LeaderPortfolio
Sang-beom
Kim Sang-beom
Rank #2615
SOUTH KOREATechnologySemiconductors

Kim Sang-beom

Net Worth
$1.5B
+4.86% (24h)
Kim Sang-beom is the Chairman of ISU Group, a holding company with stakes in semiconductor, chemical and biotech sectors. With an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, he ranks among South Korea's wealthiest individuals, reflecting his success in the technology industry, particularly in semiconductors. He began his career in the legal field after graduating from the University of Michigan with advanced degrees, working at Daewoo Group. In 1995, he transitioned to ISU Chemical, eventually leading ISU Group, and currently focuses on key growth areas like battery materials, AI data processing technology, and bio antibody platforms, showcasing his leadership and achievements in driving innovation in these sectors.

How to read Kim Sang-beom'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 Sang-beom, we anchor the narrative to Semiconductors and Semiconductors, 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 $1.5B alongside global rank #2615, 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 Sang-beom was born on May 18, 1961, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the third son among three sons and two daughters of Kim Jun-sung, the Honorary Chairman of ISU Group. He graduated from Shinil High School in Seoul and later pursued higher education at Seoul National University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He furthered his studies in the United States, earning a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan.

Career

Before joining his family's business, Kim began his professional career as a lawyer in the United States and worked at Daewoo Group as the head of the International Legal Affairs Office. In 1995, he moved to ISU Chemical, which his father had acquired, and was appointed as the CEO. Subsequently, after the launch of ISU Group, he served as Vice Chairman. In January 2000, he took over as Chairman of ISU Group, succeeding his father.

Key Business Strategies

As chairman, Kim led the company's growth by establishing its governance structure through strong ownership. He is currently focusing on next-generation battery materials, AI data processing technology, and bio-antibody platforms as the group's three key growth engines. The company has also been involved in establishing ISU Petasys, a manufacturer of printed circuit boards in South Korea, which is one of the most valuable holdings of ISU Group.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts and initiatives are not widely available, Kim's commitment to philanthropy is reflected through his leadership of ISU Group, which has been involved in supporting various social causes.

Career Timeline

2000

Chairman of ISU Group

Became the Chairman of ISU Group, succeeding his father.

1995

CEO of ISU Chemical

Took over as CEO of ISU Chemical.

Philanthropic Impact

Social CausesUnknown

Unknown

ISU Group has supported various social causes.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
ISU Specialty Chemical Co., Ltd.31.62%$0.706M
ISU Petasys Co., Ltd.22.37%$0.34M
ISU Chemical Co. Ltd.35.01%$0.059M
ISU Abxis Co., Ltd.3.90%$0.006M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Kim Sang-beom was born on May 18, 1961, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the third son among three sons and two daughters of Kim Jun-sung, the Honorary Chairman of ISU Group. He graduated from Shinil High School in Seoul and later pursued higher education at Seoul National University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He furthered his studies in the United States, earning a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan.

Career

Before joining his family's business, Kim began his professional career as a lawyer in the United States and worked at Daewoo Group as the head of the International Legal Affairs Office. In 1995, he moved to ISU Chemical, which his father had acquired, and was appointed as the CEO. Subsequently, after the launch of ISU Group, he served as Vice Chairman. In January 2000, he took over as Chairman of ISU Group, succeeding his father.

Key Business Strategies

As chairman, Kim led the company's growth by establishing its governance structure through strong ownership. He is currently focusing on next-generation battery materials, AI data processing technology, and bio-antibody platforms as the group's three key growth engines. The company has also been involved in establishing ISU Petasys, a manufacturer of printed circuit boards in South Korea, which is one of the most valuable holdings of ISU Group.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts and initiatives are not widely available, Kim's commitment to philanthropy is reflected through his leadership of ISU Group, which has been involved in supporting various social causes.

Data Sources & Methodology

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