KRIn the first half of 2024, a record number of listed companies in South Korea declared dividends, with Samsung Electronics leading the way. Samsung's chairman, Lee Jae-yong, received the highest individual dividend payout of 72.8 billion won ($50.9 million). Overall, 127 listed companies announced dividends, up 48% compared to the same period last year. Combined dividends totaled 13.52 trillion won, representing an 18.4% increase. This growth follows changes to Korea's Commercial Act aimed at improving corporate governance and shareholder returns. Other major contributors included Hyundai Motor, KB Financial, Shinhan Financial, and other large corporations. Notably, Hong Ra-hee, who ranks fourth in dividend earnings, sold part of her Samsung shares to cover inheritance taxes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on economic data related to corporate dividends and does not take a clear stance on any political issue. It presents factual information about dividend distributions, corporate actions, and regulatory changes without apparent ideological framing or biased language.
