Top 20 Millionaires In South Korea

The South Korean economic landscape in late 2025 remains a fascinating study of transition. While the traditional “chaebol” family conglomerates continue to hold significant power, the rise of self-made billionaires in private equity, fintech, and biotechnology has fundamentally altered the distribution of wealth. This report profiles the top 20 individuals who command the nation’s financial, technological, and industrial sectors, detailing the strategies that have sustained their fortunes through a year of global market shifts and domestic regulatory changes.

1. Michael Kim

Founder of MBK Partners

Michael Kim, often referred to as the “godfather of Asian private equity,” currently holds the title of the wealthiest person in South Korea with an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion. As the founder of MBK Partners, Kim has redefined the investment landscape in Northeast Asia. His firm manages over $30 billion in assets, focusing on large-scale buyouts and strategic investments in South Korea, Japan, and Greater China. Kim’s success is built on his ability to identify undervalued assets and implement rigorous operational improvements to drive value.

By late 2025, MBK Partners continued to expand its portfolio, despite a broader slowdown in the global M&A market. Kim’s strategy involves deep immersion in local markets, allowing his firm to navigate the unique cultural and regulatory environments of the region. He is also a noted philanthropist and author, whose contributions to education and the arts are well-documented. His rise to the top of the wealth list signals a shift away from inherited conglomerate wealth towards professional investment management as a primary engine of South Korean capital.

2. Lee Jae-yong

Executive Chairman of Samsung Electronics

Lee Jae-yong, known globally as Jay Y. Lee, is the figurehead of the Samsung Group, South Korea’s most iconic and powerful conglomerate. With a net worth of approximately $7.8 billion in late 2025, his fortune is largely tied to the performance of Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductors, smartphones, and display technology. Lee has navigated a decade of significant legal and personal challenges to solidify his control over the family’s sprawling empire.

In 2025, Samsung’s focus has shifted heavily toward artificial intelligence and next-generation chip manufacturing. Lee has been instrumental in securing massive investments for the company’s “Pyeongtaek Campus,” which serves as the world’s largest semiconductor production hub. Despite facing headwinds from global trade tensions and the high cost of inheritance taxes, Lee remains a central pillar of the South Korean economy. His leadership style is characterised by a quiet but firm commitment to technological supremacy, ensuring that Samsung remains at the forefront of the digital revolution.

3. Cho Jung-ho

Chairman of Meritz Financial Group

Cho Jung-ho has experienced one of the most meteoric rises in South Korean finance, with his net worth reaching $7.7 billion by late 2025. As the chairman of Meritz Financial Group, Cho has transformed what was once a modest insurance and securities firm into a powerhouse of financial services. His wealth surged following a successful consolidation of the group’s subsidiaries, which streamlined operations and significantly boosted shareholder value through aggressive buyback programmes.

Cho is widely respected for his adherence to meritocracy, a principle reflected in the name of his company. Under his guidance, Meritz has consistently outperformed larger rivals by focusing on niche markets in alternative investments and high-yield securities. In 2025, the group’s assets under management reached record levels, cementing Cho’s reputation as a visionary leader who prioritises efficiency and transparency. His success demonstrates the growing potential for financial services to challenge the traditional dominance of heavy industry and manufacturing in the national wealth rankings.

4. Seo Jung-jin

Chairman of Celltrion

Seo Jung-jin, worth $6.3 billion, is the founder of Celltrion, a pioneer in the global biosimilars market. Seo’s story is a classic example of entrepreneurial success; he founded the company in 2002 after losing his job during the Asian financial crisis. Celltrion has since grown into a healthcare giant, producing affordable alternatives to expensive biological drugs for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and various chronic conditions.

By late 2025, Seo focused on integrating Celltrion’s manufacturing and distribution arms to create a more streamlined “Direct-to-Market” global network. Although he briefly retired in 2021, he returned to the helm to guide the company through a series of high-stakes mergers and international expansion efforts. Seo is known for his hands-on approach and his willingness to take massive financial risks in the pursuit of innovation. His wealth represents the emergence of the South Korean biotechnology sector as a world-class competitor in the pharmaceutical industry.

