Billionaire Profile
Lee Boo-jin
Global Rank
#422

Image: Republic of Korea | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Boo-jin

CEO, Samsung
SOUTH KOREA
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.234B
Estimated based on Samsung stock value as of March 6, 2026
+6.63% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Samsung
Industry
technology
Citizenship
SOUTH KOREA

Biography

Lee Boo-jin, born October 6, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea, is a prominent businesswoman and the President and CEO of Hotel Shilla since December 2010. As the eldest daughter of the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, she is a major shareholder in Samsung. She graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in children's studies. Lee began her career at Samsung Welfare Foundation in 1995 before joining Hotel Shilla in 2001. Her leadership has been crucial to expanding the hotel's duty-free business, and she has been recognized as one of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes since 2015. Her net worth is estimated at $7.9 billion as of January 2026.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Lee Boo-jin was born in Seoul, South Korea, on October 6, 1970. She is the daughter of Lee Kun-hee, the late chairman of the Samsung Group. She graduated from Daewon Foreign Language High School and earned a bachelor's degree in children's studies from Yonsei University.

Rise to Success

Lee Boo-jin began her career at the Samsung Welfare Foundation in 1995. In 2001, she joined Hotel Shilla, a member of the Samsung Group, and became the President and CEO in December 2010. Under her leadership, Hotel Shilla has become a leading hotel and duty-free operator. She has also served as an advisor for the trading department of Samsung C&T.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Boo-jin has been instrumental in expanding the duty-free business and establishing a global hotel chain. She is known for her strategic and decisive leadership, earning her the nickname "Little Lee Kun-hee". Lee is focused on restoring the performance of the duty-free and hotel businesses, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philanthropy

Lee Boo-jin is active in philanthropy and serves as the chairman of the Dooeul Scholarship Foundation, which focuses on supporting women's education.

Career Milestones

1995

Joined Samsung Welfare Foundation

Began her career at the Samsung Welfare Foundation.

2001

Joined Hotel Shilla

Joined Hotel Shilla, a member company of the Samsung Group.

2010

CEO of Hotel Shilla

Appointed President and CEO of Hotel Shilla.

2015

Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women

Ranked on Forbes' lists of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Dooeul Scholarship Foundation

$XB

Serves as a director of the Dooeul Scholarship Foundation, which focuses on supporting women's education.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Known as "Little Lee Kun-hee" by the local press for her business acumen."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Known for bold and decisive leadership.

Focus on Duty-Free Expansion

Focused on expanding the duty-free business and establishing a global hotel chain.