Lee Kun-Hee Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Lee Kun-Hee was a South Korean business magnate credited with transforming Samsung from a national conglomerate into a global technology powerhouse.

He was born on January 9, 1942, and remained married to Hong Ra-hee. At the time of his passing, his estimated net worth ranged between US $20.9 billion–$21 billion, reflecting his status as South Korea’s richest individual. 

Quick Facts

The Journey from Heir to Global Architect

Born as the third son of Lee Byung-chul — founder of Samsung Group — in Daegu on January 9, 1942, Lee Kun-Hee grew up in a family already steeped in commerce. 

He pursued business education at Waseda University in Japan, before furthering his studies at George Washington University in the United States. 

When the time came to take over the reins of Samsung, Lee Kun-Hee didn’t simply inherit an empire — he reimagined it. His decisive leadership and bold vision shifted Samsung from a domestically oriented firm to a global powerhouse.

Defining moments in Lee Kun-Hee’s journey include:

• Taking over leadership of Samsung Group on December 1, 1987, shortly after his father’s death. 

• Driving a corporate transformation that prioritized quality, innovation, and global competitiveness — pivoting Samsung firmly toward electronics, semiconductors, and consumer technology.

• Guiding Samsung through rapid global expansion, enabling it to become the world’s largest manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and a leader across multiple industries. 

The Core Pillars of Lee Kun-Hee’s Wealth

The wealth amassed by Lee Kun-Hee was rooted in several foundational pillars:

• Ownership stakes in key Samsung companies — As the largest stockholder in Samsung’s flagship affiliates, his holdings in firms like Samsung Electronics constituted the bulk of his net worth. 

• Diversified conglomerate structure — Under his leadership, Samsung expanded beyond electronics into semiconductors, shipbuilding, construction, insurance, entertainment, and more — broadening his wealth base. 

• Long-term value appreciation — As Samsung grew globally and its market value surged, the equity Lee held appreciated correspondingly, preserving and increasing his fortune. 

Lee Kun-Hee Relationships & Family Life

Lee Kun-Hee maintained a relatively private but well-documented family life. He was married to art-collector and businesswoman Hong Ra-hee, together parenting children who went on to hold prominent positions. 

Among their children, notable figures include their son Lee Jae-yong, and daughters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun — all of whom feature prominently in Samsung’s extended legacy.

Key insights into Lee Kun-Hee’s relationships and personal life:

• He upheld a stable marriage with Hong Ra-hee, who continues to play an influential role in the family’s art and cultural institutions. 

• His children inherited significant stakes in Samsung — a transition facilitating continuity of the family’s control over the conglomerate. 

• Despite his massive corporate responsibilities, Lee maintained a private demeanor, rarely indulging in public displays; the family has largely kept personal life out of media scrutiny. 

Beyond Business: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his professional empire, Lee Kun-Hee’s life reflected refined tastes and a deep appreciation for art, culture, and legacy:

• He and his wife Hong Ra-hee were known as prominent art collectors. Their patronage contributed to cultural institutions and helped establish Samsung’s presence beyond pure commerce. 

• The family owned some of the most expensive residences in South Korea. These homes — often described in media as among the country's most valuable properties — underscore both his wealth and status. 

• Though Lee’s professional commitments were enormous, those close to him recall a man deeply invested in legacy, tradition, and shaping Samsung not just as a business, but as a symbol of national and global ambition. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Below is a simplified breakdown of the components that contributed to Lee Kun-Hee’s net worth.

* Figures reflect publicly reported valuations at or around the time of his death.

Lee Kun-Hee’s net worth remained significantly anchored to his equity in Samsung, meaning fluctuations in market value and corporate performance directly influenced his fortune. His diversified interests and real-world assets added depth, but the core value came from Samsung’s global success.

Public Legacy, Influence & Impact

In business circles and beyond, Lee Kun-Hee is celebrated not just as a corporate leader, but as a visionary who reshaped entire industries. Under his stewardship, Samsung grew from regional exporter to a global titan — influencing technology, manufacturing, culture, and even the economic identity of South Korea. 

His leadership style became a reference point: bold decisions, emphasis on innovation, willingness to transform — even at risk. Samsung’s status today as a household name worldwide, a leading smartphone maker, and a global leader in semiconductors bears his imprint.

For many in South Korea and globally, Lee Kun-Hee symbolized a bridge between tradition and modern corporate ambition — a man who preserved family legacy while transforming it to suit a global, technology-driven era.

Conclusion

Lee Kun-Hee’s life encapsulates the rise of a true business icon. Born on January 9, 1942, he carried forward his family’s legacy — and transformed it. His estimated net worth of roughly US $20.9–$21.0 billion and his enduring marriage to Hong Ra-hee underscore both his financial success and personal stability.

But perhaps his greatest legacy lies not in numbers, but in vision. Under his leadership, Samsung evolved into a global powerhouse, setting standards in innovation and pushing boundaries in electronics, technology, and business. His birthday — January 9 — marks the day a figure was born who redefined what a corporate dynasty could achieve.

Through his journey, Lee Kun-Hee leaves behind not only a vast fortune but an enduring influence that continues to shape industries and inspire ambition.