Lee Ji-ho, Eldest Son of Samsung's Lee Jae-yong, to Serve 39 Months as Navy Officer After Renouncing US Citizenship

Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, is drawing significant attention for his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship and enlist in the Navy as an officer.

Mr. Lee recently entered the Naval Officer Candidate School and is set to be commissioned as a naval lieutenant on December 1st, following an 11-week training period. He is scheduled to serve a total of 39 months.

Born in the United States and holding dual citizenship, Mr. Lee could have been exempted from military service. However, he voluntarily gave up his citizenship to fulfill his military obligations as a South Korean man. This choice is being praised within business circles as an act of 'noblesse oblige'.

Positive reactions and support are pouring in from online communities as well. Many netizens have expressed hopes that his military service will be a valuable experience for him to learn responsibility and grow as a Korean citizen. His decision stands in stark contrast to the past case of singer Yoo Seung-jun, who avoided military service, making Mr. Lee's actions even more positively highlighted.

Meanwhile, Yoo Seung-jun has recently become embroiled in controversy again by participating in the promotion of a politically charged film.

Lee Ji-ho is the son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and former Vice President Im Se-ryung. He spent much of his childhood and schooling years in the United States. His decision to serve in the military is seen as a crucial step in his integration into Korean society.