Samsung heir Lee Jee Ho assigned as Navy interpretation officer after renouncing US citizenship

Lee Jee Ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae Yong. Photo from Instagram/southkorea.explores

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the flotilla operates directly under the Republic of Korea Fleet Command and plays a key role in naval mine warfare and amphibious operations.

The 25-year-old will provide interpretation between commanders during joint operations with foreign forces and translate intelligence-related documents.

Samsung Electronics announced in September last year that Lee had renounced his U.S. citizenship when he enlisted as an officer candidate, The Korea Times reported.

Born in New York, Lee held dual citizenship by birth. Dual nationals are barred from serving as officers in the South Korean military.

Lee was commissioned on Dec. 1, 2025, after completing training at the Republic of Korea Naval Academy. He is scheduled to complete his mandatory service on Nov. 30, 2028.

Lee is the son of Lee Jae Yong, 58, and 49-year-old Lim Se Ryung, vice chairwoman of South Korean food conglomerate Daesang Group. The couple married in 1998 and divorced in 2009, having two children.

As of Jan. 14, Forbes estimates Lee Jae Yong’s net worth at US$17.6 billion, making him South Korea’s second-richest individual.