Lee Ji-ho (24), the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, has enlisted as a Navy officer. Born in the United States with dual citizenship by birth, Lee is renouncing his U.S. citizenship to fulfill his military duty and beginning his service as an officer.
At about 1:05 p.m. on the 15th, Lee passed through Guard Post No. 3 at the Jinhae Base Command in Jinhae-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, while riding in a black minivan. His identity was verified twice near the guard post, and the vehicle carrying Lee underwent an additional inspection at a location away from the post. The Navy allowed vehicles of enlistees' families to move together to minimize media exposure.
At the site, it was reported that his mother, Daesang Holdings Vice Chairman Lim Se-ryeong, and his younger sister, Won-ju, accompanied him, but the Navy said, "We understand the family came together, but the specific list has not been confirmed."
Lee enlisted that day as a candidate in the 139th class of the Navy officer program for college graduates. He will undergo 11 weeks of officer education and training at the Korea Naval Academy. After completing training, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant on Dec. 1 and continue his mandatory service for a total of 39 months (including training). His post and unit will be determined based on grades, specialty, and personnel needs.
Born in the United States in 2000, Lee held dual citizenship of Korea and the United States, but voluntarily renounced his U.S. citizenship to apply as an officer. While dual citizenship can be retained when enlisting as an enlisted soldier, foreign nationality must be renounced to serve as an officer.
Given that only about 100 U.S. permanent residents or citizens volunteer to enlist each year, the decision is regarded as unusual.