It’s a fact that the name “Samsung” is easily recognizable across the globe. Given that, it isn’t a surprise that back home in South Korea, the family behind it has attracted intrigue with three generations spanning the famous conglomerate.
Among its members is Lee Seo Hyun, the second daughter of the illustrious clan. Known for her artistic and stylish side, the heiress has made a name for herself even beyond her circles. Ahead, know the essential info about the billionaire behind the scion allure.
1. Lee Seo Hyun’s family owns the Samsung Group.
Seo Hyun is the heiress of the globally known Samsung Group, which is known as the largest chaebol clan in South Korea. The company was founded by her grandfather Lee Byung Chul in 1938 and was passed down to her father Lee Kun Hee, who acted as the group’s chairman until his death in 2020.
2. Lee Seo Hyun is the second daughter in her family.
The third generation of the Samsung chaebols consists of four children: The eldest and only son Lee Jae Yong, the second child and eldest daughter Lee Boo Jin, Seo Hyun, and the youngest daughter Lee Yoon Hyung, who passed away in 2005.
3. Lee Seo Hyun is a philanthropist.
Seo Hyun helms the Samsung Welfare Foundation, which was founded by her father Lee Kun Hee. She’s known to regularly give back to her community through the charity by establishing child care centers in low-income neighborhoods, among many philanthropic ventures.
4. Lee Seo Hyun studied at a renowned design school in New York.
As a known art enthusiast, Seo Hyun followed her passion by studying at the acclaimed Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she earned her degree. The heiress joins many distinguished alumni, including artists and designers like Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, and socialites like Bella Hadid, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and Brooklyn Beckham.
5. Lee Seo Hyun has an interest in fashion.
The heiress is known as one of South Korea’s top fashionistas, thanks to a style that doesn’t shy away from a more experimental side. In a report by The Korea Times, an industry insider called Seo Hyun as “someone who doesn't necessarily need a stylist because she knows exactly what she wants to wear every day,” while adding that she’s “never afraid of trying something new and even wearing some daring accessories.”
Even her business decisions reflect her passion. After graduating from Parsons, Seo Hyun’s first key role was at Samsung C&Ts fashion group, which was formerly known as Cheil Industries, an apparel and textile company. The heiress was also the first Korean to become an advisory board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010.
6. Lee Seo Hyun expanded Samsung’s retail businesses.
Seo Hyun was able to marry her business acumen with her inclination for style. After gaining a role in Samsung’s fashion division, Seo Hyun strengthened their retail businesses by diversifying their portfolios, like the acquisition of the Italian leather brand Colombo Via Della Spiga.
Samsung’s fashion division included overseeing inventory purchases and licensing for brands such as Diesel Kids and Catherine Malandrino. Further on, under Seo Hyun’s lead, the company developed a “neo-traditional” Korean fashion brand called Bean Pole. In 2014, she partnered with YG Entertainment to launch the street fashion brand Nonagon.
After her tenure in Samsung C&T’s fashion group, she furthered her passion for the arts by heading the Leeum Museum of Art.
7. Lee Seo Hyun was recognized as one of the world’s most powerful businesswomen.
In 2011, Seo Hyun was touted by Forbes Asia as one of the world's most powerful businesswomen. Two years later, the heiress made it on another Forbes list as the only Korean in the Global Young Billionaires.
8. Lee Seo Hyun is among South Korea’s top billionaires, alongside her siblings.
In 2024, Seo Hyun ranked as the 14th richest person in South Korea with a net worth of $2.7 billion. Just before her is her older sister Lee Boo Jin with $2.8 billion. Meanwhile, their brother tops the list of the country’s billionaires with $11.5 billion.
9. Lee Seo Hyun is a mother of four.
In 2000, Seo Hyun wedded Kim Jae Yeol, the son of the former honorary president of Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo. They have four children together.
10. Lee Seo Hyun is the president of Samsung C&T.
Seo Hyun returned to Samsung C&T as its president in March 2024, helming the company’s strategic planning. Previously, the heiress had a hiatus of five years and three months after stepping down as Samsung C&T’s fashion division in December 2018.
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