Early Life
Hong Ra-hee was born on July 15, 1945, in Jeonju, South Korea, as the daughter of Hong Jin-ki, a former judge, and Kim Yoon-nam. Her family's prominent status within media and political circles shaped her upbringing, providing exposure to cultural and intellectual environments. Her father was the chairman of JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.
Rise to Success
Hong graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Applied Arts. Her career began in publishing at JoongAng Ilbo from 1975 to 1980. Her entry into the art world came in 1995 when she became the director of the Ho-Am Art Museum, founded by her father-in-law, Lee Byung-chul. Later, she co-founded and directed the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in 2004. She has been a key figure in the Korean art world, known for her impressive collection of contemporary art and her role in developing Seoul as an international cultural city.
Key Business Strategies
Hong's career has been intertwined with her family's involvement in Samsung and the arts. As the wife of the late Lee Kun-hee, she inherited shares in Samsung Electronics, becoming the largest individual shareholder with a 2.3% stake in 2021. She has been instrumental in the management and promotion of cultural institutions affiliated with Samsung, contributing significantly to the preservation and advancement of Korean art. In January 2024, she orchestrated a substantial sale of Samsung shares to address family inheritance tax obligations.
Philanthropy
Hong has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, particularly within the cultural sector. She was awarded the “Red Cross delivery ban” from the Korean Red Cross in October 2024, which recognized her 34-year commitment to humanitarian causes and community service.
