Lee Ji Ho (24), the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae Yong, will renounce his U.S. citizenship and enlist as a naval officer in the South Korean Navy.
According to industry sources on September 10, Lee will enter training on September 15 as part of the 139th class of Navy officer candidates. He will undergo 11 weeks of officer education and training at the Naval Academy in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, before being commissioned as a Navy ensign on December 1.
His total military service will last 39 months, including the 11-week training period and a mandatory 36-month active duty term after commissioning. His specific assignment and unit will be determined at the time of commissioning, based on his training performance and the Navy’s personnel needs by specialty.
Lee gave up his U.S. citizenship in order to fulfill his mandatory military duty as a naval officer. Born in the United States in 2000, he has held dual citizenship in both South Korea and the U.S.
By law, dual nationals who wish to serve as officers rather than enlisted soldiers must give up their foreign citizenship. On average, only about 100 people per year who hold U.S. permanent residency or citizenship voluntarily apply to enlist in Korea.
A business insider commented, "Even ordinary citizens tend to prefer the shorter enlisted service (typically 18-21 months) over the longer officer track (typically 39 months). The fact that Lee gave up his U.S. citizenship to serve shows a model example of fulfilling one’s duty for the community."
Koreans are impressed with Lee Ji Ho's choice and praised his decision. They commented:
"Wow."
"Oh, good, good."
"Oh wow, this really is impressive... If it were me, I'd hold on to U.S. citizenship."
"I remember Lee Jae Yong once said he wouldn't pass down company management to his kids, so I thought for sure his son would dodge the military, but he's going in as an officer??? I judged too quickly... this is really impressive."
"Legend. Wow, the Navy... The Navy is seriously tough... good luck to him..."
"He's amazing."
"Is it okay for his real name to be revealed? lol. People are going to ask him if he's THAT Lee Ji Ho when he joins. lol."
"Whoa… I already had a good impression of Chairman Lee Jae Yong, but now I like his eldest son even more."
"Wow, lol, that's impressive... honestly, that couldn't have been an easy choice."
"The Navy is so tough. It's seriously impressive."
"He didn't even choose the short mandatory service. He chose to join as an officer."
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