Hong Ra-hee

$7.02 B

Ranked #548 in World

About Hong Ra-hee

South Korean billionaire and preeminent art influencer Hong Ra-hee, Director of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, remains a figurehead in her field. The widow of the late Lee Kun-hee, she orchestrates one of Asia's most significant art collections, featuring masters like Pollock and Warhol. An alumna of Seoul National University, her career burgeoned early at JoongAng Ilbo, being integral to the cultural fabric through the Samsung Arts and Cultural Foundation. Her family continues to shape Samsung's landscape, with her daughters holding presidential roles in key divisions.

Born

July 15, 1945

Age

80 years

Source Of Wealth

Samsung

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

South Korea

Residence

Seoul

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Seoul National University

Spouse

Lee Kun-hee

Children

Lee Jae-yong, Lee Boo-jin, Lee Seo-hyun, Lee Yoon-hyung

Parent

Hong Jin-ki (father), Kim Yoon-nam (mother)

Hong Ra-hee was born into a prominent family in South Korea. Her father, Hong Jin-ki, was the chairman of JoongAng Ilbo, a major South Korean newspaper. Hong Ra-hee grew up in a wealthy and privileged environment, and she received an excellent education.

Hong Ra-hee: Family

Hong Ra-hee is married to Lee Kun-hee, the richest person in South Korea. They have three children together: two daughters, Lee Seo-hyun and Lee Boo-jin, and a son, Lee Jae-yong. Lee Seo-hyun oversees Samsung's fashion division, while Lee Boo-jin oversees the resort division, including Everland Resort. Lee Jae-yong is the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics.

Hong Ra-hee: Career Highlights

Hong Ra-hee began her career at JoongAng Ilbo Publishing, where she worked from 1975 to 1980. She later co-founded Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, with her husband in 2004. The museum houses a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including pieces by Lee Ufan, Do-ho Suh, Whanki Kim, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol.

Hong Ra-hee: Companies

Hong Ra-hee is involved in a number of companies, including Samsung C&T Corporation, Samsung Arts and Cultural Foundation, and JoongAng Media Group. She is also the director of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art.

Hong Ra-hee: Major Achievements

Hong Ra-hee has made significant contributions to the arts in South Korea. She is credited with helping to establish Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, as one of the most important art museums in the country. She has also been instrumental in promoting Korean art and culture around the world.

Hong Ra-hee: Awards & Achievements

Hong Ra-hee has received numerous awards and honors for her work in the arts. She was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the South Korean government in 2012. She was also named one of the "50 Most Powerful People in the Art World" by ArtReview magazine in 2014.

Hong Ra-hee: Personal Life & Legacy

Hong Ra-hee is a private person, and she rarely gives interviews.

She is known for her love of art and her commitment to promoting Korean culture. She is also a strong supporter of women's rights and education.

Hong Ra-hee: Trivia

Hong Ra-hee is a fan of traditional Korean music and dance. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Wealth History

Timeline

1975

Hong Ra-hee began her career at JoongAng Ilbo Publishing.

1980

Hong Ra-hee left JoongAng Ilbo Publishing.

1995

Hong Ra-hee became Chairperson of Samsung Arts and Cultural Foundation.

1998

Hong Ra-hee's son Lee Jae-yong married Lim Se-ryung, daughter of Daesang Group's chairman Lim Chang-Wook.

2004

Hong Ra-hee co-founded Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, with her husband Lee Kun-hee.

2009

Hong Ra-hee's son Lee Jae-yong divorced Lim Se-ryung.

Hong Ra-hee : FAQs

What is Hong Ra-hee's current net worth?

Hong Ra-hee's current net worth is $7.02 billion.

What is Hong Ra-hee's current global rank among billionaires?

Hong Ra-hee holds the 548th position globally among billionaires.

What is Hong Ra-hee's current ranking within the South Korea?

Hong Ra-hee holds the 8th position in South Korea.

What was the change in Hong Ra-hee's net worth compared to the previous year?

Hong Ra-hee's net worth increased by 262.91 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 6.75 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Hong Ra-hee's net worth?

Hong Ra-hee's net worth decreased by 547.05 million dollars recently, a 7.8% decrease, with her net worth standing at 7.02 billion dollars.

What are Hong Ra-hee's main sources of wealth?

Hong Ra-hee's main source of income comes from Samsung.

In which industry does Hong Ra-hee primarily operate?

Hong Ra-hee is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Hong Ra-hee educational background?

Hong Ra-hee holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Seoul National University.

How old is Hong Ra-hee?

Hong Ra-hee is 80 years old.

How many children does Hong Ra-hee have?

Hong Ra-hee has 3 children.

Who is Hong Ra-hee and why is she recognized in South Korea?

Hong Ra-hee is a South Korean billionaire businesswoman, director of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, and the widow of Lee Kun-hee, who was the richest person in South Korea. She is also known as the most powerful art collector in the nation.

What is Hong Ra-hee's professional background and contribution to the arts?

Hong Ra-hee graduated from Seoul National University with a major in Applied Arts. She began her career at JoongAng Ilbo Publishing and co-founded the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in 2004. Her collection includes works by Lee Ufan, Do-ho Suh, and international artists like Jackson Pollock.

How are Hong Ra-hee's daughters involved in Samsung's operations?

Hong Ra-hee's daughters are leading figures in Samsung; Lee Seo-hyun oversees the fashion division, while Lee Boo-jin is in charge of the resort division, which includes the Everland Resort.

What influence did Hong Ra-hee's family have on the media industry in South Korea?

Hong Ra-hee's father, Hong Jin-ki, was the chairman of JoongAng Ilbo, a major newspaper, and her brother Hong Seok-hyun is the ex-CEO of JoongAng Media Group, which is now run by her nephew Hong Jeongdo.

What is the connection between Samsung and JoongAng Ilbo through Hong Ra-hee's family?

Hong Ra-hee's family has deep ties to both Samsung and JoongAng Ilbo. Hong Ra-hee herself worked for JoongAng Ilbo Publishing, her father and brother held positions within the media group, and her son Lee Jae-yong was once married to Lim Se-ryung, whose father chairs Daesang Group, indicating influential connections between major South Korean corporations.