The Lee family also known as the Lee Samsung family, is a wealthy South Korean business family. The family rose to prominence with Lee Byung-chul, who started Samsung as a small trading company in Daegu during the Korea under Japanese rule in 1938 and went on to grow Samsung into one of South Korea's biggest companies since the 1960s. It is one of the wealthiest families in Asia and the wealthiest in South Korea.
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. After Lee Kun-hee's death in 2020, control transitioned to his son Lee Jae-yong.
The Lee family's control over Samsung is maintained through a complex network of cross-shareholdings among affiliated companies rather than direct majority ownership.
In 2025, various members resided in Seoul's Itaewon-ro corridor.
In 2026, the family completed its payment of 12 trillion won (roughly 6 billion British pounds or 8 billion US dollars) in inheritance taxes, the largest collection in South Korea's history. The taxes was paid in six instalments over the prior 5 years by the members of the family such as Hong Ra-hee, Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun. Their inheritance upon Lee Kun-hee's passing was worth 26 trillion won, including shares, property and art collections. The rate the family paid for inheritance taxes was 50%, one of the largest in the world.
Members' fortune The Lee family's direct members include, as of January 2026: Name Net worth ($) Lee Jae-yong 18.2 billion Hong Ra-hee 8 billion Lee Boo-jin 7.5 billion Lee Seo-hyun 7 billion
Notable members also include Hong Seok-joh, Chung Yong-jin, Hong Seok-hyun, Lee Myung-hee, and Lee Jay-hyun.
Family tree
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