Early Life and Education
Lee Seo-hyun was born on September 20, 1973, in South Korea. She is the second daughter of Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Hong Ra-hee. Her grandfather was Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung. She attended Kyonggi Elementary School, Yewon School, and Seoul Arts High School before pursuing higher education at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in fashion design.
Career
Lee Seo-hyun began her career in 2002 at Cheil Industries, a Samsung affiliate, where she managed the fashion division. She played a key role in launching the SPA brand 8seconds and introducing the Italian brand 10 Corso Como. In 2018, she stepped back from corporate duties to focus on philanthropic activities and became the chair of the Samsung Welfare Foundation. In March 2024, Lee rejoined Samsung C&T Corporation as President of Strategic Planning.
Key Business Strategies
Her leadership in Samsung's fashion division involved strategic brand development and global expansion. As President of Strategic Planning at Samsung C&T, she leverages her experience to oversee strategic initiatives across the construction, trading, and fashion divisions. She is known for her discerning taste in fashion and is praised for her ability to try different styles.
Philanthropy
Lee Seo-hyun is actively involved in philanthropy, notably as the chair of the Samsung Welfare Foundation. The foundation focuses on child care and social services for underserved communities. In 2024, she established the Samsung Sustainability Fund, showcasing her commitment to social impact beyond business.
