Lee Ji-ho, 24, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong, arrived at the Naval Academy in Jinhae district, South Gyeongsang province, on 15/9 to begin his military service. Accompanied by his family, he underwent two identity checks at gate 3 before entering the base.

The South Korean navy stated that Ji-ho enlisted as an officer cadet in the 139th class, designed for university graduates. He will undertake 11 weeks of training at the academy before being commissioned as a second lieutenant on 1/12. His total service, including three months of training, is expected to last 39 months.

Born in the US in 2000, Ji-ho is the eldest son of Lee Jae-yong and Lim Se-ryeong, vice chairwoman of Daesang Group. He graduated from Columbia University and holds dual South Korean and US citizenship.

Lee Ji-ho (center) reports to the South Korean Naval Academy on 15/9. Photo: Hankyoreh

Lee Ji-ho (center) reports to the South Korean Naval Academy on 15/9. Photo: Hankyoreh

South Korean regulations allow dual citizens to retain foreign nationality if they enlist as privates. However, to become an officer, they must relinquish their second citizenship. Ji-ho voluntarily renounced his US citizenship to qualify as an officer cadet.

Ji-ho's decision to give up his US citizenship and pursue military service is considered unusual by South Korean media. Annually, about 100 Korean-Americans or South Koreans with US permanent residency voluntarily undertake military service in their homeland.

Samsung has not commented on Ji-ho's plans after completing his military service. Chairman Lee Jae-yong has publicly stated that he "has no intention of passing on the management of the group to his children." Only Ji-ho's mother and sister, Lee Won-ju, were present at his enlistment ceremony.