H.O.T. Kangta Earns 83% Profit Through Stock Options... How Much Did He Make in Just Two Months?

Kangta Secures Profits in Three Rounds
Singer BoA Also Earns Hundred-Million Won Gains

Non-registered director of SM, Kangta, has sold SM Entertainment shares, reportedly earning a substantial profit. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] Kangta (real name Ahn Chil-hyun), a singer formerly of H.O.T., is reported to have made a substantial profit by selling SM Entertainment shares.

On the 27th, Kangta announced through a disclosure after the market closed that he sold 2,300 shares of SM stock worth 179.4 million KRW on the market. The selling price per share ranged from 76,200 KRW to 79,500 KRW. These shares were purchased through exercising stock options in July at 42,640 KRW per share.

Kangta bought 2,300 shares for 98.07 million KRW and sold them for 179.4 million KRW, making a profit of 81.33 million KRW in just two months. This represents an 83% return. Including the 3,700 shares he has not yet sold, Kangta's potential capital gains are estimated to reach approximately 190 million KRW.

As a non-executive director of SM, Kangta previously sold shares acquired through stock options three times between December 2018 and June 2019, making profits. He exercised stock options at prices ranging from 23,251 KRW to 35,587 KRW per share to purchase a total of 17,000 shares and sold them at prices between 44,350 KRW and 53,500 KRW. Over six months, he invested 518.63 million KRW and earned 812.35 million KRW, realizing capital gains of about 300 million KRW.

BoA, a singer who works alongside Kangta, is also known to have earned capital gains of around 400 million KRW through multiple stock option exercises. Last year, she sold 4,800 shares, realizing a profit of 105.56 million KRW. After selling, BoA currently holds 1,200 shares of SM stock.