A New Standard for Service
In a country where military service is a rite of passage for nearly every able-bodied man, the heirs of South Korea’s most powerful conglomerates are setting a new standard. While the typical goal for many young conscripts is to complete their mandatory duty as quickly and efficiently as possible, a distinct trend has emerged among the children of the chaebol. These scions are increasingly opting for longer, more rigorous stints as officers, specifically within the Navy. This shift marks a significant departure from the past, where the focus was often on minimizing disruption to their education or career trajectories. The decision by these young elites to spend years rather than months in uniform signals a calculated move to cultivate an image of responsible leadership and global competence.
The most recent example of this phenomenon grabbed headlines in late November. Lee Jee-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, stood before a crowd at the Naval Academy in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. Representing hundreds of newly commissioned officers, he took the oath of service. Video clips of the ceremony circulated rapidly online, showing a young man with a tanned face and a resolute voice, attributes forged during 11 weeks of intense training. The sight of a Samsung heir undergoing the rigors of military discipline sparked a nationwide conversation about the evolving relationship between Korea’s elite and its armed forces.
This choice is not an isolated incident. Years prior, Chey Min-jung, the second daughter of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, made waves when she volunteered for the Navy. Although military service is not mandatory for women in South Korea, her enlistment in 2015 captured the public imagination until her discharge in 2017. These high-profile decisions by heirs of the Samsung and SK groups suggest a strategic pivot in how the next generation of business leaders prepares itself for the future.
The Strategic Allure of the Navy
For observers wondering why these heirs favor the Navy over the Army or Air Force, the answer lies in the specific nature of naval service and the skills it imparts. Retired Navy Capt. Moon Keun-sik, an adjunct professor at Hanyang University, argues that the Navy represents globalization more than any other branch. Unlike land-centered Army operations, naval service inherently emphasizes diplomacy, joint operations with foreign forces, and international engagement. Officers routinely participate in long-distance deployments, multinational exercises, and overseas port visits. These activities provide firsthand exposure to the global maritime order and international norms.
This environment fosters the image of naval officers as “international gentlemen,” a perception that aligns closely with the values of elite families who prize diplomatic finesse and global etiquette. In traditional naval powers like the United Kingdom and the United States, it has long been customary for children of aristocratic families or political and business elites to serve as naval officers. The British royal family and prominent American dynasties have historically viewed the sea as a training ground for global leadership. Korean chaebol families appear to be adopting this same logic, viewing the Navy as the optimal environment to prepare their heirs for leading vast, multinational conglomerates.
Furthermore, the changing social image of Korea’s military institutions plays a role. In recent years, the Army has faced repeated political controversies and organizational challenges that have damaged its public standing. Issues regarding soldiers’ rights, problematic remarks by leadership, and concerns over political influence have fueled criticism. By contrast, the Navy has largely remained insulated from such scandals, preserving a stable organizational culture centered on professionalism. This distinction naturally leads cautious chaebol families, who carefully weigh service conditions and long-term implications, to view the Navy as a safer and more prestigious option.
The Value of Officer Training
The decision to serve as an officer, rather than an enlisted soldier, is equally significant. Standard conscription in South Korea lasts about 18 to 21 months. However, the path chosen by Lee Jee-ho involves a commitment of 39 months at the Naval Academy, nearly double the usual time. Industry insiders suggest that the officer route is essential for projecting the leader image expected of future conglomerate heads.
“Their roles are simply different as military officers. Officers handle planning and decision-making, qualities that align with having the leadership image chaebol heirs want to convey,” a source within the industry stated.
Professor Hwang Yong-sik of Sejong University’s College of Business and Economics echoed this sentiment. He noted that serving transparently as a military officer helps offset negative perceptions often surrounding chaebol families. Serving in a leadership capacity reinforces their image as capable decision-makers rather than mere beneficiaries of inheritance.
A Major Sacrifice for Credibility
The commitment made by Lee Jee-ho carries a weight that goes beyond time. Born in New York in 2000, he held American citizenship in addition to his Korean status. Under South Korean law, men with dual citizenship must choose one nationality before the age of 18 or complete their military service to maintain both. By entering the Naval Academy, Lee made the deliberate choice to renounce his American citizenship to fulfill his duty as a Korean officer.
This decision surprised many in South Korea. Local media outlets described it as an act of noblesse oblige, while online comments praised it as a rare display of sacrifice by the heir to the country’s wealthiest family. Giving up the advantages of American citizenship is not a trivial matter for a global business leader, yet it solidified his standing as a loyal Korean citizen. In a society sensitive to issues of fairness and privilege, this move helps insulate the heir from accusations of receiving special treatment or dodging responsibilities.
