Samsung heir renounces US citizenship, joins Navy; the reason is shocking.

Lee Jee-ho, also known as the heir to the renowned Samsung conglomerate, has just been promoted to a higher rank after completing his military service, leading many to wonder why he chose to give up his US citizenship to serve in the military.

The most recent case attracting attention is Lee Jee-ho, the 24-year-old eldest son of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Jae-yong. On September 15th, Lee Jee-ho officially enrolled in the Korean Naval Academy as an officer candidate, beginning his 39-month military service. This is nearly double the 18-21 months of mandatory service for regular soldiers. Even more noteworthy, to qualify for enlistment, he renounced his US citizenship – citizenship he acquired at birth in New York in 2000.

On November 28th, at the officer ordination ceremony held at the Changwon Naval Academy in Gyeongsang Nam Province, Lee Jee-ho was chosen to represent hundreds of new officers in taking the oath of service to the nation before his family and guests. The image of the Samsung "heir," with his tanned skin, resolute demeanor, and decisive voice, clearly showed the mark of 11 weeks of intense training. A video of the ceremony quickly went viral on social media, sparking much discussion about the choice of a top South Korean heir.

Joining the Navy is not simply fulfilling military service. It reflects how South Korea's elite are re-evaluating the meaning of military service. The choices of the children of wealthy families are often seen as a "barometer," revealing changing values and mindsets within the upper class.

One important reason lies in the globalized image associated with the Navy. Unlike land-based warfare, the Navy places a greater emphasis on diplomacy, international cooperation, and multinational coordination. Long voyages, joint exercises, and port calls abroad allow officers to frequently interact with international colleagues, directly understanding the global maritime order and norms. As a result, the image of a naval officer is associated with the concept of an "international gentleman"—suitable for families who value sophistication in communication.

In traditional naval powers like Britain and the United States, royals, politicians, and businesspeople have long regarded the Navy as a training ground for leadership skills. This further reinforces the Navy's reputation as a "training ground for leadership at sea," where discipline, strategic vision, and international coordination are paramount.

Furthermore, the social image of the military branches in South Korea is also changing. In recent years, the Army has been embroiled in numerous controversies related to politics, internal affairs, soldier rights, and leadership responsibility. Meanwhile, the Navy has largely remained outside these controversies, maintaining an image of stability, professionalism, and strong international cooperation. For chaebol families who carefully consider the long-term impact, the Navy has become a safer and more positive choice.

For the children of tycoons, becoming a naval officer is not just about fulfilling a duty, but also about accumulating skills for future leadership roles. The naval environment demands strategic thinking, planning abilities, complex organizational management, and crisis handling—essential skills in global business. The image of a naval officer with a disciplined life, a relatively clean organizational culture, and the open-minded spirit of the maritime environment also conveys a sense of a "respectable profession."

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