SK Group Chairman Ordered to Pay $645M in Landmark South Korean Divorce
A Seoul appeals court ordered SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife Roh Soh-yeong approximately $645 million (944 billion won) in a divorce settlement, the largest in South Korean history. The court rejected Chey’s claim that his SK Inc. shares were inherited, ruling Roh was entitled to one-third of joint property for homemaking and support. The payout was reduced from a 2024 lower-court ruling. Shares of SK Inc. and SK Hynix fell sharply. Chey may appeal to the Supreme Court.
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Tech billionaire ordered to pay $645M to ex-wife in South Korea's 'divorce of the century'
A South Korean court ordered SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife Roh Soh-yeong 944 billion won (approximately $645 million) in what has been dubbed the 'divorce of the century.' The Seoul High Court ruling is the largest divorce asset award in South Korean history, though it is lower than the 1.38 trillion won awarded by an appeals court in 2024. The court ordered cash payment rather than stock transfer to preserve Chey's control of SK Group. Chey owns a 17.9% stake in SK Inc. and has an estimated fortune of $5.4 billion. Following the ruling, shares of SK Inc. fell 3.8% and SK Hynix dropped 8.3%. Analysts suggest Chey may need to sell assets or borrow against shares, but his control of the conglomerate is not expected to be threatened. Either side may appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
South Korea’s ‘divorce of the century’ results in order for SK chair to pay ex-wife $640 million
South Korea's Supreme Court has ordered SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife Roh So-yeong approximately $640 million in a landmark divorce settlement, dubbed the 'divorce of the century.' The payout was reduced from an earlier ruling after the court rejected slush fund allegations linked to Roh's father, former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo. The decision marks a significant legal and financial event involving one of the country's largest conglomerates and a former presidential family.
SK Hynix tycoon ordered to pay US$643 million divorce settlement
A South Korean court has ordered SK Hynix billionaire Chey Tae-won to pay his former wife 944 billion won (US$643 million) in a divorce settlement. The ruling, issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, represents a significant reduction of nearly one-third compared to the amount ordered by a lower court in 2024. The case involves one of South Korea's largest corporate fortunes, tied to the semiconductor giant SK Hynix. The settlement is one of the largest divorce payouts in South Korean history, highlighting the complex legal and financial implications of high-net-worth marital disputes in the country.
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SK Hynix tycoon ordered to pay US$643 million divorce settlement
A South Korean court has ordered SK Hynix billionaire Chey Tae-won to pay his former wife 944 billion won (US$643 million) in a divorce settlement. The ruling, issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, represents a nearly one-third reduction from the amount a lower court had ordered Chey to pay in 2024. The case involves one of South Korea's largest corporate fortunes and has drawn significant public attention due to the size of the settlement and the high-profile nature of the parties involved.
SK Hynix Billionaire Ordered To Pay $645 Million Divorce Settlement—Korea’s Largest Ever
A Seoul appeals court ordered SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife Roh Soh-yeong approximately $645 million (KRW 944 billion) in a property division settlement, the largest divorce payout in South Korean history. The court rejected Chey's argument that his SK Inc. shares were inherited and thus exempt, ruling that Roh was entitled to one-third of the couple's joint property due to her homemaking, child-rearing, and support for SK Group's public activities. The value of Chey's stocks soared during the marriage, partly driven by the AI boom boosting SK Hynix's memory chip business. Chey's net worth is estimated at $5.3 billion. Following the ruling, SK Inc. shares fell 3.82% and SK Hynix shares dropped 8.34%. Chey's lawyers said they are considering an appeal.