Korea’s wealthiest individuals experienced a turbulent year in 2025. The combined net worth of the country’s top 50 billionaires dropped to $99 billion, a sharp decline from $115 billion in the previous year. This downturn was attributed to a major political crisis—including a brief declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol—and a tariff shock from the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
Despite the challenges, several billionaires emerged or expanded their wealth across sectors such as private equity, electronics, food and beverage, beauty tech, and gaming. According to the sources, these are the Top Korean Billionaires of 2025.
1. Michael Kim – Private Equity Powerhouse
- Net Worth: $9.5 billion
- Industry: Private Equity
- Company: MBK Partners
Michael Kim, cofounder of MBK Partners, regained the top spot as the wealthiest individual in South Korea in 2025—even though his net worth experienced a slight dip. With $9.5 billion to his name, Kim remains a central figure in the country’s private equity scene.
His continued dominance comes despite a broader economic slowdown, underlining the resilience and scale of MBK Partners. The firm’s portfolio and influence across Asia have cemented its place at the top, even in uncertain times.
2. Jay Y. Lee – Tech Titan in Transition
- Net Worth: $7.8 billion
- Industry: Technology
- Position: Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics
Jay Y. Lee, head of tech giant Samsung Electronics, slipped to second place after his wealth dropped by $3.7 billion in 2025. His current net worth stands at $7.8 billion.
Samsung’s stock faced headwinds amid geopolitical tensions and the global chip market’s volatility. Still, as the figurehead of Korea’s most iconic conglomerate, Jay Y. Lee remains a powerhouse in the tech industry.
3. Cho Jung-ho – Finance Mogul on the Rise
- Net Worth: $7.7 billion
- Industry: Finance
- Company: Meritz Financial Group
Cho Jung-ho, chairman of Meritz Financial Group, recorded the largest gain in absolute terms in 2025. His fortune increased by $1.5 billion, thanks to record profits following the merger of Meritz’s insurance and securities units.
This strategic consolidation has transformed Meritz into a major financial services player and catapulted Cho into the third-richest spot in the country.
4. Kim Jung-soo & Chun In-jang – Spicing Up the Food Industry
- Net Worth: $1.3 billion (combined)
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- Company: Samyang Foods
The duo behind Samyang Foods, Kim Jung-soo and her husband Chun In-jang, made headlines this year by entering Korea’s billionaire ranks. Their combined net worth of $1.3 billion makes them the wealthiest figures in the nation’s food and beverage industry.
Their success is driven by the viral popularity of Buldak (fire chicken) instant noodles, which sparked a 265% stock surge last year. The company reported $1.2 billion in sales in 2024, with over $688 million in exports, particularly to the U.S. and China.
Kim, originally a stay-at-home mom, joined the business in 1998 and launched the game-changing Buldak noodles in 2012. The couple faced legal troubles in 2020 over embezzlement charges, but their brand’s global reach has continued to grow. Their son, Jeffrey, is being trained to lead the next generation of Samyang Foods.
5. Jung Sung-jae – Beauty Tech Innovator
- Net Worth: $760 million
- Industry: Fashion & Retail / Beauty Tech
- Company: CLASSYS
Jung Sung-jae, founder of CLASSYS, made his debut on the rich list with a fortune of $760 million. His success is tied to the global K-beauty boom, which has fueled demand for skincare technology.
CLASSYS, based in Seoul’s Gangnam district, specializes in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices like the Ultraformer MPT. In 2024, the company posted $164.3 million in revenue—67% of which came from international markets in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.
After Bain Capital acquired a 60% stake for $560 million in 2022, Jung stepped back from daily operations, retaining a minority interest while handing the reins to Baek Seung-han. The stake sale remains the primary source of Jung’s wealth today.
6. Kim Hyung-tae – Gaming His Way to Glory
- Net Worth: $725 million
- Industry: Media & Entertainment
- Company: SHIFT UP
While not in the top five, Kim Hyung-tae deserves mention for his remarkable rise through the gaming industry. The founder of SHIFT UP joined the ranks of the ultra-wealthy after the company raised $320 million in one of South Korea’s biggest IPOs of 2024.
Kim owns a 39% stake in the company, which launched the successful game “Goddess of Victory: Nikke”. SHIFT UP generated $148.7 million in revenue and $100.5 million in operating profit in 2024, proving that gaming continues to be a lucrative frontier.
A Year of Resilience and Reinvention
Despite economic setbacks and political instability, Korea’s top billionaires demonstrated resilience, strategic foresight, and innovation. From private equity and tech giants to spicy noodles and skincare gadgets, the Top 6 Korean billionaires of 2025 reflect the diversity and global influence of Korea’s modern economy.
As global markets stabilize, all eyes will be on how these titans—and future newcomers—navigate the road ahead.
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