Alphabiz - Hong Ra-hee Launches $3 Billion Block Sale of Samsung Electronics Shares for Inheritance Tax Payment

Lee Jae-yong and Hong Ra-hee (Photo=Yonhap News Agency)

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Hong Ra-hee has initiated a large-scale block sale of shares in Samsung Electronics to secure funds for inheritance tax payments.

According to investment banking sources on April 8, Hong began book-building for the sale of 15 million Samsung Electronics shares—equivalent to approximately a 0.25% stake—through an after-hours block deal.

Based on the closing price of KRW 210,500, the transaction is valued at around KRW 3.16 trillion (approximately $2.3 billion). The deal is being managed by global investment banks including Citigroup, JPMorgan, Bank of America, UBS, and Shinhan Securities.

Upon completion, Hong’s stake in Samsung Electronics is expected to decrease from 1.49% to 1.24%.

The transaction is part of the Samsung family’s ongoing effort to pay inheritance taxes following the passing of Lee Kun-hee. The total inheritance tax amounts to approximately KRW 12 trillion, payable over five years in installments, with Hong’s remaining obligation estimated at around KRW 3.1 trillion.

Market participants noted that the timing of the sale reflects recent gains in Samsung Electronics’ share price, which has risen above KRW 200,000—significantly higher than levels seen earlier this year.

Samsung Electronics shares closed at KRW 210,500 on the day, up 7.12%, supported in part by easing geopolitical tensions following ceasefire developments between the United States and Iran.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)