5. Chung Mong-koo

Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor

Chung Mong-koo, the honorary chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, maintains a fortune of approximately $3.9 billion. For decades, Chung was the driving force behind Hyundai’s transformation from a local car maker into the world’s third-largest automotive group. His “quality first” management philosophy was essential in overcoming the brand’s early reputation for poor reliability, eventually leading to the global success of the Hyundai and Kia brands.

In 2025, although he stepped back from day-to-day operations, his influence persists through his son and successor, Chung Eui-sun. His wealth is a testament to the industrial might of the Hyundai empire, which includes interests in steel, construction, and logistics. Chung Mong-koo’s legacy is defined by his relentless pursuit of manufacturing excellence and his role in establishing South Korea as a global hub for automotive innovation. He remains a highly respected figure in the business community, symbolising the era of rapid industrial growth that built modern South Korea.

6. Bom Kim

Founder and CEO of Coupang

Bom Kim, with a net worth of $3.4 billion, is the founder of Coupang, often described as the “Amazon of South Korea.” Born in Seoul and educated in the United States, Kim returned to his home country to build a logistics and e-commerce network that has fundamentally changed how South Koreans shop. Coupang’s “Rocket Delivery” service, which guarantees delivery within 24 hours, has become a standard for consumer convenience in the nation’s densely populated urban centres.

In 2025, Coupang continued to expand its footprint, launching fintech services and streaming platforms to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Kim’s wealth is largely derived from the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange, which remains one of the largest IPOs for a foreign company in recent history. Despite ongoing debates regarding labor practices and market competition, Kim has remained focused on technological automation and warehouse efficiency. His success highlights the power of disruptive technology in capturing dominant market share in a highly competitive retail environment.

7. Kim Beom-su

Founder of Kakao

Kim Beom-su, also known as Brian Kim, is the founder of Kakao, the company behind South Korea’s most popular messaging app, KakaoTalk. With a net worth of $3.3 billion in 2025, Kim has built a digital empire that touches almost every aspect of daily life, from payments and banking to mobility and gaming. KakaoTalk is installed on nearly every smartphone in the country, serving as a gateway for the company’s vast array of services.

Kim’s journey began with the founding of Hangame, the nation’s first online gaming portal, before he pivoted to mobile messaging. In late 2025, Kakao has faced increased scrutiny from regulators regarding its market dominance and platform fees. In response, Kim has pledged a significant portion of his wealth to social causes through the Giving Pledge. He is known for a horizontal corporate culture that encourages creativity and fast-paced innovation. His fortune reflects the incredible scalability of platform businesses in a digitally saturated market like South Korea.

8. Hong Ra-hee

Former Director of Samsung Museum of Art

Hong Ra-hee, the widow of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, holds a fortune of approximately $3.2 billion. As a key member of the Samsung family, her wealth is primarily composed of significant shareholdings in various Samsung entities. For many years, she served as the director of the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, where she played a pivotal role in promoting contemporary art and preserving Korean cultural heritage.

In 2025, Hong continues to be an influential figure within the family’s inner circle, particularly in matters regarding the management of the family’s massive art collection and philanthropic initiatives. Her wealth has been subject to fluctuations due to the high costs of inheritance taxes and the volatile performance of the tech sector. Despite her relatively private life, she remains one of the wealthiest women in Asia. Her position on the list underscores the enduring legacy of the Lee family and their central role in South Korean business and culture.

9. Lee Boo-jin

President and CEO of Hotel Shilla

Lee Boo-jin, the eldest daughter of the late Lee Kun-hee, possesses a net worth of $3.1 billion. As the head of Hotel Shilla, she manages one of South Korea’s premier luxury hotels and duty-free operators. Lee is often praised for her sharp business acumen and her ability to maintain high profitability in the competitive travel retail sector, even during periods of global tourism disruption.

