South Korea’s SK Group Chief Ordered to Pay Ex-Wife US$644 Million in Record Divorce Case

The Seoul High Court has ordered Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, to pay his ex-wife Roh Soh-yeong a record US$644 million in their divorce settlement. This staggering sum is the largest ever awarded in South Korean history and reflects the vast economic empire that Chey has built over the years.

As chairman of one of the country’s largest conglomerates, Chey oversees an empire worth billions, with stakes in industries such as memory chips and telecommunications. The recent listing of SK Hynix on the US market and its subsequent valuation of over US$1 trillion demonstrate the financial muscle that Chey wields.

The Cheys and Rohs are two of South Korea’s most influential families, whose marriage united two storied dynasties. Their union was seen as a perfect match at the time, with Chey being worth significantly less than he is today. However, their marriage has been marred by allegations of infidelity and family feuds, which have dominated headlines in recent years.

A turning point came in 2015 when it was revealed that Chey had fathered a child outside his marriage, sparking widespread media attention and public outcry. The case has raised questions about the country’s chaebol system, which has long been criticized for its cronyism and nepotism.

The SK Group’s rapid ascent in recent years has been remarkable, with its market value soaring to unprecedented heights. However, beneath this narrative lies a complex web of power dynamics and family politics. The Chey-Roh divorce is not just about two individuals but also about two families vying for control, influence, and wealth.

As the court battles continue, it remains to be seen what ultimately comes out on top – the pursuit of financial gain or the quest for personal happiness. In the meantime, this high-stakes drama serves as a reminder that even in the rarefied realm of the ultra-rich, there are no guarantees, only consequences.

Reader Views

CM
Columnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The SK Group's Chey Tae-won has been dealt a costly blow, but is this record-breaking divorce settlement merely a symptom of Korea's deeper problem with crony capitalism? The chaebol system's penchant for nepotism and self-dealing has long been criticized, and the Chey-Roh saga only serves to illustrate its corrosive influence. One can't help but wonder: if this level of personal wealth is built on such precarious foundations, what does it say about the broader corporate governance and accountability in South Korea?
RJ
Reporter J. Avery · staff reporter
This staggering $644 million divorce settlement raises more questions than answers about South Korea's chaebol system and its inherent flaws in governance and accountability. While Chey Tae-won's net worth is now an astronomical figure, his personal life has been marred by scandal, from infidelity to allegations of cronyism within the SK Group empire. As the largest conglomerate in South Korea continues to grow in value, one cannot help but wonder if this settlement will ultimately lead to a power struggle within the company or even a reevaluation of its governance structure.
EK
Editor K. Wells · editor
The $644 million divorce settlement is less about Chey Tae-won's personal finances and more about the broader implications for South Korea's chaebol system. This record-breaking payout highlights the unequal distribution of wealth within these conglomerates, where founding families reap vast rewards while often shielding themselves from accountability. As SK Group continues to expand its global reach, this case raises questions about who ultimately benefits: shareholders, employees, or the ruling elite.

SK Group Chief Ordered $644 Million Divorce Settlement

South Korea’s SK Group Chief Ordered to Pay Ex-Wife US$644 Million in Record Divorce Case

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