Chey Tae-won

$3.45 B

Ranked #1242 in World

About Chey Tae-won

Chey Tae-won, celebrated as the leader of SK Group, South Korea's conglomerate giant specializing in diverse sectors from energy to biopharmaceuticals, stands as the 14th wealthiest in the nation with a $3.6 billion fortune as of June 2021. Taking the helm at just 38, after studying in prestigious universities and holding key executive roles, Chey has propelled SK to new heights, including overseeing the pivotal SK Hynix merger and a tenure as the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman. Despite his remarkable career, he also faced legal battles, culminating in a noteworthy pardon post-incarceration for financial misconduct.

Born

December 03, 1960 in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

Age

65 years

Source Of Wealth

Oil, Semiconductor

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

South Korea

Residence

Seoul

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Korea University; Master of Science, University of Chicago

Spouse

Roh Soh-yeong (Married: 1988; Divorced: 2020)

Children

Chey Tae-won, born on December 3, 1960, hails from Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is the eldest son of Chey Jong-hyun, the former chairman of SK Group. Chey Tae-won attended Korea University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physics. He then pursued a Ph.D. in economics at the University of Chicago but did not complete it.

Chey Tae-won: Family

Chey Tae-won is married to Roh Soh-yeong, an art director and the daughter of former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo. However, the couple has been separated since September 2011 and announced their intention to divorce in December 2015. Their divorce was finally approved by the Seoul Family Court in December 2022, with Chey retaining most of his shares.

Chey Tae-won: Career Highlights

Chey Tae-won joined SK Corp. as a manager and held various executive positions. He became the chairman of SK Group at the age of 38 after his father's death, appointed by Chey Yoon-won. Since 1998, he has served as the chairman of SK Group and held leadership positions across SK's operating companies. He is the former chairman of SK Innovation (since 2011) and SK Hynix (since 2012). Currently, he is the chairman of SK Telecom since February 2022, focusing on digital innovation and AI technologies.

Chey Tae-won: Companies

Chey Tae-won is associated with several companies under the SK Group umbrella. SK Group engages in various industries, including energy, chemicals, telecommunications, semiconductors, and biopharmaceuticals. Some notable companies within SK Group include SK Telecom, SK Hynix, SK Innovation, and SK Energy.

Chey Tae-won: Major Achievements

Chey Tae-won is known for his significant achievements in the business world. He is credited with transforming SK Group into South Korea's second-largest corporate group through reforms and restructuring. He emphasizes creating social and economic values, maximizing happiness for stakeholders, and has received numerous recognitions for corporate social value creation. Additionally, he was appointed to lead the civilian committee supporting Busan's bid for World Expo 2030.

Chey Tae-won: Awards & Achievements

Chey Tae-won has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the business community.

These include the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest honor bestowed by the South Korean government, and the Forbes Asia Businessman of the Year award in 2011. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts and social responsibility initiatives.

Chey Tae-won: Personal Life & Legacy

Chey Tae-won's personal life has been marked by both successes and challenges. He is known for his passion for art and culture and has supported various cultural initiatives. However, he has also faced controversies, including an indictment for embezzlement in 2012, for which he was sentenced to prison but later pardoned. Despite these challenges, Chey Tae-won continues to be a prominent figure in the South Korean business landscape and is remembered for his contributions to the growth and success of SK Group.

Chey Tae-won: Trivia

Chey Tae-won is known for his interest in sports and is a fan of baseball and soccer. He has served as the chairman of the Suwon Samsung Bluewings football club and is actively involved in promoting sports in South Korea.

Wealth History

Timeline

December 3, 1960

Chey Tae-won is born in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

1983

Chey Tae-won receives a bachelor's degree in physics from Korea University.

1998

Chey Tae-won becomes chairman of SK Group at the age of 38 after his father's death.

2011

Chey Tae-won becomes chairman of SK Innovation.

2012

Chey Tae-won becomes chairman of SK Hynix.

January 2012

Chey Tae-won is indicted for embezzling over $40 million from SK companies to cover trading losses.

January 2013

Chey Tae-won is found guilty and sentenced to 4 years in prison.

August 2015

Chey Tae-won is pardoned.

December 2015

Chey Tae-won announces his intention to divorce his wife, Roh Soh-yeong.

December 2022

Chey Tae-won's divorce is approved by the Seoul Family Court.

February 2022

Chey Tae-won becomes chairman of SK Telecom.

March 2021

Chey Tae-won becomes chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Chey Tae-won : FAQs

What is Chey Tae-won's current net worth?

Chey Tae-won's current net worth is $3.45 billion.

What is Chey Tae-won's current global rank among billionaires?

Chey Tae-won holds the 1242nd position globally among billionaires.

What is Chey Tae-won's current ranking within the South Korea?

Chey Tae-won holds the 14th position in South Korea.

What was the change in Chey Tae-won's net worth compared to the previous year?

Chey Tae-won's net worth increased by 1.71 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.74 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Chey Tae-won's net worth?

Chey Tae-won's net worth increased by 133.83 million dollars recently, a 3.88% increase, with his net worth standing at 3.45 billion dollars.

What are Chey Tae-won's main sources of wealth?

Chey Tae-won's main source of income comes from Oil, Semiconductor.

In which industry does Chey Tae-won primarily operate?

Chey Tae-won is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Chey Tae-won educational background?

Chey Tae-won holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Korea University and a Master of Science from the University of Chicago.

How old is Chey Tae-won?

Chey Tae-won is 65 years old.

How many children does Chey Tae-won have?

Chey Tae-won has 4 children.

Who is Chey Tae-won and what is he known for in the business world?

Chey Tae-won is a South Korean business magnate and the chairman of SK Group, Korea's second-largest conglomerate, which operates in various sectors including energy, chemicals, telecommunications, semiconductors, and biopharmaceuticals. He is particularly known for spearheading the SK Hynix merger deal, making it the world's fourth-largest chipmaker.

What achievements has Chey Tae-won accomplished as Chairman of SK Group?

Since becoming Chairman of SK Group in 1998, Chey Tae-won has led the company's transition into South Korea's second-largest corporate group through strategic reforms and restructuring. With a focus on creating social and economic value, he has received recognition for corporate social value creation and has been appointed to lead the civilian committee for Busan's bid for World Expo 2030.

What are the details of Chey Tae-won's separation and divorce?

Chey Tae-won married Roh Soh-yeong, the daughter of former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo. The couple separated in September 2011, and Chey announced his intention to divorce in December 2015. The divorce was finalized by Seoul Family Court in December 2022, with Chey retaining most of his shares.

What controversies has Chey Tae-won faced and how were they resolved?

Chey Tae-won was indicted in January 2012 for embezzling over $40 million from SK companies to cover trading losses. He was found guilty and sentenced to 4 years in prison in January 2013. Chey served time incarcerated near Seoul but was pardoned in August 2015.