Billionaire Profile
Lee Dong-chae
Global Rank
#1673

Image: Steffen Prößdorf | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Dong-chae

CEO, Chemicals
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.506B
Estimated based on Chemicals stock value as of April 20, 2026
+2.6% (24h)
Age
66
Source
Chemicals
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Lee Dong-chae (born December 10, 1959) is a prominent South Korean businessman, best known as the founder of EcoPro, a major chemicals group focused on EV battery materials. With a net worth estimated at $2.3 billion as of March 2026, he ranks among South Korea's wealthiest individuals. His career includes experiences at Korea Housing Bank and Samsung Electronics before founding Korea Zeorum, the precursor to EcoPro, in 1998. He has played a key role in the rise of EcoPro BM, a leading cathode producer. However, he faced a two-year prison sentence and a fine for insider trading, though he was pardoned in 2024. In early 2026, Lee emphasized the importance of technological competitiveness for EcoPro's future.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Dong-chae was born on December 10, 1959, in Pohang, South Korea. He graduated from Daegu Commercial High School and later earned a degree in Business Administration from Yeungnam University.

Rise to Success

Lee's career began at the Korea Housing Bank, followed by a stint at Samsung Electronics. He then qualified as a Certified Public Accountant. In 1998, he founded Korea Zeorum, which later became EcoPro. EcoPro initially focused on materials for air pollution prevention, but Lee strategically shifted the company towards the secondary battery materials business in 2004. EcoPro BM, a subsidiary, became the largest producer of cathodes for EV batteries in South Korea.

Key Business Strategies

Lee's leadership has been pivotal in EcoPro's growth. He steered the company into the burgeoning EV battery market, making significant investments in research and development. He emphasized technological innovation and forged partnerships with companies like Samsung SDI and SK On. In 2026, Lee highlighted the need for technological competitiveness to navigate the challenges in the secondary battery sector. He focused on overseas expansion, including facilities in Hungary and Indonesia.

Philanthropy

No specific philanthropy amounts were found in the search results.

Career Milestones

1998

Founded Korea Zeorum (EcoPro)

Founded the company that would become EcoPro, initially focused on air pollution prevention materials.

2004

Entered Secondary Battery Business

Expanded into secondary battery materials, developing precursors for cathode materials.

2007

EcoPro Listed on KOSDAQ

The company was listed on the KOSDAQ stock exchange.

2022

Stepped down as CEO of EcoPro

Stepped down amid investigations into insider trading.

2023

Sentenced for Insider Trading

Sentenced to two years in prison and fined for insider trading violations.

2024

Pardoned and Returned to EcoPro

Received a presidential pardon and returned to the company.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""To overcome difficult external conditions such as a downturn in the secondary battery market, we must secure fundamental technological competitiveness.""

""Without technological capability, there is no future.""

""Let us steadily prepare for the future that will come after the crisis.""

Leadership Principles

Technological Competitiveness

Prioritizing the development and securing of key technologies to drive innovation and maintain a leading market position.

Global Expansion

Expanding operations and strengthening presence in overseas markets.

Customer-Centric Approach

Building strong relationships with customers and strengthening trust for mutual growth.

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Insider Trading

Sentenced to two years in prison and fined for using non-public information to profit from stock trading.