Billionaire Profile
Chey Tae-won
Global Rank
#1314

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

Chey Tae-won

CEO, Oil
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.264B
Estimated based on Oil stock value as of April 20, 2026
+2.08% (24h)
Age
65
Source
Oil, semiconductor
Industry
Energy
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Chey Tae-won, born on December 3, 1960, is the chairman of SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. With an estimated net worth of 3.6 billion USD, his wealth stems from the oil and semiconductor industries. His career began at SK Corp. in 1991, rising through the ranks to become chairman in 1998. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded its reach in the technology sector, with SK Hynix becoming the world's second-largest memory chipmaker. His achievements include leading SK Group through the Asian financial crisis and positioning the company as a global leader in semiconductors and telecommunications. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Korea University and completed a doctoral program in economics at the University of Chicago.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

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, who was the chairman of Sunkyung Group, now known as SK Group. Chey earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Korea University. He also pursued advanced studies in economics at the University of Chicago.

Rise to Success

Chey began his career at SK Group in 1991, holding positions such as Managing Director at Yukong Ltd. He later served as Director at SK America and the Sunkyong Group Management Planning Office. In 1998, after the death of his father, Chey became chairman of SK Group at the age of 38. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded significantly, notably with the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor (now SK Hynix).

Key Business Strategies

Chey has spearheaded strategic expansions into the semiconductor and technology sectors. A key move was the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor, now a major player in the global memory chip market. He has also invested heavily in future-oriented technologies. He is currently the chairman of SK Group, and has been Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) since March 2021.

Philanthropy

Chey Tae-won has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting cultural programs and social responsibility efforts.

Career Milestones

1991

Managing Director, Yukong Ltd.

Began his professional career at SK Group.

1998

Chairman, SK Group

Assumed leadership of SK Group at age 38.

2012

Chairman, SK Hynix

Led the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor.

2021

Chairman, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)

Assumed the role of chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture and Social Responsibility

Various cultural initiatives

Undisclosed

Supports cultural programs and social responsibility efforts

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Conviction for Embezzlement

Convicted of misappropriating company funds; later pardoned.

2015

Divorce and Asset Division

Divorce from Roh Soh-yeong, with a substantial financial settlement.