Billionaire Profile
K
Global Rank
#2009

Image: Robert Morrison | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Koo Kwang-mo

CEO, LG
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.017B
Estimated based on LG stock value as of March 6, 2026
-2.08% (24h)
Age
48
Source
LG
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Koo Kwang-mo, the chairman and CEO of LG Group, is a prominent South Korean businessman with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion as of December 2024. Born in Seoul on January 23, 1978, he graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in computer science. Koo's career path led him to LG Electronics, where he held various management positions before becoming chairman in 2018. He inherited the leadership role following the death of his adopted father, Koo Bon-moo. His leadership has focused on expanding LG's battery and electronics businesses and investing in new growth areas like AI, bio, and cleantech. He is married with two children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Koo Kwang-mo was born on January 23, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the eldest son of Koo Bon-neung and Kang Young-hye. He graduated from Youngdong High School in 1995 and later pursued a bachelor's degree in computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Rise to Success

Koo Kwang-mo's career began within LG. He joined LG Electronics as a deputy manager in the finance team. In 2004, he was adopted by Koo Bon-moo, the then-chairman of LG Group. This adoption played a pivotal role in his future leadership. After the death of his adopted father, Koo Kwang-mo became the chairman of LG Group on June 29, 2018.

Key Business Strategies

Under Koo's leadership, LG has focused on key strategic areas. These include expanding the battery and electronics businesses and investing in future growth sectors such as AI, bio, and cleantech (ABC). He has overseen a restructuring of the company, divesting from underperforming areas to concentrate resources on these promising sectors. Sales at LG Group's seven listed companies increased 37.7% from 2019 to 2023, with operating profit also rising significantly.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Koo Kwang-mo's direct philanthropic efforts is limited in the search results. However, his position as the chairman of LG Group implies that he is involved in the broader philanthropic initiatives of the company, which support various causes through LG's corporate social responsibility programs.

Career Milestones

2006

Joined LG Electronics

Began as a deputy manager in the finance team.

2018

Chairman of LG Group

Became chairman following the death of his adopted father, Koo Bon-moo.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Corporate Social Responsibility

LG Corporate Social Responsibility

Various

LG supports various causes through its CSR programs.

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Inheritance Dispute

Facing a lawsuit from his mother and sisters regarding the distribution of the inheritance.