A prominent South Korean businessman, known for his significant role in the tech industry, has made headlines due to a high-profile divorce saga. Choi Tae-won, at 65, is the head of SK Group and revealed in a public letter back in 2015 that his marriage was irreparable, expressing a desire for a “clean end.” This confession came as a shock to many, considering that his marriage was once dubbed the “wedding of the century” in South Korea.
The upcoming ruling in this “divorce of the century” could require Choi to pay nearly $1 billion to his ex-wife, Roh So-young, who is also the daughter of the former president, Roh Tae-woo. This case, with a backdrop of love affairs and business complexities, has captivated many in the nation and beyond. Current valuations of assets advantageous to Roh’s side could potentially increase her claim to that staggering amount.
With the recent surge in SK Hynix’s stock price, nearly tenfold since early 2025, Choi’s wealth has also greatly increased, complicating the settlement discussions. Roh’s demand for half of Choi’s assets, alongside the current inflated market prices, has raised eyebrows among legal experts, who believe this could significantly affect Choi’s control over his business empire.
As the court prepares to make its decision, it is estimated that a verdict could arrive later this week. The case has gained notoriety due to its intertwining stories of relationships, political ties, and allegations surrounding funds tied to the family’s legacy.
Choi’s declaration of wanting to end his marriage cleanly was notably framed with a quote from Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, reflecting on the nature of happiness within families. It’s ironic, considering how his own life has arguably descended into melodrama.
The other party involved, Kim Hee-young, now Choi’s long-time partner, has become an essential figure in this unfolding narrative. She has often stood alongside Choi, engaging in philanthropic ventures while becoming a fixture in public life.
This marital dispute didn’t just revolve around personal relationships. It spiraled into a broader contention over the origins of SK Group’s wealth, particularly scrutinizing alleged financial support from political connections. Past court decisions had ruled Choi should transfer about 35% of his assets to his ex-wife, amounting to nearly $1 billion, although different valuations and appeals have muddied the waters since then.
The case reflects a poignant question at its core: how to accurately appraise Choi’s wealth, especially amidst the dramatic rise in value driven by the AI industry? Choi favors an earlier valuation before the substantial increases in stock prices occurred, while Roh argues for a more current appraisal that could significantly boost her financial gains.
As Choi’s fortune grew to approximately $5 billion due to SK Hynix’s success, the complexities surrounding the divorce have only intensified. Meanwhile, their shared past re-emerges in emotional ways; visuals of wedding memories and family moments have filtered through social media, reminding those involved of the life they once envisioned together.
In the midst of chaos, it appears the personal and financial struggles may continue to evolve as both sides approach the conclusion of a profound chapter in their lives.
