In brief
South Korean gaming tycoon Kwon Hyuk-bin was ordered to transfer a 35% stake in Smilegate, valued at about 2.5 trillion won, plus 65 billion won in cash to his ex-wife. The total payout of roughly $1.87bn is the largest divorce settlement in the country’s history. The case highlights the huge wealth tied to the gaming sector and shows how even top tech entrepreneurs face dramatic legal battles. Both parties may still challenge the ruling, while the Supreme Court has already reviewed a similar case involving SK Group’s chairman. This division has reshaped how much financial responsibility is expected in high-profile marital disputes.
South Korean courts have issued the biggest divorce settlement ever recorded in the country. Gaming tycoon Kwon Hyuk-bin, the founder of Smilegate, must hand over 35% of his game‑making empire, worth roughly 2.5 trillion won, to his ex‑wife Lee Hwa‑jin, plus an additional cash payment of 65 billion won.
The total figure—around 2.55 trillion won (about $1.87 bn)—surpasses the previous record set by tech giant Chey Tae‑won, who was required to pay 944 bn won to his former spouse. Lee argued that she helped finance Smilegate at its start and spent more than 20 years raising the couple’s children and running the household, seeking a 50% company stake.
Kwon insisted Lee had not invested in Smilegate and that all initial capital came from him. While the ruling stands for now, both parties could appeal the decision. The case underscores how entrepreneurial success in gaming can lead to staggering value disputes during divorce settlement, and it marks a new benchmark for wealth transfer in South Korea.
