chaebol

American  

[je-buhl] / ˈdʒɛ bəl /

noun

chaebols plural

1. a South Korean conglomerate, usually owned by a single family, based on authoritarian management and centralized decision-making.

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chaebol British  

/ ˈtʃeɪbɒl /

noun

1. a large, usually family-owned, business group in South Korea

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Etymology

Origin of chaebol

First recorded in 1970–75; from Korean chaebŏl, from chae “wealth, property” + pŏl “clique, faction,” formed from the Korean pronunciation of the two Middle Chinese characters whose Japanese pronunciation is “zaibatsu”; see origin at zaibatsu ( def. )

Example Sentences

Moe is one of many analysts at present pointing out the progress made on corporate governance reform which has improved shareholders returns and narrowed the discounts on conglomerate or chaebol shares.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

It is South Korea's largest chaebol, the family-run conglomerates that dominate the country's economy.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

Because of their political heft, the chaebol, as these families are known, have long been a matter of immense public interest.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Song plays Yoon Hyun-woo, a longtime employee of the chaebol family-run Soonyang Group.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2023

It follows a pattern of convicted chaebol leaders having their slates wiped clean.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2022