Samsung Heirs Settle Massive Inheritance Tax on Lee Kun-hee's Estate

May 3, 2026

56 min

May 3, 2026 17:30

Samsung Group heirs finalise 12 trillion won inheritance tax on former chairman’s estate

## Completion of Tax Payments

The heirs of Samsung Group's late chairman, Lee Kun-hee, have finalized the payment of a substantial inheritance tax, totaling approximately 12 trillion won, equivalent to 8 billion US dollars. This tax obligation, one of the largest in South Korea's history, was settled over a five-year period beginning in 2021.

## Funding the Tax

Lee Jae-yong, the late chairman's son, along with his mother Hong Ra-hee and sisters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun, managed the tax payments through various financial strategies. These included selling shares in Samsung affiliates, utilizing dividend income, and other financing methods. Since Lee Kun-hee's passing in 2020, the family has received significant dividends from Samsung, which helped cover the tax expenses.

## Lee Kun-hee's Legacy

Lee Kun-hee left behind an estate valued at around 26 trillion won, comprising shares, real estate, and art collections. The inheritance tax on this wealth was estimated at 12 trillion won, marking it as a significant financial obligation for the family. The increase in share prices of major Samsung affiliates, such as Samsung Electronics, also contributed to alleviating the financial burden.

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