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Lee Kun-hee, former
Samsung Group chairman |
By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter
Lee Kun-hee, erstwhile chairman at Samsung Group, was ranked as the world's 100th richest person in 2010, 100 years after his father and Samsung founder Lee Byung-chull was born.
In an annual report, Forbes magazine said Thursday that Lee's wealth amounts to $7.2 billion, more than double the $3 billion last year. As a result, his ranking surged from 205th in 2009 to 100th this year.
A total of 11 Koreans were evaluated to be dollar billionaires, up from a mere four last year, due to the recovery from the unprecedented global financial crisis.
Along the same line, the number of billionaires on the planet rose from 793 last year to 1,011 although it still falls behind the pre-crisis figure of 1,125 in 2008. Forbes said the strong stock market prompted global wealth to appreciate by up to 50 percent in 2010 from a year ago.
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo was in the 249th spot with $3.6 billion while Lee's son Jay-yong, the heir apparent of Korea's biggest chaebol, came in 536th with $1.9 billion.
Governing Grand National Party Chairman Chung Mong-joon, also the single-largest shareholder of world's top shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Kyobo Life Insurance Chairman Shin Chang-jae tied for 616th place with $1.6 billion.
Lotte Group's Vice Chairman Shin Dong-bin and his elder brother Shin Dong-joo of Lotte Japan shared 655th with $1.5 billion, apiece.
Also included on the billionaire list is Shinsegae Group Chairwoman Lee Myung-hee, the youngest sister of Samsung tycoon Lee, at 721st with $.14 billion, followed by Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-son with $1.3 billion and LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won with $1.1 billion, each.
voc200@koreatimes.co.kr
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