In 2025, Lee focused on expanding Hotel Shilla’s duty-free operations into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Europe. Her leadership has been essential in navigating the post-pandemic recovery of the hospitality industry. Known for her sophisticated style and decisive management, she is frequently cited as one of the most powerful businesswomen in Asia. Her wealth is a combination of her professional success and her substantial inherited stake in the Samsung Group, making her a vital part of the nation’s corporate aristocracy.

10. Chung Eui-sun

Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group

Chung Eui-sun, the son of Chung Mong-koo, leads the Hyundai Motor Group with a personal fortune of $3.0 billion. Since taking the helm, he has pushed for a radical transformation of the group, moving away from traditional combustion engines toward electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and robotics. His vision for “Progress for Humanity” has redefined Hyundai’s brand image as a leader in future mobility.

By late 2025, Hyundai’s IONIQ series become a major competitor in the global EV market, and the group has made significant strides in autonomous driving technology through its joint venture with Motional. Chung is known for his communicative leadership style and his willingness to collaborate with tech startups and international partners. His wealth is intrinsically tied to the group’s success in the green energy transition. As the head of one of the world’s most influential industrial conglomerates, he is a key architect of South Korea’s future economic resilience.

11. Lee Seo-hyun

Chairperson of Samsung Welfare Foundation

Lee Seo-hyun, the second daughter of Lee Kun-hee, holds a net worth of $2.9 billion. After leading the fashion division of Samsung C&T for several years, she transitioned into a leadership role at the Samsung Welfare Foundation. Her work now focuses on social responsibility, education, and supporting the family’s diverse philanthropic interests, which have become increasingly prominent as the family navigates its public image.

In 2025, Lee remains a significant shareholder in the Samsung Group, and her wealth is reflective of the family’s collective equity in the conglomerate’s core businesses. While she maintains a lower profile than her siblings, her influence in the foundation’s strategic direction is considerable. She is often seen as the bridge between the family’s corporate interests and its commitment to social good. Her position on the list highlights the continued concentration of wealth within the top tier of South Korea’s “chaebol” dynasties.

12. Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn

Heirs of Nexon

The sisters Kim Jung-min and Kim Jung-youn hold a combined fortune of approximately $2.6 billion, inherited from their late father, Kim Jung-ju, the founder of the gaming giant Nexon. Nexon is one of the world’s leading publishers of online games, with a portfolio that includes global hits like “MapleStory” and “Dungeon & Fighter.” The sisters hold their stakes through NXC, the holding company for the Nexon Group.

In 2025, the sisters remain largely out of the public eye, with the company’s professional management team handling day-to-day operations. Their wealth is a legacy of their father’s pioneering work in the early days of the South Korean internet and gaming industry. As major shareholders, they benefit from Nexon’s continued dominance in the Asian gaming market and its expansion into new platforms and technologies. Their inclusion on the list serves as a reminder of the immense wealth generated by the nation’s world-class gaming and entertainment sector.

13. Kwon Hyuk-bin

Founder of Smilegate

Kwon Hyuk-bin, with a net worth of $2.55 billion, is the founder of Smilegate, the developer behind the globally popular first-person shooter “Crossfire.” Under Kwon’s leadership, Smilegate has grown from a small startup into a massive entertainment group with interests in game development, publishing, and investment. “Crossfire” remains one of the highest-grossing games in history, particularly in the Chinese market.

By late 2025, Smilegate diversified its portfolio with the success of “Lost Ark” and several mobile titles. Kwon is known for his private nature and his focus on the creative aspects of game design. He has also established the Smilegate Foundation to support social entrepreneurship and education for youth. His wealth is a prime example of how a single successful intellectual property can be leveraged into a multi-billion dollar empire. Kwon continues to be a central figure in the South Korean gaming industry, pushing for the global expansion of Korean digital content.

14. Park Soon-jae

Founder and CEO of Alteogen

Park Soon-jae, worth $2.4 billion, is a prominent figure in the biotechnology sector. He is the founder of Alteogen, a company that specialises in developing technology for the long-acting delivery of biological drugs. Alteogen’s proprietary platform allows intravenous drugs to be converted into subcutaneous injections, significantly improving patient convenience and the market life of existing therapies.

