Industrial sources in South Korea reported that the founding family of Samsung Group has completed payment of inheritance taxes totaling around 12 trillion won (approximately $8 billion) on the estate of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee.
The payments, made over a five-year period beginning in 2021, conclude one of the largest inheritance tax obligations in the country’s history.
According to sources, Lee Jae-yong, along with other heirs, financed the tax through a combination of selling shares in group affiliates, dividend income, and other funding strategies.
The other heirs include Hong Ra-hee, Lee Boo-jin, and Lee Seo-hyun. At the time of filing, the family emphasized their commitment to fulfilling tax obligations in line with legal and civic responsibilities.
Since Lee Kun-hee’s passing in 2020, the family has received nearly 4 trillion won in dividends from Samsung affiliates. Including previously accumulated dividends, it is estimated that more than 6 trillion won was used to support the tax payments. Rising share prices of key subsidiaries, including Samsung Electronics, also helped ease the financial burden.
Lee Kun-hee’s estate was valued at approximately 26 trillion won, comprising shares, real estate, and art collections, with the inheritance tax—estimated at 12 trillion won—ranking among the largest ever imposed in South Korea.
