Samsung Chair’s Family to Sell $1.2 Billion Stake Amid Stock Surge

The family of Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee plans to sell part of its stake in the company following a strong rally in the share price. The sale is estimated to be worth about $1.2 billion (1.73 trillion won).

According to filings, the family will sell around 17.7 million shares, equal to roughly 0.3% of Samsung Electronics. The transaction will be managed by Shinhan Bank through a trust and is expected to be completed by April next year.

Analysts say the move is linked to the massive inheritance tax bill the Lee family faces after the death of former chairman Lee Kun-hee. The total tax due is estimated at about 12 trillion won, one of the largest in South Korea’s history.

Samsung shares have climbed more than 80% this year, driven by global demand for AI chips and major supply deals with companies like Tesla, OpenAI and Nvidia. Because of the rally, the family can raise more cash by selling fewer shares.

Market watchers note that the sale does not signal a loss of confidence in Samsung’s future. Instead, it appears to be a strategic move to secure funds without disrupting control of the company.

However, some retail investors are uneasy about the timing. They worry that insiders selling at peak levels could point to limited upside in the near term.

Despite the concerns, Samsung remains one of South Korea’s most widely held stocks, with millions of individual investors across the country. The company continues to dominate the global chip industry and remains a key player in AI hardware growth.