Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong leads South Korean conglomerate stock acquisitions

A report by CEO Score reveals significant stock movement among 222 owners of South Korea’s major business groups between January 1 and September 22 of this year. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong ranked first in net stock acquisitions, totaling approximately 4.95 trillion won. His holdings increased through a combination of gifts from his mother, Hong Ra-hee, and over-the-counter purchases of Samsung Electronics shares.

Other notable acquirers include HD Hyundai Chairman Ki-sun Chung, who ranked second with 597.8 billion won in acquisitions, and Iljin Global Chairman Lee Dong-seop, who ranked third after purchasing a 25% stake in Iljin from relatives for 474.1 billion won.

The study also highlighted stock acquisitions by minors within conglomerate families. Among 30 minors identified, Gun-mo Koo (LS Group) led with 14.52 billion won in acquisitions, primarily through gifts from his grandfather, LS Chairman Koo Ja-yeol. Other high-ranking minors include Jae-hyun Cho of Hyosung Group and Yeon-seon Jeong of KCC Glass.