Billionaire Profile
Lee Jay-hyun
Global Rank
#2293

Image: United States Congress | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Jay-hyun

CEO, food products
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.816B
Estimated based on food products stock value as of April 20, 2026
-1.46% (24h)
Age
66
Source
food products, entertainment
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Lee Jay-hyun, born March 19, 1960, is the Chairman of the CJ Group, a prominent South Korean conglomerate. With an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, Lee's wealth stems from his interests in food products, entertainment, and diversified industries. His career began at Citibank in 1983, followed by a move to CheilJedang (now CJ CheilJedang) in 1985, at the request of his grandfather, the founder of Samsung, Lee Byung-chul. Under his leadership since 2002, CJ Group has transformed into a global powerhouse, significantly influencing the food, entertainment, and media sectors. Despite facing legal challenges, including a tax evasion conviction in 2014, Lee has driven CJ Group's expansion and innovation, including the establishment of CJ Donors Camp and the CJ Culture Foundation, positioning the group as a leader in the Korean cultural wave.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Jay-hyun was born in Seoul, South Korea, on March 19, 1960. He is the eldest grandson of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group. His father, Lee Maeng-hee, was the eldest son of Lee Byung-chul but was later pushed out of competition in a power struggle with his younger brother, Lee Kun-hee. Lee attended Kyungbock High School and later received a bachelor's degree from Korea University.

Rise to Success

Lee Jay-hyun began his career at Citibank in 1983. In 1985, he joined CheilJedang, the family business, at the request of his grandfather. He briefly held positions at Samsung Electronics before taking over CJ Group in the late 1990s after it separated from Samsung. He became the CEO and chairman of CJ Group in 2002. Under Lee's leadership, CJ Group expanded into logistics, biotechnology, and media. Despite legal challenges, including a conviction for tax evasion and embezzlement in 2014, Lee was pardoned and returned to his post in 2017.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Jay-hyun is credited with transforming CJ Group into a successful conglomerate and expanding its global presence. CJ Group operates in food and food services, bio, logistics & retail, and entertainment & media. CJ CheilJedang is the largest food and beverage company in South Korea. CJ ENM is a leading entertainment company that has produced globally-acclaimed content.

Philanthropy

Lee is known for his philanthropic efforts and has endowed the Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College.

Career Milestones

1983

Career Start

Began career at Citibank Seoul

1985

Joined CheilJedang

Joined the family business, CheilJedang, at the request of his grandfather

1997

CEO of CheilJedang

Became CEO of CheilJedang

2002

Chairman and CEO of CJ Group

Became CEO and Chairman of CJ Group

2017

Returned to Management

Returned to management after a pardon and has since been pushing ahead with mergers and acquisitions and restructuring the governance structure of affiliates

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Lee Family Scholarship

$XB

Endowed the Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Tax Evasion and Embezzlement

Arrested and later convicted for tax evasion and embezzlement