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Samsung family completes record 12 trillion won inheritance tax payment
The Samsung family has completed payment of a 12 trillion won inheritance tax bill, the largest such settlement in South Korea's history. The payment relates to the estate of late chairman Lee Kun-hee and was settled in six installments over five years. The family’s combined wealth has risen amid AI-driven demand for Samsung Electronics.
Why It Matters
The record tax settlement underscores the scale of wealth tied to Korea's chaebol and highlights tax collection in major family-owned conglomerates amid a booming chip market.
Timeline
2 Events
Final inheritance tax payment completed
May 3, 2026
Samsung confirmed that the final payment of 12 trillion won inheritance tax had been made, completing the six-installment settlement over the last five years. The payment was made by Chairman Lee Jae-yong and other family members, including his mother Hong Ra-hee and sisters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun, and is tied to the estate of Lee Kun-hee.
Lee Kun-hee dies, estate valued at 26 trillion won
October 2020
The late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee died in October 2020. His estate was valued at about 26 trillion won, including shares, property and art collections.