**SEOUL, South Korea** – A South Korean court has ordered the chairman of one of the nation’s largest conglomerates, SK Group, to pay his estranged wife a staggering $644 million in a divorce settlement, a ruling that has captivated the country and set a new precedent for asset division among the super-rich.
The landmark decision involves Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, a sprawling conglomerate with interests in semiconductors, telecommunications, and energy, and his ex-wife, Roh So-young, daughter of former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo.
The Seoul High Court significantly increased the payout from an earlier ruling, ordering Choi to provide Roh with 1.38 trillion won (approximately $983 million at current exchange rates) in property division and 20 billion won (approximately $14 million) in alimony. While initial reports highlighted the substantial sum equivalent to roughly $644 million, the latest court ruling details a larger total, reflecting a landmark decision that nearly doubles the initial court order.
Roh, who was married to Choi for 35 years, had argued for a share of Choi’s SK Group stock, asserting her significant contributions to the company’s growth during their marriage. The court acknowledged Roh’s indirect yet crucial role in Choi’s career and the expansion of SK Group, especially during the challenging early years when her family’s political influence was seen as beneficial.
The ruling is viewed as a major victory for Roh and a potential precedent for future high-net-worth divorces in South Korea, a country where corporate leaders have often been able to shield significant assets from spouses during divorce proceedings. It also highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding marital assets, particularly in cases involving conglomerate founders and their spouses.
The decision could have implications for SK Group’s governance, though Choi’s control of the conglomerate is not expected to be immediately threatened. Choi’s legal team is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, ensuring the saga of South Korea’s costliest divorce continues.
The high-profile case has drawn intense public scrutiny, symbolizing the intersection of immense wealth, corporate power, and personal relationships at the pinnacle of South Korean society.
