaming market. Yoo is also a dedicated philanthropist, continuing the work she and her husband began together. Her efforts focus on children’s healthcare and the development of educational technology. She is a member of the board of directors of the Nexon Foundation, which has funded the construction of several children’s hospitals in Korea. Yoo is known for her humility and focus on family values. Her role as the matriarch of the Nexon family has been crucial in navigating the challenges of succession and corporate governance. She remains one of the most respected figures in the Korean tech community, representing the enduring legacy of one of the country’s greatest entrepreneurial success stories.

16. Bang Si-hyuk

HYBE Corporation founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.9 billion and $2.5 billion by 2025. Known as “Hitman Bang,” he is the mastermind behind the global K-pop phenomenon BTS. Bang transformed his company from a small talent agency into a worldwide entertainment conglomerate that manages international stars such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. In 2025, his focus remains on the “multi-label” system, which enables HYBE to recruit new talent across diverse genres consistently.

Bang’s 2025 agenda places a strong emphasis on the intersection of music and technology. He has been a pioneer in establishing direct connections between artists and fans through platforms such as Weverse, a model now adopted by the entire industry. He is also working on the use of AI in music production and the creation of virtual idols. A graduate of Seoul National University, Bang remains a passionate supporter of the arts. In 2025, he made a significant donation to his alma mater for the construction of a new cultural center. Despite legal scrutiny surrounding the company’s IPO, Bang is among the most influential figures in the global music industry from Asia. His success has demonstrated the immense impact of Korean culture on the international stage, and his business model has redefined how entertainment is created and consumed in the digital age.

17. Kim Jun-ki

Kim Jun-ki, the founder and former chairman of DB Group (formerly Dongbu Group), has a net worth between $1.7 billion and $2.2 billion in 2025. DB Group is a major conglomerate with interests in insurance, electronics, and chemicals. Although he has stepped back from the group’s management, his significant shareholdings in DB Insurance and other affiliates remain the primary source of his wealth. In 2025, Kim has seen a steady increase in his fortune as the insurance sector has performed strongly.

Kim’s legacy is that of an industrialist who built a diverse conglomerate from the ground up. He is known for his focus on financial services, which have become the most profitable part of the DB Group. In 2025, he remains a significant figure in the Korean business community, often providing advice to the next generation of leaders. His philanthropic work focuses on education and social welfare and is conducted through the DB Kim Jun-ki Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships to thousands of students and supports various cultural programmes. Despite past controversies, Kim’s impact on the Korean economy over several decades has been substantial. He belongs to the generation of entrepreneurs who helped build the modern South Korean state, and his wealth reflects the enduring value of the nation’s core industrial and financial sectors.

18. Lee Su-jin

Lee Su-jin, the founder of the travel and leisure platform Yanolja, is a self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $1.6 billion in 2025. His story is one of the most remarkable in the Korean tech sector; he began as a room cleaner at a “love hotel” and leveraged his experience to build a digital platform that revolutionised the hospitality industry. Today, Yanolja is not just a booking site but a global provider of cloud-based management systems for hotels.

In 2025, Lee has been preparing Yanolja for a highly anticipated listing on the Nasdaq. He has focused on expanding the company’s “SaaS” (Software as a Service) business, which is now used by thousands of properties worldwide. Lee’s strategy is to create a fully integrated travel ecosystem that uses AI to personalise the travel experience. He is a visionary leader who has overcome significant social stigma to build a billion-dollar business. Lee is also a prominent advocate for the “startup culture” in Korea, frequently speaking at events and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. His philanthropy focuses on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the tools and education to build their own futures. Lee’s success is a powerful reminder that innovative ideas can come from anywhere, and his journey has made him a hero to many in the Korean tech scene.

19. Lee Hae-jin

Lee Hae-jin, the co-founder and Global Investment Officer of Naver, has a net worth between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion in 2025. Naver is South Korea’s answer to Google, providing a dominant search engine, news portal, and e-commerce platform. Lee has been the driving force behind the company’s international expansion, particularly through its messaging app, LINE, which is popular in Japan and Southeast Asia. In 2025, his focus is on the development of “HyperCLOVA,” Naver’s large-scale AI model.

Lee is known for his quiet, introspective leadership style, often remaining out of the public eye to focus on technology and investment strategy. His 2025 agenda involves deepening Naver’s partnerships with companies in Europe and North America, particularly in AI and robotics. He is also a major supporter of the Korean “webtoon” industry, which has become a global cultural phenomenon. Lee’s wealth is tied to his stake in Naver and its various international affiliates. He is a committed philanthropist, focusing on digital literacy and the development of ethical AI. His work has been instrumental in ensuring that South Korea remains a leader in the global internet economy. Lee continues to be a key strategist, navigating the complex geopolitical landscape to secure a future for Korean technology on the world stage.

20. Koo Kwang-mo

Koo Kwang-mo, the Chairman of LG Group, has a net worth estimated between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion in 2025. As the fourth-generation leader of the Koo family, he took control of the group at a relatively young age and has moved quickly to modernise its portfolio. Under his leadership, LG has exited the struggling smartphone market to focus on high-growth areas like electric vehicle batteries, OLED displays, and artificial intelligence. In 2025, LG Energy Solution is a global leader in battery technology, supplying major automakers worldwide.

Koo’s 2025 strategy is defined by the “select and focus” approach, in which he aggressively divests non-core assets to invest in future technologies. He has been a vocal advocate for “AI transformation,” encouraging all LG affiliates to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations to improve efficiency and innovation. Koo is known for his pragmatic and humble personality, which has earned him the respect of both employees and the public. His wealth is primarily derived from his stake in LG Corp, the holding company for the group. In addition to his business roles, Koo is active in philanthropy through the LG Foundation, which supports social welfare and environmental conservation. He is seen as a new type of chaebol leader: one who is more focused on technological excellence and global competitiveness than on traditional family control. His leadership is pivotal to South Korea’s position in the global green energy transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is currently the wealthiest person in South Korea?

As of late 2025, Michael Kim, the co-founder of the private equity firm MBK Partners, ranks first with an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion. He is followed closely by industry titans from Samsung and Meritz Financial Group.

Which industry is producing the most new billionaires in Korea?

While the traditional chaebol families remain wealthy, the fastest growth is seen in the "New Money" sectors. Technology, mobile gaming, and biopharmaceuticals (K-bio) are the primary drivers for self-made billionaire status in the current economy.

How has the entertainment industry impacted the wealth list?

The global success of K-pop and Korean content has created significant wealth. Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of HYBE (the agency behind BTS), is a prominent billionaire, and the heirs of the Nexon gaming fortune also rank highly due to the global popularity of their digital products.

Are the traditional chaebol families still dominant?

Yes, families behind companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG still control a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth. However, their leadership is now focusing more on professional management and high-tech sectors such as AI and electric vehicles rather than on traditional manufacturing.

What role does philanthropy play among Korean billionaires?

Philanthropy is becoming increasingly important. Many leaders, such as Kim Beom-su of Kakao and Michael Kim of MBK, have joined the Giving Pledge or established large foundations. Their efforts focus on education, the arts, and the use of technology to address social problems.

Billionaires In South Korea

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