Lee Boo-jin: A Visionary Leader Shaping South Korea’s Corporate and Philanthropic Landscape

Lee Boo-jin, born on October 6, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea, is a prominent businesswoman renowned for her leadership of Hotel Shilla, a leading hospitality company within the Samsung Group. As the daughter of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee and Hong Ra-hee, she hails from a family deeply entrenched in South Korea’s corporate landscape. Lee pursued her education at Yonsei University, majoring in children’s studies, and embarked on her professional journey in 1995 with the Samsung Welfare Foundation. Her career trajectory led her to Hotel Shilla in 2001, where she has been instrumental in its growth and success.

Under Lee’s stewardship, Hotel Shilla has expanded its footprint both domestically and internationally. The company operates luxury hotels and a thriving duty-free business, with a notable presence in the global market. Her strategic vision and management acumen have been pivotal in elevating the brand’s status in the competitive hospitality industry.

In addition to her corporate endeavors, Lee Boo-jin has been actively involved in philanthropic activities. In August 2023, she was appointed as the director of the Dooeul Scholarship Foundation, a family-run organization established in 2000 to honor Park Doo-eul, the late wife of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul. The foundation focuses on nurturing talent and fostering the next generation of female leaders. Lee expressed her commitment to the foundation’s mission, emphasizing its role in identifying and supporting emerging experts across various sectors.

Lee’s personal life has also attracted public attention. In 1999, she married Im Woo-jae, a man of modest origins who gained media attention as “Mr. Cinderella” due to his humble background. The couple separated in 2012, and their divorce was finalized in January 2020, with Lee ordered to pay a substantial sum as part of the settlement. Despite these personal challenges, Lee has maintained a focus on her professional responsibilities and philanthropic commitments.

Throughout her career, Lee Boo-jin has been recognized for her leadership and influence. She has been featured on Forbes’ lists of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, reflecting her significant impact in the business world. Her dedication to both her family legacy and societal contributions underscores her multifaceted role in South Korea’s corporate and philanthropic spheres.

In recent years, Lee has continued to steer Hotel Shilla through a dynamic business environment, adapting to global trends and challenges. Her strategic initiatives have included expanding the company’s international presence and enhancing its luxury offerings, solidifying Hotel Shilla’s reputation as a premier hospitality brand.

Lee Boo-jin’s journey from a family heir to a leading businesswoman exemplifies her resilience and adaptability. Her ability to navigate complex corporate landscapes and her commitment to societal betterment through the Dooeul Scholarship Foundation highlight her as a significant figure in South Korea’s business and philanthropic communities.

As of January 2025, Lee continues to lead Hotel Shilla with a focus on innovation and excellence, ensuring the company’s growth and sustainability in an ever-evolving industry. Her ongoing philanthropic efforts further demonstrate her dedication to fostering future leaders and contributing to the broader community.

Lee Boo-jin’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to both business excellence and social responsibility. Her influence extends beyond the corporate world, inspiring many with her dedication to nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of leaders.

In summary, Lee Boo-jin stands as a testament to the impact of visionary leadership and philanthropic dedication. Her journey reflects the harmonious blend of business acumen and a deep-seated commitment to societal advancement, marking her as a distinguished figure in South Korea’s contemporary landscape.