In a high-profile legal proceeding that has captivated South Korea, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has been ordered by the Seoul High Court to compensate his ex-wife, Roh So-yeong, with a staggering 944 billion won, equivalent to approximately £480 million. This ruling, announced on 24 July 2026, marks a significant moment in what has been dubbed the “divorce of the century,” following Chey’s admission of an extramarital relationship.
Details of the Ruling
The decision by the appellate court follows a previous order from the Supreme Court, which had mandated further examination of the divorce proceedings initiated by Chey in 2017. The court’s latest verdict comes after a series of legal battles concerning the couple’s assets, which have been closely monitored by investors and analysts alike. Roh, who serves as the director of a prominent art museum in Seoul, was awarded less than the 1.38 trillion won ($940 million) settlement proposed last year, alongside a separate alimony payment of 2 billion won that had been previously mandated.
Chey’s financial standing has seen a notable uptick in recent months, particularly due to the rise in stock prices of SK Hynix, SK Group’s semiconductor branch, driven by the burgeoning global demand for artificial intelligence technologies. “We apologise for causing concern and will decide whether to appeal after reviewing the court ruling,” stated Lee Jae-keun, Chey’s legal representative.
Implications for SK Group
This ruling has heightened scrutiny on Chey’s substantial 17.9% stake in SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group. Analysts are now questioning whether the hefty settlement will compel Chey to seek external financing through loans, asset divestitures, or additional share pledges. The court has clarified that Chey’s shares and other assets are subject to division due to their acquisition during the marriage, with both parties contributing to their growth and value enhancement.
Roh’s contributions to the family, including child-rearing, managing household responsibilities, and engaging in external activities linked to SK Group, were also cited by the court as factors in determining the settlement amount. The previous high court ruling had suggested that Roh’s father had allegedly provided SK with 30 billion won in illicit funds during his presidency, which the Supreme Court later ruled could not be recognised as a legitimate contribution to the company’s success.
The Personal Background
Chey and Roh were married in 1988 and share three children. The divorce proceedings were initiated by Chey after he publicly acknowledged a relationship with another woman, with whom he fathered a child. This personal revelation has added layers of complexity to an already fraught legal narrative. The possibility of further appeals exists, as either party may seek the Supreme Court’s intervention to revisit the case, although neither Chey nor Roh attended the recent ruling.
As Chey prepares for meetings in the United States alongside South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, where discussions with tech leaders such as Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Jensen Huang of Nvidia are scheduled, the implications of this ruling could resonate far beyond personal finances, affecting investor confidence and market dynamics.
Why it Matters
This monumental divorce settlement not only underscores the intricate relationship between personal affairs and corporate governance in South Korea but also raises critical questions about wealth distribution and accountability within powerful families. As South Korea continues to navigate its role in the global economy, the outcome of this case may serve as a touchstone for future discussions on financial equity, corporate responsibility, and the implications of personal conduct on business operations. The ramifications of this ruling extend to investors, policymakers, and the broader societal fabric, reminding all that personal and professional worlds often intersect in profound and impactful ways.
