LeaderPortfolio
Jun-ki
Kim Jun-ki
Rank #1575
SOUTH KOREADiversifiedDiversified

Kim Jun-ki

Net Worth
$2.608B
-1.76% (24h)
Kim Jun-ki, born on December 4, 1944, is a prominent South Korean businessman and the founder of DB Group (formerly Dongbu Group). He is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in South Korea, deriving his wealth from diversified business interests including steel, chemicals, finance, electronics and real estate. Kim's career began with the founding of Miryung Construction in 1969, later evolving into the Dongbu Group, a major conglomerate. He stepped down as chairman in 2017 amid controversy. His achievements include building a major South Korean conglomerate, but has faced legal issues. As of March 25, 2026, his estimated net worth is $3.1 billion.

How to read Kim Jun-ki'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 Kim Jun-ki, we anchor the narrative to Diversified and Diversified, 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 $2.608B alongside global rank #1575, 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 and Education

Kim Jun-ki was born on December 4, 1944, in Donghae, Gangwon Province, South Korea. He came from a family with a background in politics; his father was a former deputy speaker in the South Korean parliament. Kim graduated from Kyunggi High School in 1964 and studied economics at Korea University.

Rise to Success

Inspired by what he saw in Japan and the U.S., Kim withdrew from his studies and founded Miryung Construction in 1969. In the 1970s, during a construction boom in the Middle East, his company grew, eventually becoming one of the 30 largest in South Korea. This success allowed him to acquire other businesses and enter various industries, forming the foundation of the Dongbu Group.

Key Business Strategies

Kim's business strategy involved aggressive expansion and diversification, establishing interests in steel, chemicals, finance, electronics and real estate. The company was involved in various industries. The foundation of his group was built with a construction company.

Philanthropy

Kim established the DB Kim Jun Ki Cultural Foundation in 1988. The foundation has provided scholarships to thousands of students and supported various academic events.

Controversies

Kim stepped down as chairman in 2017 after accusations of sexual assault and harassment. In 2020, he was convicted of sexual assault and given a suspended prison sentence. He has also faced allegations of using concealed affiliates.

Career Timeline

2017

Resigned as Chairman of Dongbu Group

Stepped down from the role due to allegations of sexual assault.

1988

Established DB Kim Jun Ki Cultural Foundation

Founded a scholarship foundation to support students and academic research.

1971

Established Dongbu Express

Expanded business operations with the founding of Dongbu Express.

1969

Founded Miryung Construction

Established the construction company that would later become the foundation of the Dongbu Group.

Philanthropic Impact

Education$125M

DB Kim Jun Ki Cultural Foundation

The foundation has invested over 125 billion won in scholarships and academic support.

Education$87K

DGIST International Student Support

Pledged to donate KRW 120 million to support international students in their studies and research.

Education$87K

Ewha Womans University EGPP scholarship

Donated 120 million won to Ewha Womans University for scholarships benefiting international students from developing countries.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
DB Insurance5.94%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Kim Jun-ki was born on December 4, 1944, in Donghae, Gangwon Province, South Korea. He came from a family with a background in politics; his father was a former deputy speaker in the South Korean parliament. Kim graduated from Kyunggi High School in 1964 and studied economics at Korea University.

Rise to Success

Inspired by what he saw in Japan and the U.S., Kim withdrew from his studies and founded Miryung Construction in 1969. In the 1970s, during a construction boom in the Middle East, his company grew, eventually becoming one of the 30 largest in South Korea. This success allowed him to acquire other businesses and enter various industries, forming the foundation of the Dongbu Group.

Key Business Strategies

Kim's business strategy involved aggressive expansion and diversification, establishing interests in steel, chemicals, finance, electronics and real estate. The company was involved in various industries. The foundation of his group was built with a construction company.

Philanthropy

Kim established the DB Kim Jun Ki Cultural Foundation in 1988. The foundation has provided scholarships to thousands of students and supported various academic events.

Controversies

Kim stepped down as chairman in 2017 after accusations of sexual assault and harassment. In 2020, he was convicted of sexual assault and given a suspended prison sentence. He has also faced allegations of using concealed affiliates.

Data Sources & Methodology

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