Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1339

Image: 대한민국 국회 | KOGL Type 1 | via Wikimedia Commons

Chey Tae-won

CEO, Oil

SOUTH KOREA

Real-Time Net Worth

$3.105B

Estimated based on Oil stock value as of March 6, 2026

+6.78% (24h)

Age

Source

Oil, semiconductor

Industry

Energy

Citizenship

SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Chey Tae-won is the Chairman of SK Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, with interests in diverse sectors like energy, semiconductors, and telecommunications. His source of wealth is primarily derived from oil and semiconductors. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, he has held numerous leadership positions. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded significantly. In 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.0 Billion. His leadership focuses on social value and sustainable practices. He is also known for promoting sports and has been involved in various civic organizations.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

SK Inc.

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

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

Rise to Success

Chey Tae-won joined SK Corporation in 1992 and took over as chairman of SK Group in 1998 at the age of 38, after his father's death. During his tenure, SK Group has grown to become South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. He has overseen significant expansions, including the merger of SK Hynix. He has also been the chairman of SK Innovation and SK Hynix.

Key Business Strategies

Chey has focused on expanding SK Group's presence globally. He has designated semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) as future growth engines and is pushing business restructuring. He is also a proponent of corporate social value creation. Chey formalized these efforts when SK announced its Double Bottom Line (DBL) initiative in 2018, with a company pledge to monitor and report SK's social value.

Philanthropy

Chey Tae-won is actively involved in promoting sports and has supported various cultural initiatives. He is known for his passion for art and culture. He has been involved in expanding social contribution.

Career Milestones

1991

Managing Director

Began career at Yukong Ltd., now known as SK Innovation.

1998

Chairman

Became Chairman of SK Group.

2011

Chairman

Became Chairman of SK Innovation.

2012

Chairman

Became Chairman of SK Hynix.

2022

Chairman

Became Chairman of SK Telecom.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Value

Double Bottom Line (DBL) initiative

A company pledge to monitor and report SK's social value

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Social Value Creation

Championing social value and sustainable practices within SK Group's operations.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

Embezzlement Indictment

Indicted for embezzlement, sentenced to prison, but later pardoned.

2024

Divorce Settlement

Ordered to pay $1 billion in property division and alimony to his ex-wife. The settlement was overturned in October 2025 by the Supreme Court of Korea, which ordered a review after finding a miscalculation that increased the value of the couple's assets.

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