South Korea’s Supreme Court has partially overturned a lower court ruling in the high-profile divorce case of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, potentially reducing his near $1 billion settlement to his estranged wife, Roh So-yeong. This decision, issued on October 16, 2025, remands the case back to the Seoul High Court for reconsideration of the asset division, marking a significant turn in one of the country’s most expensive marital disputes.
The divorce, often dubbed the ‘divorce of the century,’ involves Chey Tae-won, who has chaired SK Group for over 25 years, and Roh So-yeong, director of the Art Center Nabi and daughter of former President Roh Tae-woo. Married in 1988, the couple’s separation led to a protracted legal battle that has captivated public attention due to the immense wealth at stake and the intersection of business and political dynasties in South Korea. Their case underscores the complexities of dividing assets in high-net-worth divorces, particularly within the chaebol system where family ties and corporate interests are deeply intertwined.
In the appellate court ruling, Chey was ordered to pay Roh 1.38 trillion won (approximately $972 million), representing 35 percent of their estimated 4 trillion won in combined marital assets, along with an additional 2 billion won in alimony. The lower court had accepted Roh’s claim that about 30 billion won in funds from her father, provided to SK founder Chey Jong-hyon in 1991, contributed to the conglomerate’s growth and should be factored into the asset division. This acknowledgment played a pivotal role in the initial settlement, reflecting the court’s view of Roh’s indirect contributions to the family fortune.
However, the Supreme Court’s First Division, presided over by Justice Seo Kyeong-hwan, overturned this aspect of the ruling, nullifying the appellate decision on property division. The court emphasized that the 30 billion won, likely comprising bribes received by Roh Tae-woo during his presidency, constitutes illegal money and cannot be legally protected or recognized as a contribution in the divorce settlement. This stance aligns with South Korea’s judicial principles against rewarding illicit activities, even in civil cases involving personal relationships and wealth distribution.
By rejecting the inclusion of slush funds, the Supreme Court has set a clear precedent that illegal money, regardless of its impact on corporate value, cannot justify asset claims in marital disputes. This ruling is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in the final settlement amount when the Seoul High Court reconsiders the case, potentially saving Chey hundreds of millions of dollars. Legal experts note that this decision reinforces the judiciary’s role in upholding ethical standards, particularly in cases involving historical corruption and its lingering effects on modern financial arrangements.
The case has drawn widespread media coverage and public scrutiny, highlighting broader issues of wealth inequality, corporate governance, and the legal handling of illicit funds in South Korea. It also reflects the ongoing challenges faced by chaebol families, where personal divorces can have far-reaching implications for business operations and public perception. The involvement of a former president’s daughter adds a layer of political sensitivity, illustrating how personal legal battles can resonate with national narratives about power and accountability.
Looking ahead, the Seoul High Court will reassess the asset division without considering the slush funds, focusing solely on legally acquired marital property. This retrial could take several months, with outcomes closely watched by legal and business communities for its potential to influence future high-stakes divorce cases. The final ruling may not only determine the financial fate of the individuals involved but also shape how courts balance contributions, legality, and fairness in similar disputes across the country.