Korea CXO Institute Analyzes 44 Group Heads
Total Stock Valuation Reaches 73.9314 Trillion Won at End of June
In the second quarter of this year, the stock valuation of 44 major conglomerate heads in South Korea increased by more than 16 trillion won compared to the first quarter (end of March). Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, topped the list, with his stock assets increasing by over 3 trillion won to reach a value in the 15 trillion won range.
On July 3, Korea CXO Institute, a corporate analysis specialist, announced the results of its analysis of "Changes in Stock Valuation of Major Group Heads in the Second Quarter of 2025" for 44 conglomerate heads whose stock valuation exceeds 100 billion won among large business groups under the supervision of the Fair Trade Commission. The findings showed the above results.
The stock assets include shares directly held by the group heads in listed companies, as well as shares held indirectly in listed affiliates through unlisted companies. For unlisted companies, the survey was limited to cases where the group head owns more than 50% of the shares. Preferred shares were also included in the scope of the survey. The stock valuation was based on the closing prices at the end of March and the end of June.
According to Korea CXO Institute, the combined stock valuation of the 44 group heads was 57.9152 trillion won at the end of March, but increased by more than 16 trillion won to 73.9314 trillion won at the end of June. The increase rate was 27.7%. This is a sharp rise compared to the first quarter, when the stock assets of major group heads fell by 0.3%. Oh Ilseon, head of Korea CXO Institute, explained, "In the first quarter, there were concerns that the domestic stock market could stagnate due to global trade conflicts, including U.S. President Trump's tariff policies, wars occurring in various parts of the world, and prolonged tensions between the United States and China. However, in the second quarter, the domestic stock market saw a favorable trend," adding, "Over 90% of the approximately 140 stock items held by group heads increased in value in the second quarter."
Out of the 44 group heads, 41 saw an increase in their stock assets. Among them, 16 individuals joined the so-called '1 trillion won club' of stock assets.
The number one in stock valuation was Chairman Lee Jae-yong. He also ranked first in terms of the amount of increase in stock assets. His stock assets rose from 12.2312 trillion won at the end of March to 15.2537 trillion won at the end of June, an increase of 3.0225 trillion won (24.7%) over the past three months. Korea CXO Institute analyzed that the rise in Samsung C&T stock price played a significant role. As of the end of June, Chairman Lee held 33,880,220 shares of Samsung C&T. The common stock price of this company rose by 38.1%, from 116,900 won (end of March) to 161,400 won (end of June). Ranked second and third were Seo Jungjin, Chairman of Celltrion (10.2345 trillion won), and Kim Beomsoo, founder of Kakao (6.3275 trillion won). The fourth to sixth places were Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor (4.3158 trillion won), Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE (4.0637 trillion won), and Jang Byungkyu, Chairman of the Board of Krafton (2.8578 trillion won), respectively.
The group head with the highest stock valuation growth rate was Park Jeongwon, Chairman of Doosan Group, with a growth rate of 128.5%. While his stock valuation was about 382.2 billion won at the end of March, it soared by more than 491.2 billion won to 873.4 billion won at the end of June. This sharp increase is attributed to the significant rise in the value of Doosan common shares held by Chairman Park. The stock price of Doosan rose by 124.3%, from 292,500 won (end of March) to 656,000 won (end of June).
In addition, in the second quarter of this year, the stock assets of Lee Woongyeol, Honorary Chairman of Kolon; Chung Mongjoon, Chairman of Asan Foundation (HD Hyundai); Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS; Kim Hongkuk, Chairman of Harim; and Chung Jiseon, Chairman of Hyundai Department Store, all increased by more than 60%.
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