NetWorth
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Tae-won
Chey Tae-won
Rank #889
SOUTH KOREA•Energy•Oil, semiconductor

Chey Tae-won

Net Worth
$4.721B
-3% (24h)
Chey Tae-won, born on December 3, 1960, is the chairman of SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. With an estimated net worth of 3.6 billion USD, his wealth stems from the oil and semiconductor industries. His career began at SK Corp. in 1991, rising through the ranks to become chairman in 1998. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded its reach in the technology sector, with SK Hynix becoming the world's second-largest memory chipmaker. His achievements include leading SK Group through the Asian financial crisis and positioning the company as a global leader in semiconductors and telecommunications. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Korea University and completed a doctoral program in economics at the University of Chicago.

How to read Chey Tae-won's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Chey Tae-won, we anchor the narrative to Oil and Oil, semiconductor, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $4.721B alongside global rank #889, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (SOUTH KOREA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Chey Tae-won was born on December 3, 1960, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is the eldest son of Chey Jong-hyun, who was the chairman of Sunkyung Group, now known as SK Group. Chey earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Korea University. He also pursued advanced studies in economics at the University of Chicago.

Rise to Success

Chey began his career at SK Group in 1991, holding positions such as Managing Director at Yukong Ltd. He later served as Director at SK America and the Sunkyong Group Management Planning Office. In 1998, after the death of his father, Chey became chairman of SK Group at the age of 38. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded significantly, notably with the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor (now SK Hynix).

Key Business Strategies

Chey has spearheaded strategic expansions into the semiconductor and technology sectors. A key move was the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor, now a major player in the global memory chip market. He has also invested heavily in future-oriented technologies. He is currently the chairman of SK Group, and has been Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) since March 2021.

Philanthropy

Chey Tae-won has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting cultural programs and social responsibility efforts.

Career Timeline

2021

Chairman, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)

Assumed the role of chairman.

2012

Chairman, SK Hynix

Led the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor.

1998

Chairman, SK Group

Assumed leadership of SK Group at age 38.

1991

Managing Director, Yukong Ltd.

Began his professional career at SK Group.

Philanthropic Impact

Culture and Social ResponsibilityUndisclosed

Various cultural initiatives

Supports cultural programs and social responsibility efforts

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
SK Hynix20.00%—
SK Innovation——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Chey Tae-won was born on December 3, 1960, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is the eldest son of Chey Jong-hyun, who was the chairman of Sunkyung Group, now known as SK Group. Chey earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Korea University. He also pursued advanced studies in economics at the University of Chicago.

Rise to Success

Chey began his career at SK Group in 1991, holding positions such as Managing Director at Yukong Ltd. He later served as Director at SK America and the Sunkyong Group Management Planning Office. In 1998, after the death of his father, Chey became chairman of SK Group at the age of 38. Under his leadership, SK Group has expanded significantly, notably with the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor (now SK Hynix).

Key Business Strategies

Chey has spearheaded strategic expansions into the semiconductor and technology sectors. A key move was the acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor, now a major player in the global memory chip market. He has also invested heavily in future-oriented technologies. He is currently the chairman of SK Group, and has been Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) since March 2021.

Philanthropy

Chey Tae-won has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting cultural programs and social responsibility efforts.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Chey Tae-won are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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