SK Group posted a net profit of 6.19 trillion won in the first half, jumping 32 percent from 4.69 trillion won last year to edge Samsung Group, which raked in 5.62 trillion won, down 30 percent from 8.05 trillion won.
The SK Group's affiliates, such as SK hynix Inc., SK Telecom Co., and SK Innovation Co., exhibited strong earnings to help boost the consolidated net profit.
SK hynix Inc. saw robust chip demand boost its bottom line, while SK Innovation Co. posted increased dividend income.
Meanwhile, Samsung Group suffered a sales decline in the mobile business unit.
LG Group came in third with a net profit of 3.06 trillion won, increasing 90 percent on-year from 1.61 trillion won.
Fourth placer Hyundai Motor Group reported a 2.56 trillion won profit, dropping 44 percent s the pandemic impacted vehicle sales.
