Samsung Crown Prince Joins Military, Gives Up US Citizenship

Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong, officially enlisted in the military in South Korea. Photo: Hankyoreh .

On September 15, Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong, officially enlisted in the South Korean military, starting his naval officer training program at the Naval Academy in Jinhae County, South Gyeongsang Province. This is the first step in his lengthy military service, where he will undergo arduous training to become an officer in the naval force.

Lee Ji-ho, known as the heir to the Samsung Group, has completed his military service. He traveled to the Naval Academy in his family car and had to undergo two identity checks at the entrance to the military base.

Car takes Lee Ji-ho and his family to the training center. Photo: ChosunDaily.

According to information from the Korean Navy, Lee Ji-ho enlisted as an officer cadet in the 139th course, for those who have graduated from university. During the 11-week training period at the academy, he will be trained and perfected his military skills, before being promoted to second lieutenant on December 1. The total time of service in the military will include 3 months of basic training, expected to last 39 months.

Lee Ji-ho was born in 2000 in the United States and is the son of Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Vice President Lim Se-ryeong of Daesang Group. He graduated from Columbia University and holds dual citizenship in Korea and the United States.

However, according to Korean regulations, citizens with dual citizenship must give up their foreign citizenship if they want to join the military as officers. Therefore, Lee Ji-ho voluntarily gave up his American citizenship to qualify for military service and become an officer cadet this time.

Lee Ji-ho's decision to renounce his American citizenship and choose to serve in the military is considered by the Korean media to be a rare decision. Every year, only about 100 Korean-Americans or Koreans with American citizenship voluntarily enlist in their home country. This decision not only demonstrates a sense of responsibility but also reflects respect for Korean military regulations and traditions.

Samsung has not commented on Lee Ji-ho's future plans after completing his military service. Chairman Lee Jae-yong has previously publicly stated that he has no intention of passing on the group's management to his children, which has drawn much attention to Lee Ji-ho's future.

Source: https://znews.vn/thai-tu-samsung-nhap-ngu-tu-bo-quoc-tich-my-post1586370.html