Samsung family
| House of Samsung Lee | |
|---|---|
| noble house business family and political family | |
| Parent family | Jeonju Yi (agnatic line) |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Founded | 1938-present |
| Founder | Lee Byung-chul |
| Distinctions | One of the wealthiest families in Asia |
The House of Samsung Lee, commonly referred to as the Samsung family, is a South Korean family whose collective fortune derives primarily from Samsung Group and its affiliated subsidiaries, the multinational conglomerate (chaebol) founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1938.[1] It is one of the wealthiest families in Asia and the wealthiest in South Korea.[2]
Samsung Group is one of the world's largest business conglomerates, with major subsidiaries including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Samsung Life Insurance.
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.[3][4] After Lee Kun-hee's death in 2020, control transitioned to his son Lee Jae-yong, also known as Jay Y. Lee.[5]
The Lee family's control over Samsung is maintained through a complex network of cross-shareholdings among affiliated companies rather than direct majority ownership.[6]
Many of its members are known for operating separating businesses, primarily in Asia.
The family has paid billions in inheritance taxes.[7]
In 2025, various members resided in Seoul's Itaewon-ro corridor.[8]
Samsung family fortune
The Lee family's direct members include, as of January 2026:
| Name | Net worth ($) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Jae-yong | 18.2 billion | [9] |
| Hong Ra-hee | 8 billion | [10] |
| Lee Boo-jin | 7.5 billion | [11] |
| Lee Seo-hyun | 7 billion | [12] |
Notable members also include Hong Seok-joh[13], Chung Yong-jin, Hong Seok-hyun, Lee Myung-hee, and Lee Jay-hyun.
References
- ^ "The Samsung Family Chart". The Chosun Daily. August 8, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ Ji-hye, Shin (November 11, 2016). "Samsung's Lee family tops Forbes' 50-richest list in Asia". The Korea Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ "Lee Kun-hee wins family feud suit - The Korea Times". www.koreatimes.co.kr. February 1, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ 양승진 (February 1, 2013). "Samsung's Lee wins inheritance court battle". The Korea Herald. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ Blankfeld, Keren. "Asia's Richest Family Gets Richer Thanks To Strong Samsung Forecasts". Forbes. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ Hae-yeon, Kim (January 29, 2024). "Samsung family ranks 12th wealthiest in Asia". The Korea Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ Thompson, Polly. "Late Samsung chairman's family sell $2 billion worth of shares to help pay huge South Korean inheritance tax". Business Insider. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ Min-sik, Yoon (December 17, 2025). "Where do South Korea's chaebols live?". The Korea Herald. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ "Jay Y. Lee". Forbes. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ "Hong Ra-hee". Forbes. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ "Lee Boo-jin". Forbes. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ "Lee Seo-hyun". Forbes. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ "JoongAng's late chairman's wife dies". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. June 5, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2026.