Lee family (Samsung Group)
Family descended from the founders of Samsung
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lee family[1] also known as the Samsung family,[2] is a wealthy South Korean business family. The family rose to prominence with Lee Byung-chul, who started Samsung as a small trading company in Daegu during the Korea under Japanese rule in 1938 and went on to grow Samsung into one of South Korea's biggest companies since the 1960s.[3] It is one of the wealthiest families in Asia and the wealthiest in South Korea.[4]
| Lee family | |
|---|---|
| Parent family | Jeonju Yi (agnatic line) |
| Current region | Seoul, South Korea |
| Place of origin | Taikyu, Korea, Empire of Japan |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Founder | Lee Byung-chul |
| Current head | Lee Jae-yong |
| Distinctions | Controlling shareholders of Samsung Group |
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Overview
The Lee family has exercised controlling influence over Samsung for three generations. Following the death of founder Lee Byung-chul in 1987, leadership passed to his son Lee Kun-hee, who is widely credited with transforming Samsung into a global leader in electronics, semiconductors, and mobile technology. In 2012, some family members, including elder siblings, filed lawsuits against Lee Kun-hee claiming portions of what he received in inheritance. The court ruled in favor of Lee Kun-hee.[5][6] After Lee Kun-hee's death in 2020, control transitioned to his son Lee Jae-yong.[7]
The Lee family's control over Samsung is maintained through a complex network of cross-shareholdings among affiliated companies rather than direct majority ownership.[8]
In 2025, various members resided in Seoul's Itaewon-ro corridor.[9]
In 2026, the family has completed its payment of a 12 trillion won (6 billion pound or 8 billion dollar) in inheritance taxes, the largest collection in South Korea's history. The taxes was paid in six instalments over the past 5 years by the members of the family such as Hong Ra-hee, Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun. Their inheritance upon Lee Kun-hee's passing was worth 26 trillion won, including shares, property and art collections. The rate the family paid for inheritance taxes are 50%, one of the largest in the world.[2]
Members' fortune
The Lee family's direct members include, as of January 2026:
| Name | Net worth ($) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Jae-yong | 18.2 billion | [10] |
| Hong Ra-hee | 8 billion | [11] |
| Lee Boo-jin | 7.5 billion | [12] |
| Lee Seo-hyun | 7 billion | [13] |
Notable members also include Hong Seok-joh[14], Chung Yong-jin, Hong Seok-hyun, Lee Myung-hee, and Lee Jay-hyun.[citation needed]
Family tree
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