In 2025, Alteogen signed several high-profile licensing deals with global pharmaceutical giants, driving the company’s valuation to new heights. Park’s wealth has increased significantly as investors have recognised the strategic value of the company’s technology in the competitive drug delivery market. Known for his deep scientific expertise and persistence, Park has spent decades in research and development before achieving commercial success. His fortune highlights the growing importance of platform technologies in the biotechnology field and the global competitiveness of South Korean research.

15. Yoo Jung-hyun

Auditor of NXC (Nexon)

Yoo Jung-hyun, the widow of Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju, possesses a net worth of $2.0 billion. As a co-founder of the company alongside her late husband, she has been a vital part of the Nexon story since its inception in the 1990s. She currently serves as an auditor for NXC, the group’s holding company, and remains a key decision-maker in the management of the family’s assets.

In late 2025, Yoo was instrumental in overseeing the transition of the company following her husband’s passing, ensuring stability and continuity for Nexon’s global operations. Her wealth is a combination of her original stake in the company and her inheritance. While she maintains a very low public profile, her role within the company is respected by employees and investors alike. Her presence on the list underscores the collaborative nature of the early South Korean tech successes and the significant role played by the founding families.

16. Bang Si-hyuk

Chairman of HYBE Corporation

Bang Si-hyuk, the mastermind behind the global K-pop sensation BTS, holds a fortune of $1.9 billion. As the chairman of HYBE Corporation, Bang has transformed a struggling independent label into a multi-national entertainment conglomerate. HYBE’s business model extends beyond music production to include platform management, gaming, and lifestyle content, creating a comprehensive “fandom” ecosystem.

By late 2025, HYBE continued to diversify its roster with groups like NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM, while also acquiring several international labels in the United States and Europe. Bang, popularly known as “Hitman Bang,” is celebrated for his deep understanding of music theory and fan psychology. His wealth is a direct result of the “K-content” wave that has swept the globe over the last decade. His success demonstrates how creative talent and strategic branding can build massive wealth in the modern entertainment economy, making him a unique figure among the nation’s industrial titans.

17. Kim Jun-ki

Founder of DB Group

Kim Jun-ki, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, is the founder of DB Group (formerly Dongbu Group). His wealth is derived from a diversified conglomerate with interests in insurance, electronics, chemicals, and steel. For decades, Kim was a central figure in the growth of the South Korean industrial base, building a sprawling empire through aggressive expansion and diversification.

In 2025, although he has faced significant personal and legal controversies that led to his resignation from executive roles, his wealth remains considerable through his shareholdings. The group is now managed by professional executives and his son, Kim Nam-ho. Kim Jun-ki’s fortune represents the traditional “chaebol” model of wide-ranging business interests held together by family ownership. His presence on the list serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of industrial wealth and the complexities of succession in South Korea’s large family-run businesses.

18. Lee Su-jin

Founder of Yanolja

Lee Su-jin, worth $1.6 billion, is the founder of Yanolja, South Korea’s leading travel and hospitality platform. Lee’s story is particularly inspiring; he started his career as a janitor in a “love hotel” before identifying the potential to modernise and standardise the budget accommodation market. Yanolja has since evolved into a “super app” that provides bookings for hotels, transportation, and leisure activities.
In late 2025, Yanolja made significant strides toward an international IPO, supported by investments from global tech giants like SoftBank. Lee has focused on developing cloud-based software for hotel management, positioning Yanolja as a global leader in travel technology. His wealth is a product of his ability to see opportunity in an overlooked market and leverage technology to scale. Lee is known for his humble origins and his commitment to innovation, making him a popular figure in the South Korean startup community.

19. Lee Hae-jin

Founder of Naver Corporation

Lee Hae-jin, the founder of Naver, possesses a net worth of $1.35 billion. Naver is South Korea’s dominant search engine and the parent company of the global messaging app LINE and the webtoon platform Webtoon. Lee has been a central figure in the nation’s internet industry since the late 1990s, successfully competing against global giants like Google in the domestic search market.

