Samsung's 4th Generation Heir Lee Ji-ho Forfeits U.S. Citizenship for Naval Officer Duty, Contrasting with Steve Yoo

The decision by Lee Ji-ho, a fourth-generation member of the Samsung family, to give up his U.S. citizenship and serve as a naval officer for 39 months is creating significant ripples in Korean society.

Lee Ji-ho, 24, entered the Naval Academy in Jinhae on the 15th as part of the 139th Bachelor Officer Candidate Corps. After completing 11 weeks of training, he is set to be commissioned as a second lieutenant on December 1st and begin his service as an officer.

Holding dual nationality as he was born in the United States, he voluntarily relinquished his citizenship and strongly expressed his desire to enlist. This act is being hailed as an example of 'noblesse oblige demonstrated by the Samsung family's fourth generation,' standing in stark contrast to Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung-jun), who became synonymous with draft evasion controversies.

Steve Yoo, conversely, took a different path. Despite stating his intention to serve in the military on broadcasts and interviews, he abruptly acquired U.S. citizenship in 2002 to avoid his military duty. The Ministry of Justice banned his entry into South Korea, and public sentiment remains cold despite his repeated legal attempts.

Lee Ji-ho's case is drawing attention to the military service decisions of children from chaebol families. Previously, Choi Min-jeong, daughter of SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, volunteered for the Navy; Choi Seong-hwan, eldest son of former SK Networks Chairman Choi Shin-won, volunteered for the Marine Corps' special forces; Ko Jeho, fourth-generation heir of Kolon Group, served in the Army and volunteered for a mission in Lebanon after relinquishing his U.S. citizenship; and Chung Hae-chan, eldest son of Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yong-jin, completed his mandatory Army service.

Lee Ji-ho was born in 1999, making him 24 years old. Although born in the United States, he held dual nationality with South Korea. His decision to voluntarily enlist is seen as setting a positive example for Korean society.