LeaderPortfolio
Dong-joo
S
Rank #3141
SOUTH KOREAFashion & RetailRetail

Shin Dong-joo

Net Worth
$1.128B
0% (24h)
Shin Dong-joo, born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1954, is a South Korean businessman with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion in 2024, primarily derived from his investments in the retail sector through his family's Lotte Group. He is the eldest son of Shin Kyuk-ho, the founder of the Lotte Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, with interests in retail, food, chemicals, construction, and entertainment. Shin Dong-joo holds a Bachelor's degree from Aoyama Gakuin University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. His career at Lotte was marked by significant roles, including Vice Chairman of its Japanese operations, before a highly publicized family succession dispute led to his dismissal in 2015. Currently, he serves as chairman of SDJ Corporation and CEO of Kwang Yoon Sa, an investment firm that holds a significant stake in Lotte Holdings, while maintaining ongoing efforts to influence Lotte's governance. He resides in Tokyo, Japan, with his wife and son.

How to read Shin Dong-joo'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 Shin Dong-joo, we anchor the narrative to Retail and Retail, 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 $1.128B alongside global rank #3141, 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

Shin Dong-joo was born in Tokyo, Japan, on January 28, 1954. He is the eldest son of Shin Kyuk-ho, the founder of the Lotte Group, and his mother, Hatsuko Shigemitsu. Shin grew up in a bilingual household, fostering his fluency in both Korean and Japanese. He attended Aoyama Gakuin Senior High School, graduating in 1972, and later earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Aoyama Gakuin University in 1976. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

Rise to Success

Shin's career began at Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan in 1978. In 1987, he joined the Lotte Group, quickly rising through the ranks. He served as Vice President of its U.S. subsidiary before becoming Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings, the holding company for Lotte's Japanese operations. He played a key role in the expansion of Lotte's operations.

Key Business Strategies

Shin Dong-joo's time at Lotte was characterized by a focus on internal stability and expansion, particularly in Japan. He leveraged the economic prosperity of the era to strengthen Lotte's position in the confectionery market and diversify into related sectors. His leadership was also instrumental in expanding Lotte's operations into China and other Asian countries.

Philanthropy

There is limited public information regarding Shin Dong-joo's philanthropic activities. No specific donations or charitable involvements have been widely reported in credible sources.

Career Timeline

2015

Dismissed from Executive Roles

Ousted from executive positions in Lotte Group due to a family feud.

2009

Vice Chairman

Became Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings.

1987

Joined Lotte Group

Assumed various roles within Lotte Group, including heading the U.S. branch.

1978

Early Career

Began his career at Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Lotte Holdings28.14%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Shin Dong-joo was born in Tokyo, Japan, on January 28, 1954. He is the eldest son of Shin Kyuk-ho, the founder of the Lotte Group, and his mother, Hatsuko Shigemitsu. Shin grew up in a bilingual household, fostering his fluency in both Korean and Japanese. He attended Aoyama Gakuin Senior High School, graduating in 1972, and later earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Aoyama Gakuin University in 1976. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

Rise to Success

Shin's career began at Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan in 1978. In 1987, he joined the Lotte Group, quickly rising through the ranks. He served as Vice President of its U.S. subsidiary before becoming Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings, the holding company for Lotte's Japanese operations. He played a key role in the expansion of Lotte's operations.

Key Business Strategies

Shin Dong-joo's time at Lotte was characterized by a focus on internal stability and expansion, particularly in Japan. He leveraged the economic prosperity of the era to strengthen Lotte's position in the confectionery market and diversify into related sectors. His leadership was also instrumental in expanding Lotte's operations into China and other Asian countries.

Philanthropy

There is limited public information regarding Shin Dong-joo's philanthropic activities. No specific donations or charitable involvements have been widely reported in credible sources.

Data Sources & Methodology

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