South Korea's 'Divorce of the Century' Ends With a $640 Million Verdict
- M.R Mishra
- Jul 24
- 1 min read
One of South Korea's most closely watched divorce disputes has become a landmark case on matrimonial property law. In the long-running battle between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Roh Soh-yeong, the Supreme Court clarified that courts cannot recognise benefits allegedly flowing from unlawful funds while assessing a spouse's contribution to the growth of family wealth.
What's The Matter?
The litigation traces its origins In 2015, Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, publicly admitted to an extramarital relationship and disclosed that he had a child outside the marriage.
Two years later, his wife, Roh Soh-yeong, filed for divorce, seeking division of marital assets and alimony
In 2024, the Seoul High Court awarded Roh approximately ₩1.38 trillion (around US$930 million), holding that she had made a significant indirect contribution to the growth of SK Group.
A key factor in the court's reasoning was the financial support allegedly received from Roh's father, former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, during SK's formative years.
However, in October 2025, the Supreme Court of Korea set aside that decision.
What Court Said?
The Court held that the High Court had erred in treating the alleged slush funds linked to the former President as a legitimate contribution towards the company's growth and remanded the matter for fresh consideration.
The Supreme Court emphasised that assets or benefits derived from unlawful sources cannot be recognised while determining a spouse's contribution to the creation or appreciation of matrimonial property.
further detailed blog will be published once Judgement is Published on Court Website
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