Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, will enlist on Sept. 15 as a Navy officer candidate in the 139th class.
On the 10th, Samsung Electronics said, "Mr. Ji-ho renounced his U.S. nationality to fulfill his military duty and plans to serve for 39 months (including the training period)," and added, "After 11 weeks of training, he is scheduled to be commissioned as a Navy second lieutenant on Dec. 1."
Born in the United States in 2000, Lee held dual citizenship. However, it is said that, to fulfill his military duty, he decided to give up his U.S. citizenship and enlist in the Navy. After enlistment, once he completes training at the Jinhae Naval Academy, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant on Dec. 1.
Including the training period and the 36-month mandatory service after commissioning, Lee's total military service will be 39 months. His assignment and unit will likely be determined at commissioning, taking into account his training results and personnel needs by military specialty.