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.