The history of draft evasion in South Korea casts a long shadow. The most infamous case involves pop star Steve Yoo, who in 2002 renounced his Korean citizenship to obtain American nationality and avoid the draft. The government responded with a permanent entry ban that remains in effect over two decades later. For public figures, there is little tolerance for appearing to take the easy way out. Even the global phenomenon BTS, comprised of seven members, has seen all members enlist for active duty or alternative service. By voluntarily choosing a longer, harder path, chaebol heirs proactively manage their public image and demonstrate a commitment to national duty.
Networking and Global Connections
Beyond image management, the practical benefits of naval service are substantial. A recent article in the Korean daily Chosun Ilbo highlighted that service as a Navy or Air Force officer provides access to global networks that are difficult to build elsewhere. For companies with vast international operations, these connections are invaluable.
Take the example of HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, a former Army ROTC officer. He maintains the ties built during his service by sending care packages to officer candidates and visiting the US Naval Academy. Given that HD Hyundai is a powerhouse in the shipbuilding industry, maintaining strong ties with naval figures and international military academies provides a strategic business advantage.
Perhaps even more valuable is the role of the interpreter officer. These positions often gain access to high-level meetings and interact with global figures. Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan drew media attention in 2009 when he served as an interpreter officer during a meeting between then-Prime Minister Chung Un-chan and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Such experiences offer lessons in diplomacy and statecraft that few business schools can replicate.
“As an interpreter officer, you work closely with commanders. It’s a position where you can directly observe leadership and learn from it,” said a former Air Force interpreter officer identified only by his surname Hwang.
For heirs expected to one day lead major corporations, these competencies are not just nice to have, they are essential. Naval service offers hands-on exposure to complex operational planning, coordination among diverse teams, and sustained interaction with foreign counterparts. It allows these skills to develop organically in a high-stakes environment.
A Tradition in the Making
Lee Jee-ho is not alone in this trend. At Hanwha Group, which has deep ties to defense and aerospace, extended officer service has become somewhat of a tradition. Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, a Harvard graduate, served 39 months as an Air Force interpreter officer. His younger brother, Kim Dong-won, now CEO of Hanwha Life Insurance, followed the same path. The pattern suggests that these families view military service not as a distraction, but as a foundational phase of their career development.
Similarly, at HD Hyundai, Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun served as an Army ROTC officer, following the example of his father, Chung Mong-joon. Dongkuk Steel also boasts a family history of military service, with Chairman Chang Sae-joo completing ROTC service and his brother graduating from the Korea Military Academy to serve a decade as an officer. The next generation at Dongkuk Steel continued this tradition, with Chang Hoon-ik serving as an Air Force interpreter officer.
This consistency across different conglomerates indicates a collective shift in strategy. The choices made by children of these families often function as a barometer of the prevailing zeitgeist and evolving values within the upper class. The message is clear: the next generation of elites must possess international awareness, organizational management capability, and crisis leadership. They believe these traits are best forged through the discipline and global exposure of military service.
The Bottom Line
The decision by chaebol heirs to join the Navy is a multifaceted strategy that serves personal, public, and professional goals. It allows them to fulfill their civic duty while acquiring the skills and networks necessary for leading global businesses. By choosing the Navy, they distance themselves from the controversies of the Army and align themselves with the prestige of the international maritime community. Furthermore, the willingness to sacrifice time and citizenship rights helps rehabilitate the public image of the wealthy elite, showing a commitment to the nation that transcends personal comfort.
This trend underscores both the rising stature of the Republic of Korea Navy and a fundamental shift in the values of Korea’s elite. Military service is no longer just an obligation to be checked off a list. It is a strategic choice aimed at cultivating international sensibility and responsible leadership. As these young officers eventually return to the boardroom, they will bring with them a perspective shaped by the sea, discipline, and a deep understanding of global dynamics.
Key Points
- Chaebol heirs like Lee Jee-ho (Samsung) are choosing extended Navy service (39 months) over shorter Army enlistment.
- The Navy offers a “clean” organizational culture and international exposure, fitting the needs of global business leaders.
- Service as officers provides training in planning, decision-making, and crisis management.
- Major families like Hanwha, HD Hyundai, and Dongkuk Steel have established traditions of officer service.
The choice helps heirs project an image of “noblesse oblige” and counters negative public perceptions of privilege.
Renouncing dual citizenship (as Lee did with his US citizenship) demonstrates a commitment to national duty.
Interpreter officer roles offer unique networking opportunities with high-level military and government officials.
