Samsung Gala in Washington Unites 250 Leaders for Lee Kun-hee Tribute
A Night of Cultural and Economic Diplomacy
The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and global business connections on the 28th. The event marked the culmination of the first overseas tour of the “Lee Kun-hee (KH) Collection,” titled “Korean Treasures.” This grand exhibition brought together prominent figures from the Korean business world and international leaders, highlighting the deep ties between South Korea and the United States.
Samsung hosted a gala dinner at the Arts & Industries Building to celebrate the successful conclusion of the tour. Attendees included members of Samsung’s ownership family, such as Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Hong Ra-hee, former director of the Leeum Museum of Art; Lee Boo-jin, president of Hotel Shilla; and Lee Seo-hyun, president of Samsung C&T. The gathering was not just a celebration of art but also a demonstration of Samsung’s global influence and strategic partnerships.
U.S. Administration and Business Leaders Gather
The event attracted over 250 guests, including U.S. government officials, corporate executives, and cultural icons. Notable attendees included Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and key figures from the Trump administration’s second term, such as Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor; Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; and Michael Duffy, Undersecretary of Defense.
Senators from districts hosting major Samsung production facilities were also present. Texas Senator Ted Cruz and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott attended, reflecting the significance of Samsung’s operations in their states. Prominent bipartisan senators from Washington, including Republicans like Bill Hagerty and Democrats like Chris Coons, were in attendance. Additionally, Korean-American Senator Andy Kim, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Ambassador Kyung-wha Kang joined the gathering.
In the business sector, Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, was among the attendees. CEOs from Samsung’s AI, semiconductor, and biotech partners, including Wendell Weeks of Corning, Jerry Yang of Yahoo, and Noubar Afeyan of Flagship Pioneering, were also present. Industry experts noted that the event reaffirmed the global network built by Chairman Lee, with recent collaborations with NVIDIA, Tesla, and OpenAI expected to address future business uncertainties.
Lee Jae-yong's Address: Honoring Heritage and Sacrifice
In his welcome speech, Lee Jae-yong emphasized the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s philosophy of “cultural repayment,” which focuses on preserving and promoting Korean culture. He highlighted the efforts of Founding Chairman Lee Byung-chul and Lee Kun-hee in safeguarding Korea’s heritage despite challenges like the Korean War. Hong Ra-hee, honorary director, played a key role in expanding the collection from ancient artifacts to modern works.
Lee also expressed gratitude to four Korean War veterans invited to the event, acknowledging the sacrifices of over 36,000 U.S. veterans who contributed to Korea’s prosperity. His remarks underscored the enduring value of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
The Exhibition: A Cultural Phenomenon
The exhibition, co-hosted by the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, ran until February 1. It showcased national treasures and artifacts from the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s collection. According to organizers, the exhibition attracted over 65,000 visitors, more than double the average for similar events. Daily visitor numbers surged to 3,500 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A unique connection to the Netflix animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” sparked interest among younger audiences. A Buddhist ritual object known as the “beopgwae” (drum stand) became a popular photo spot due to its resemblance to the animated character Derpy. The exhibition also saw high demand for merchandise, with replicas of the “moon jar” and mood lights of the national treasure “Inwangjesokdo” selling out quickly.
Attendees praised the exhibition, with Senator Andy Kim expressing delight that Americans could view the collection. Wendell Weeks of Corning noted that the exhibition reflected the Samsung family’s passion for creation, a legacy that continues to impact the world positively.
Future Plans for the Lee Kun-hee Collection
Following its success in Washington, D.C., the “Lee Kun-hee Collection” will travel to the Art Institute of Chicago in March and the British Museum in London in September. These exhibitions aim to further promote the prestige of K-culture on a global scale, ensuring that the legacy of Lee Kun-hee continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
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