Early Life and Background
Hong Ra-hee was born on July 15, 1945, in Jeonju, South Korea. Her father, Hong Jin-ki, was a prominent figure, serving as a judge, Minister of Justice, and chairman of the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. This family background placed her within influential media and political circles, fostering early exposure to cultural and intellectual environments. She graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Applied Arts.
Rise to Success
Hong Ra-hee's wealth and influence are inextricably linked to her marriage to Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung Group. After Lee Kun-hee's death in 2020, she inherited a substantial portion of his estate, including shares in Samsung Electronics and other key subsidiaries. This inheritance significantly increased her net worth, placing her among the wealthiest individuals in South Korea. Before his death, she wasn't tracked independently due to her wealth being part of her husband's.
Key Business Strategies
Her career includes significant roles in Samsung-affiliated cultural institutions. She served as the director of the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art from 2004 to 2017, transforming it into a premier institution for modern and contemporary art. She also served as director of the Ho-Am Art Museum. In 2025, she returned to Leeum as an honorary director. Her leadership emphasized curating collections that bridged traditional Korean art with contemporary works.
Philanthropy
Hong Ra-hee's philanthropic efforts are largely focused on supporting the arts and cultural institutions. Her work with the Leeum Museum of Art and the Ho-Am Art Museum has been instrumental in promoting Korean culture and art. She has also been involved in various social welfare initiatives through Samsung's foundations. In 2021, she played a role in Samsung's decision to donate some 23,000 pieces of art to the country's public museums.