The combined stock wealth of South Korea’s most powerful business leaders soared by more than $26 billion over the past year, fueled by a resurgent market for technology and semiconductors and a bullish bet on artificial intelligence.
According to an analysis by the Korea CXO Institute, the total equity holdings of 45 controlling shareholders from the country’s largest conglomerates jumped to approximately $69.1 billion, up from about $42.8 billion a year earlier—a striking 61% increase. The findings highlight a powerful rally in South Korean equities, with wealth concentrating in the hands of those leading chip, biotech, and internet giants.
Topping the list was Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee. His personal stock wealth ballooned by roughly $10.3 billion, reaching over $19.2 billion by early January and cementing his status as South Korea’s wealthiest corporate leader by share value. His fortune stood at around $8.8 billion at the start of last year before breaching the $15 billion mark in October.
The surge was powered by rising shares across the Samsung empire. His stake in the flagship Samsung Electronics alone appreciated by about $5.4 billion, reflecting a wave of investor optimism around memory chips and AI-driven semiconductor demand. Holdings in Samsung C&T and Samsung Life Insurance each added more than $740 million to his gains. The increase in his Samsung C&T wealth was further buoyed by additional shares received through a recent family inheritance.
“Market attention is now turning to whether Lee’s stock wealth could surpass $22 billion,” said Oh Il-sun, head of the Korea CXO Institute. “If Samsung Electronics shares climb into the $125 to $135 range, South Korea could see its first equity billionaire with holdings exceeding $22 billion.”
The second-largest gain belonged to Celltrion founder and Chairman Seo Jung-jin, whose stock wealth rose about $2.4 billion to roughly $10.1 billion. The increase was supported by strength in biotechnology stocks, which have drawn fresh interest from investors focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and biosimilars.
Kakao founder Kim Beom-su and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group’s largest shareholder, Chung Mong-joon, each saw their portfolios grow by more than $1.5 billion. Other prominent leaders, including Hybe’s Bang Si-hyuk, Hyundai Motor Group’s Chung Euisun, SK Group’s Chey Tae-won, and Hyosung’s Cho Hyun-joon, each added over $740 million in equity value.
While Lee’s gain was the largest in absolute terms, the most dramatic percentage increase was recorded by Wonik Group Chairman Lee Yong-han. His stock wealth skyrocketed more than 500%, from about $96 million to $580 million in a single year. This explosion was primarily driven by a meteoric 1,600% surge in the share price of Wonik Holdings, a beneficiary of intense investor enthusiasm for semiconductor equipment and materials suppliers.
The study examined controlling shareholders with equity holdings exceeding $74 million from the 92 large business groups designated by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. Notably, more than 91% of the 45 executives analyzed saw their stock wealth grow over the period.
The collective wealth accumulation underscores a robust rebound in South Korea’s stock market, particularly in sectors tied to the global technology supply chain. As investors worldwide position their portfolios for an AI-driven cycle and improving economic conditions, the fortunes of the country’s corporate chieftains have become a direct barometer of that confidence.
