SEOUL, January 11 (AJP) -UL — Ensign Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, has been assigned to the South Korean Navy’s 5th Mine Countermeasures and Amphibious Operations Flotilla, according to military and industry sources on Saturday.
Lee will serve as an interpreter officer in the flotilla’s information and operations staff office. The unit, which operates directly under the Navy Operations Command, specializes in mine warfare and amphibious operations and frequently conducts combined exercises with foreign forces, including the U.S. military.
In his role, Lee is expected to provide real-time interpretation and translation during operational briefings and joint command-level communications involving overseas forces.
Born in the United States, Lee previously held dual South Korean-U.S. citizenship. He renounced his U.S. citizenship in order to fulfill South Korea’s mandatory military service as a commissioned naval officer. Under current law, dual nationals may retain foreign citizenship if serving as enlisted soldiers, but must give it up to serve as officers.
Lee entered the Navy in late September as part of the 139th class of officer candidates and completed approximately 11 weeks of training at the Naval Academy. He was commissioned as an ensign in late November and has since begun active-duty service.
His scheduled discharge date is Nov. 30, 2028.
This marks the first time a member of the Samsung founding family has served as a commissioned military officer.
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