Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong recorded the largest increase in personal assets among South Korea's top 50 chaebol family members in the first half of 2025, industry data showed Tuesday. Lee's reported assets had been estimated at 16.6 trillion won (US$11.9 billion) as of the end of August, marking an increase of 4.7 trillion won from the beginning of the year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the findings from corporate tracker Leaders Index were based on share price gains of listed companies between January 2 and August 29, as well as on first-half business reports used to assess non-listed stocks. The substantial increase in Lee's assets came after a rally in Samsung affiliates' shares, particularly those of Samsung C and T Corp., which soared by 48 percent. Lee holds a 19.9 percent stake in Samsung C and T, the de facto holding company of Samsung Group.
Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon reported the second-largest gain among South Korean tycoons, with his assets rising by 1.9 trillion won to reach 2.9 trillion won. This increase followed his inheritance of shares after the death of his father in 2024. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung's assets increased by 1.8 trillion won, driven by sharp gains in shares of Hyundai Glovis Co., the logistics arm of the automaker.
In contrast, Shin Chang-jae, head of Kyobo Life Insurance Co., experienced a decline in his assets, which fell from 3.2 trillion won to 2.4 trillion won.