Shin Young-ja, a towering figure in South Korea’s business and philanthropic worlds, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 85. Her death, at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, marked the end of an era for the Lotte Group, one of the country’s most influential conglomerates, and left a legacy that stretches across decades of economic and social transformation in the nation.
Born in 1942 as the eldest daughter of Lotte founder Shin Kyuk-ho and No Soon-hwa (who died in 1951), Shin Young-ja was destined to play a pivotal role in her family’s burgeoning business empire. According to JoongAng Ilbo, she joined Hotel Lotte in the 1970s, a move that would set the stage for her ascent through the company’s ranks and her eventual emergence as a leader who would help shape Lotte’s future.
Her career was defined by a series of firsts and bold moves. She was instrumental in elevating Lotte Hotel, Lotte Department Store, and Lotte Duty Free to the top echelons of their respective industries, according to Eroun. Perhaps most notably, she served as president of Lotte Shopping, where she oversaw the introduction of Korea’s first duty-free store—a milestone that expanded the horizons of the country’s retail sector and cemented Lotte’s status as a market leader.
Her management style and strategic vision earned her the nickname “godmother” of the distribution industry. She was recognized for her exceptional abilities among second-generation business leaders, someone who not only inherited a legacy but actively built upon it. Under her stewardship, Lotte’s retail operations flourished, and the group’s competitive edge was sharpened in an increasingly globalized market.
Yet, Shin Young-ja’s influence extended far beyond boardrooms and business strategies. Since 2009, she served as the inaugural chairperson of the Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation. In 2012, she took on further responsibility as the 2nd and 3rd chairperson of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation and Lotte Welfare Foundation, respectively. In these roles, she expanded initiatives for youth talent development and support for marginalized groups, with a special focus on Ulsan, her father’s hometown, according to statements from the Lotte Foundation cited by ZDNet Korea.
Her commitment to social contribution was steadfast. Over the past 40 years, the Lotte Foundation has supported approximately 520,000 people, distributing around 250 billion won (as reported by ZDNet Korea). These efforts have ranged from scholarships for young talents to broad-based welfare programs aimed at uplifting the disadvantaged. The foundation’s work, a testament to her vision, has left a lasting mark on countless lives.
In recent years, Shin Young-ja began to step back from the day-to-day management of the Lotte Group. She sold most of her shares in key affiliates, including Lotte Holdings, Lotte Shopping, and Lotte Chilsung Beverage, thereby distancing herself from group management and choosing to focus her energies on the foundation’s activities, according to JoongAng Ilbo. This transition marked a deliberate shift from business leadership to philanthropy, as she sought to ensure that Lotte’s success would also translate into meaningful social impact.
Her family has always been central to her life and work. She is survived by four children, including her eldest daughter, Jang Hye-seon, who has taken up the mantle as chairperson of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation and Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation since 2023. According to Eroun, Shin Young-ja continued to provide guidance to her daughter, helping to ensure a smooth transition and the continuation of the foundation’s mission. This passing of the torch is more than a change in leadership—it represents the perpetuation of a family tradition of philanthropy and public service, now in its third generation.
Her passing was marked by a sense of solemnity and respect befitting her stature. She died peacefully, surrounded by her children, at Severance Hospital. Her funeral, held as a ‘Lotte Foundation Funeral’ for three days, was led by her eldest daughter, Jang Hye-seon, as the chief mourner. The burial was scheduled at Hannam Park Cemetery in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, a setting that underscores both her family’s prominence and their deep roots in Korean society.
Reflecting on Shin Young-ja’s life, it’s clear that her achievements were not limited to the expansion of a business empire. She was, in many ways, a bridge between the entrepreneurial spirit of Lotte’s founding generation and the evolving expectations of modern Korean society. Her ability to balance corporate growth with social responsibility set a standard for others to follow, and her legacy continues to inspire both within and outside the Lotte Group.
The Lotte Foundation itself stands as a monument to her vision. Since its inception, it has provided not only financial support but also hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands. The foundation’s focus on education, welfare, and regional development—particularly in Ulsan—reflects Shin Young-ja’s belief that business success must be accompanied by a commitment to the broader community.
Those who knew her best remember a leader who was both formidable and compassionate. As Eroun reported, she was praised for her “exceptional management skills” and her dedication to nurturing talent and supporting the vulnerable. The respect she commanded in the business world was matched by the gratitude of those who benefited from her philanthropic work.
In the wake of her passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the business and philanthropic sectors. Many noted that her life exemplified the values of hard work, generosity, and a relentless drive to make a difference. The seamless transition of foundation leadership to her daughter suggests that these values will continue to guide the Lotte Foundation’s work for years to come.
As the country reflects on her legacy, Shin Young-ja’s story serves as a reminder that true leadership is measured not just by profits and market share, but by the positive impact one leaves on society. Her journey—from the daughter of a pioneering entrepreneur to a respected leader in her own right—offers a compelling example of how vision, perseverance, and compassion can shape both industries and lives.
With her passing, South Korea bids farewell to a remarkable leader whose influence will be felt for generations. The foundations she built—both literal and figurative—stand as enduring symbols of her commitment to progress, equity, and the common good.