Asset disclosures spotlight wealthy officials

Jan 30, 2026, 11:20 am

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Kim Dae-jin, former president of the Korea National University of Arts, reported the largest personal wealth among senior officials under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. / Yonhap

Former president of the Korea National University of Arts, Kim Dae-jin, ranked as the third-wealthiest among senior public officials in South Korea, according to the latest asset disclosures released Thursday.

The Government Officials Ethics Committee published its report on newly appointed and retired senior officials in the electronic official gazette on Jan. 30. Kim, now a professor at the university’s School of Music, reported assets totaling 342.77 billion won, up 12.1 billion won from June last year, citing gains related to a housing redevelopment trust.

Among officials subject to disclosure, Kim ranked behind Noh Jae-heon, who reported 530.44 billion won, and Lee Chan-jin, who disclosed 384.88 billion won.

Kim reported deposits totaling 13.29 billion won held by himself, his wife and his mother, as well as shares worth 18.40 billion won registered under his wife and mother.

Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young disclosed assets worth 238.73 billion won, including 15.04 billion won in stocks and 2.45 billion won in buildings. A former entrepreneur, Choi’s wealth was largely concentrated in equities.

Choi reported holdings in companies such as Naver, Samsung Heavy Industries, NOL Universe, Deulgukhwa Company and PlantyU. Although he sold his Naver and Deulgukhwa Company shares after assuming office, the transactions were not reflected in this disclosure period.

Family members’ assets included stocks held by his wife and children, while his real estate portfolio consists of an apartment in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, and a townhouse in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. Choi also reported cash deposits held by himself and immediate family members.

Meanwhile, Yoo Hong-jun, director of the National Museum of Korea, reported assets totaling 163.41 billion won, including apartments and other buildings in Seoul’s Gangnam district, land held under his spouse’s name, and sizable deposits.

Other senior officials disclosed assets as follows: Vice Culture Minister Kim Young-soo with 46.68 billion won, Second Vice Minister Kim Dae-hyun with 16.33 billion won, Heritage Administration head Heo Min with 23.01 billion won, and current KNUA President Pyun Jang-wan with 34.39 billion won.

#Kim Dae-jin #Korea National University of Arts #Choi Hwi-young #Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism #asset disclosure