Samsung's Hong Ra-hee honored for decades of philanthropy

What happened: Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of the Leeum Museum of Art and widow of late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, received the Dongbaek Medal of the Order of Civil Merit on Monday for more than four decades of philanthropy. Key numbers: Dongbaek Medal is the third-highest of five grades of Why it matters: The honor recognizes the family's donations across arts, health care and social welfare, including the Lee Kun-hee Collection, which has been exhibited in Korea and abroad, with an international tour starting at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in November 2025.

Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of the Leeum Museum of Art and widow of late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, received the Dongbaek Medal of the Order of Civil Merit on Monday for more than four decades of philanthropy.

The honor recognizes the family's donations across arts, health care and social welfare, including the Lee Kun-hee Collection, which has been exhibited in Korea and abroad, with an international tour starting at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in November 2025.