Lee Kun Hee Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Lee Kun Hee, born in 1942, was the son of Samsung’s founder, Lee Byung-chul. He began his career in the family business in the 1960s, starting as a trainee in the export department. His first significant role was as the head of Samsung’s textiles division, where he introduced innovative strategies that led to a significant increase in sales.

In 1987, Lee Kun Hee took over as the chairman of Samsung, following his father’s death. He immediately set a new vision for the company, famously stating, “Change everything except your wife and kids.” This marked the beginning of Samsung’s transformation from a small trading company to a global electronics powerhouse.

Lee Kun Hee’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Lee Kun Hee’s current net worth is estimated to be around $20.7 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest individuals in South Korea.

Career

Lee Kun Hee began his career in 1958, joining his father’s business, Samsung. He took over the company in 1965 and transformed it into a global electronics giant. He was the chairman of Samsung until 2008, when he stepped down due to health issues.

Other Ventures

Besides Samsung, Lee has invested in various other businesses. He has stakes in Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung C&T, and Samsung Electronics. He also has interests in hotels, retail, and construction through different subsidiaries.

Assets

Lee’s assets include a significant stake in Samsung, valued at over $15 billion. He also owns multiple properties in South Korea, including a luxurious villa in Seoul. His art collection, featuring works by renowned artists like Picasso and Monet, is worth hundreds of millions.

Annual Income

Lee’s annual income is primarily derived from his stake in Samsung. As of 2025, his estimated annual income is around $1 billion. This includes dividends, salary, and other forms of compensation from his businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Lee Kun Hee

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Kun Hee Net Worth

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1. What was Lee Kun Hee’s net worth?

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Lee Kun Hee’s net worth was estimated to be around $20.9 billion.

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2. How did Lee Kun Hee make his fortune?

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Lee Kun Hee made his fortune by transforming his father’s small trading business into Samsung, one of the world’s largest electronics companies.

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3. When did Lee Kun Hee pass away?

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Lee Kun Hee passed away on October 25, 2020.

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4. Who is the current leader of Samsung after Lee Kun Hee’s death?

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Lee Kun Hee’s son, Lee Jae Yong, is the current vice chairman and de facto leader of Samsung.

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5. What was Lee Kun Hee’s role in Samsung’s growth?

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Lee Kun Hee is credited with transforming Samsung from a small trading company into a global electronics powerhouse. He is known for his slogan “Change everything except your wife and kids.”

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6. How did Lee Kun Hee’s net worth compare to other wealthy individuals?

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At his peak, Lee Kun Hee was one of the wealthiest people in the world. In 2019, Forbes ranked him as the 34th richest person in the world.

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7. What was Lee Kun Hee’s involvement in the 2016-2017 South Korean political scandal?

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Lee Kun Hee was implicated in the 2016-2017 political scandal that led to the impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye. He was accused of bribing Park and her confidante, Choi Soon-sil, to secure government favors for Samsung.

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8. How did Lee Kun Hee’s net worth influence South Korea’s economy?

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Lee Kun Hee’s wealth and Samsung’s success significantly contributed to South Korea’s economic growth, earning the country the nickname “the Samsung Republic.”

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9. What was Lee Kun Hee’s relationship with his son, Lee Jae Yong?

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Lee Kun Hee had a complex relationship with his son, Lee Jae Yong. Despite initially favoring his younger son, Lee Kun Hee eventually chose Lee Jae Yong to succeed him as Samsung’s leader.

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10. How has Samsung performed since Lee Kun Hee’s death?

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Since Lee Kun Hee’s death, Samsung has continued to perform well, with strong sales and profits in its semiconductor and consumer electronics divisions. However, the company has faced challenges, including a global semiconductor shortage and increased competition.