A man in his 50s uncovered a dramatic family dispute during redevelopment consultations, where his biological mother, absent for 40 years, suddenly demanded a share of approximately 150 billion won from the sale of their family home.
The Family’s Hard-Earned Success
On March 18, during a segment on YTN Radio’s ‘Job Change Company Discussion Room,’ the man, identified as Mr. A, shared his story. Mr. A recounted how his mother left home when he was 10 years old, remarried, and vanished without trace. He and his younger sibling fended for themselves, surviving through student part-time jobs, living assistance, caregiving roles, apartment management, and operating a mat factory.
The siblings later launched a handmade digital brand that gained massive popularity on social media. They sold the company to a major corporation for 300 billion won, splitting the proceeds equally at 150 billion won each. This windfall coincided with plans to demolish their long-abandoned family home for redevelopment.
Mother’s Sudden Return and Demand
Just as construction was set to begin on the site, the mother reappeared after 40 years of silence. She claimed a one-third inheritance share, appearing at Mr. A’s doorstep. Mr. A stated, “I’ve been the primary legal heir, so hand over the property.”
The mother countered, “I had no idea about my mother’s life or death for 40 years. My younger sibling was as dear to me as my own life. We struggled our whole lives to protect them, and together we earned 150 billion won.” She added, “The mother who brought all that money now says she came out just like this, and the money all went to her child.” She expressed frustration, noting, “It’s the first time in 40 years legally that a mother who lived continuously has fully received the inheritance from the house demolition—I’m thrilled to meet it.”
Legal Perspective on Inheritance Shares
Lawyer Jeong, specializing in inheritance matters, explained the statutory shares: first priority to direct descendants (children), second to direct ascendants (parents), third to siblings, and fourth to four-chon relatives.
Jeong noted, “Spouses take direct deposits, but connected deposits are the highest priority with the company. Mr. A’s house has no spouse or children, making the parent the number one heir. Standard acquisitions mean the parent gets a single share.” He emphasized that without cooperation, courts analyze distribution intentions and allocate accordingly.
The lawyer added, “If changes arise in the Guhara Law (Civil Law Article 1004-2), the acquisition area will also be limited.” He advised, “Only with proper cause and central corporate intent can the changed intention be recognized. Otherwise, inheritance intentions must be clarified through family court.”
Jeong stressed verifying the facts: “Mr. A avoided neighborhood prejudice, family relations, tax issues, and more, preventing the mother from damaging life and livelihood for 40 years—this reality must be emphasized.”
