Chey Ki-Won
SK C&C
Early life and education
Chey is chairman of the South Korean group SK Corporation, the country’s third largest conglomerate, with affiliates in energy, telecom, chemicals, and other sectors. He attended the University of Chicago as an undergraduate and met his wife there, the daughter of former South Korean President, Roh Tae-woo.[1][3] The Chey family has deep ties with the University of Chicago as Chey’s father, the founder of the group, as well as his wife and eldest daughter all attended.[4] He is married, has three children, and was incarcerated near Seoul until his pardon in August 2015.[5] They have been separated since September 2011.[6] In December 2015 he announced his intention to divorce.[7]
Controversies
In January 2012, Chey was indicted of embezzling over $40 million from SK companies to cover up trading losses. However, he denies any wrongdoing.[8] In January 2013, Chey was found guilty of embezzlement and was sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Seoul District Court. SK Corporation expressed their desire to file an appeal.[9] He was pardoned by President Park Geun-hye in August 2015.