Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon earned 2.96 billion won in first half, Kakao's Chung Shin-a 1.2 billion won

In the first half of this year, the CEOs of South Korea's two largest information technology platforms received substantial compensation packages. Naver's chief executive, Choi Soo-yeon, earned 2.96 billion won (approximately $2.1 million USD), while Kakao's leader, Chung Shin-a, received 1.2 billion won (approximately $860,000 USD).

According to disclosures filed with the Financial Supervisory Service, Choi Soo-yeon's compensation for the first half of 2026 amounted to 2.967 billion won. This represents a notable increase of 14.2%, or approximately 417 million won, compared to the 2.55 billion won she received in the same period last year. The majority of her earnings consisted of a base salary of 550 million won.

These figures highlight the significant remuneration provided to the leaders of South Korea's dominant tech companies, reflecting their roles in managing major digital platforms that significantly influence the country's economy and daily life. The compensation details were made public as part of regulatory requirements for listed companies.