Samsung Chairman Wins Over Online Voters Yet Again
In April 2025, Lee Jae-yong, the Chairman of Samsung Electronics, once again secured first place in the Netizen Awards for Business Leaders, marking his 20th consecutive month at the top. Garnering 2,616 votes—or 54.3% of the total—Lee’s continued domination underscores his powerful influence and consistent support from online voters.
Unlike traditional awards, the Netizen Awards are determined solely via online public voting. Lee’s near two-year streak at the top demonstrates the trust and popularity he maintains among the digital public.
Language Skills Reflect Future-Forward Vision
Recently, Lee emphasized the importance of language proficiency in global business. In line with this vision, Samsung now fully subsidizes employees’ foreign language test fees. Lee specifically mentioned his regret at not studying more languages beyond English and Japanese, signaling a push for global competency across the company.
Fierce Competition from Other Industry Giants
Hyundai Motor Company Chairman Chung Eui-sun came in second with 969 votes (20.1%), followed by Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin with 481 votes (10%). These business leaders—though from diverse sectors—continue to draw strong support and showcase industry leadership.
The list also featured Shinsagae’s Chung Yong-jin in fourth place (236 votes, 4.9%) and LG’s Koo Kwang-mo at fifth (229 votes, 4.8%). CJ Chairman Lee Jay-hyun ranked sixth, followed by Hotel Shilla’s Lee Boo-jin in seventh. The rankings rounded off with Lee Joong-geun of Booyoung Group, Korean Air’s Cho Won-tae, and Mirae Asset’s Park Hyeon-joo.
Public Interest in Business Figures Remains High
The wide distribution of votes and the inclusion of leaders from diverse industries show that netizens continue to actively engage with and rate Korea’s top business figures. As these executives shape Korea’s corporate future, their monthly rankings provide insight into public sentiment and digital-era leadership appeal.
With Lee Jae-yong’s reign continuing unshaken, it remains to be seen whether any contenders can shift the tides in the months ahead.
