Billionaire Profile
Lee Hwa-kyung
Global Rank
#3302

Image: LG전자 | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Hwa-kyung

CEO, confectionery
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.053B
Estimated based on confectionery stock value as of May 3, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Confectionery
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Lee Hwa-kyung is the Vice Chairwoman of Orion Corporation, a leading South Korean confectionery company. Her net worth is primarily derived from her stake in Orion Holdings, the group's holding company, which also has interests in biopharma and entertainment. With a career spanning decades, Lee has played a crucial role in the success of Orion, best known for its popular Choco Pie. Her achievements and leadership have significantly contributed to the food and beverage industry in South Korea. She is married to Dam Chul-gon, the chairman of Orion Corp.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 5/3/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Hwa-kyung, born in 1956, is the second daughter of Lee Yang-gu, the founder of Dongyang, the precursor to the Orion Group. She earned a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree from Ewha Womans University.

Rise to Success

Lee's career has been centered around Orion Corporation, a major player in the South Korean confectionery market. Her significant ownership in Orion Holdings, the holding company, reflects her influence and success in the food and beverage sector. Orion's most famous product is the Choco Pie. Her husband, Dam Chul-gon, is the chairman of Orion Corp., and her son, Dam Seo-won, is the vice president.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Hwa-kyung has been instrumental in the strategic direction of Orion, particularly in the expansion and growth of the company. Her leadership, alongside her husband, has been key to Orion's market dominance. Her responsibilities include overseeing key business decisions and contributing to the group's overall performance.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts for Lee Hwa-kyung could not be found from the search results, her company, Orion, likely engages in various philanthropic activities, though not explicitly stated in the provided search results.

Career Milestones

2001

Led Orion's Confectionery Business Spinoff

She led the spinoff of Orion's confectionery business with her husband, Dam Chul-gon.

2017

Convicted of Embezzlement

Sentenced to eight months in prison (suspended) for embezzling company-owned artworks.

2024

Son Became Managing Director

Her son, Dam Seo-won, became managing director of Orion Corp.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Embezzlement Conviction

Convicted of embezzling company funds by taking possession of paintings, receiving an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

2018

Alleged Embezzlement of Company Funds

Police requested an arrest warrant for her, for allegedly spending company funds on a private mansion.