By 2025, Naver shifted its focus heavily toward AI-driven search and the expansion of its webtoon ecosystem into the global entertainment market. Lee is known for his visionary thinking and his preference for a low-key, professional corporate environment. He currently serves as the company’s Global Investment Officer, seeking out new opportunities for Naver in international markets. His fortune reflects the sustained value of domestic technology platforms and the successful export of South Korean digital culture.

20. Koo Kwang-mo

Chairman of LG Group

Koo Kwang-mo, the chairman of LG Group, rounds out the top 20 with a net worth of $1.33 billion. Since taking over the group following the death of his father in 2018, Koo has focused on streamlining LG’s operations, famously exiting the mobile phone business to focus on high-growth areas like electric vehicle batteries, OLED displays, and AI.

In 2025, LG Energy Solution, a subsidiary of the group, became one of the world’s leading suppliers of EV batteries, significantly boosting the group’s overall valuation. Koo is known for his pragmatic and strategic leadership style, moving away from the more traditional management practices of his predecessors. His wealth is a combination of his inherited stakes and the growth of the group under his stewardship. As the head of one of the nation’s most respected conglomerates, he is a vital player in South Korea’s transition to a green and high-tech economy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the richest person in South Korea in 2025?

As of late 2025, Michael Kim, the founder of the private equity firm MBK Partners, is the wealthiest person in South Korea with an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion.

What is the main source of wealth for South Korean billionaires?

Historically, wealth was concentrated in large family-run conglomerates known as chaebols (like Samsung and Hyundai). However, in 2025, there is a significant presence of wealth from the technology, gaming, private equity, and biotechnology sectors.

How has the South Korean wealth ranking changed over the years?

In the past, the Lee family (Samsung) and the Chung family (Hyundai) dominated the top spots. While they remain wealthy, 2025 shows a rise in self-made billionaires like Michael Kim, Seo Jung-jin (Celltrion), and Bom Kim (Coupang).

What industries are currently driving wealth in South Korea?

Key industries driving wealth in 2025 include semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, biotechnology, e-commerce, and digital entertainment (gaming and K-pop).

Are there many female billionaires in South Korea?

Yes, several women are among the top billionaires, including Hong Ra-hee, Lee Boo-jin, and Lee Seo-hyun of the Samsung family, as well as Yoo Jung-hyun of Nexon. Their wealth is a mix of inheritance and executive success in major corporations.

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Top 20 Millionaires In South Korea

1. Michael Kim

Founder of MBK Partners

2. Lee Jae-yong

Executive Chairman of Samsung Electronics

3. Cho Jung-ho

Chairman of Meritz Financial Group

4. Seo Jung-jin

Chairman of Celltrion

5. Chung Mong-koo

Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor

6. Bom Kim

Founder and CEO of Coupang

7. Kim Beom-su

Founder of Kakao

8. Hong Ra-hee

Former Director of Samsung Museum of Art

9. Lee Boo-jin

President and CEO of Hotel Shilla

10. Chung Eui-sun

Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group

11. Lee Seo-hyun

Chairperson of Samsung Welfare Foundation

12. Kim Jung-min and Jung-youn

Heirs of Nexon

13. Kwon Hyuk-bin

Founder of Smilegate

14. Park Soon-jae

Founder and CEO of Alteogen

15. Yoo Jung-hyun

Auditor of NXC (Nexon)

16. Bang Si-hyuk

Chairman of HYBE Corporation

17. Kim Jun-ki

Founder of DB Group

18. Lee Su-jin

Founder of Yanolja

19. Lee Hae-jin

Founder of Naver Corporation

20. Koo Kwang-mo

Chairman of LG Group

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the richest person in South Korea in 2025?

What is the main source of wealth for South Korean billionaires?

How has the South Korean wealth ranking changed over the years?

What industries are currently driving wealth in South Korea?

Are there many female billionaires in South Korea?

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