On a brisk morning in late February, the campus of Seoul National University buzzed with excitement, families and students streaming toward the gymnasium for the 2026 academic year’s entrance ceremony. Among the crowd, a familiar face drew the attention of onlookers and photographers alike: Lee Boo-jin, president of Hotel Shilla and one of South Korea’s most recognized business leaders, was there to celebrate a major milestone for her family—her son Lim Dong-hyun’s admission as a freshman in the university’s prestigious Department of Economics.
According to Yonhap News, Lee Boo-jin was joined by her mother, Hong Ra-hee, the honorary director of the Leeum Museum. The presence of these two influential women underscored the significance of the occasion, not just for their family, but for observers familiar with the Samsung family legacy. The event, held on February 26, 2026, in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, was a moment of both public celebration and private pride.
Lim Dong-hyun’s academic journey has been closely followed in recent months, and for good reason. He graduated from Whimoon High School earlier in February, ranking second in his class—a feat that earned him scholarships, the school principal’s award, and the Gangnam-gu mayor’s award. As reported by Asia Economy, Lim’s consistent top-tier performance in both his internal grades and the university scholastic ability test paved the way for his successful early admission to Seoul National University’s economics program.
During the entrance ceremony, the family’s affection was on full display. Cameras captured the moment when Hong Ra-hee warmly embraced her grandson in the parking lot, a bouquet of flowers in hand, while Lee Boo-jin looked on with a smile. The trio later posed for commemorative photos, their arms linked in a gesture that spoke volumes about their close-knit bond. Throughout the ceremony, Lee Boo-jin maintained a gentle smile, clapping and responding graciously to congratulatory remarks from fellow attendees, according to Financial Consumer News.
The day was not just about public appearances. When reporters asked Lee Boo-jin for her thoughts on her son’s achievement, she replied simply, “I am grateful.” It was a succinct but heartfelt response, reflecting her pride as a mother above all else. After the ceremony and photos, the family quietly departed the campus by car, blending back into the city’s rhythms as quickly as they had arrived.
Lim Dong-hyun’s educational path has been marked by discipline and a strong sense of purpose. He completed all of his elementary, middle, and high school education in Seoul, never studying abroad—a point that resonated with many parents and students at the ceremony. As Hankyung noted, Lim’s achievements at Whimoon High School were not limited to academics. At his graduation on February 9, he joined friends on stage to perform “Never Ending Story” by Boohwal and “To You” by Shin Hae-chul, earning applause and a beaming smile from his mother in the audience.
But perhaps what has drawn the most attention from students and parents across the country is Lim’s approach to studying. In a recent admission academy briefing held in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu—a district famous for its competitive academic environment—Lim shared his study habits with younger students and their parents. He revealed that, in preparation for each math exam, he solved approximately 2,000 problems, building what he called his “mathematical stamina.” It’s a staggering number, but for Lim, practice and repetition were the keys to mastery.
Even more striking was his advice on digital distractions. “It may not be an easy thing to do, but I strongly recommend completely giving up smartphones and games for three years,” Lim explained to the audience, as reported by Chosun Ilbo. “It really helped me improve my focus and immersion.” He added, with a touch of humor, “The joy of enjoying them again after all the exams were over was pretty nice, too.” His candor and discipline have sparked conversations among students and parents alike about the costs and benefits of digital abstinence in today’s hyper-connected world.
Lim’s story is also woven into the broader tapestry of the Samsung family. He is now the junior of his maternal uncle, Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, who graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Asian History in 1987. This connection has not gone unnoticed, with media outlets pointing out the continuity of academic excellence and public service within the family.
The entrance ceremony itself was a grand affair, with a large turnout of students and parents filling the university gymnasium. According to Yonhap News, a celebratory sculpture dubbed the “Tower of Shine” was installed at the entrance, symbolizing the hopes and aspirations of the incoming class. The atmosphere was festive, with families capturing the moment in photos and exchanging well-wishes. For many, the sight of Lee Boo-jin mingling with other parents and responding to photo requests reinforced her reputation for humility and approachability, despite her high-profile status.
This was not the first time Lee Boo-jin had made headlines for her supportive role as a mother. Earlier in February, she attended Lim Dong-hyun’s high school graduation, where she was seen applauding his musical performance and posing for photos with other attendees. According to Asia Economy, she has consistently prioritized family milestones, balancing her demanding corporate responsibilities with her commitment to her son’s education and growth.
Observers have noted that Lim Dong-hyun’s achievements are not just a product of privilege, but of sustained effort and self-management. His willingness to share his study strategies and personal sacrifices—such as forgoing digital entertainment for years—has resonated with a generation grappling with the pressures of academic competition and the lure of constant connectivity. As he embarks on his university journey, many will be watching to see how he navigates the next chapter, both as a student and as a member of one of Korea’s most prominent families.
For now, the story of Lim Dong-hyun’s admission to Seoul National University stands as a testament to perseverance, family support, and the enduring value of hard work. The images of proud smiles, warm embraces, and a young man stepping confidently into his future will linger in the memories of all who witnessed the event—and perhaps inspire others to pursue their own never-ending stories.