"Most of My Seoul National University Classmates Were from Rural Areas... I Learned Humility," Says CJ Vice Chairman Lee Myung Kyung

Standing Ovation for Commencement Speech at USC Film School
"Unlike Me, Who Had Private Tutoring, Everyone Worked Hard on Their Own"
Reveals Motivation Behind Supporting Cultural and Artistic Figures Like Park Chanwook and Bong Joonho

Lee Myung Kyung, Vice Chairman of CJ Group and producer of films such as "Parasite," received a standing ovation on the commencement stage of a prestigious American film school.

According to Yonhap News on May 17, Lee was invited as a speaker at the commencement ceremony of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California, on May 16 (local time), where she delivered a speech to the graduating class.

This school is a renowned institution in the film and arts world, having produced many famous filmmakers, including George Lucas, the creator of the "Star Wars" series.

On the day of the ceremony, Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios, introduced Lee as the speaker and mentioned that she received the Academy Award for Best Picture as the producer of "Parasite" five years ago. Langley expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for serving as a great ambassador and advocate for the arts, and for acting as a cultural bridge across borders and oceans."

In her speech, Lee said, "I would like to share the journey of my life and the values that have guided me: humility, resilience, and compassion."

Lee Myung Kyung CJ Group Vice Chairman Yonhap News

She recalled that when she graduated from high school in Korea and entered Seoul National University, more than half of her classmates were from rural areas. Unlike herself, who had received extensive private tutoring, they had overcome difficulties through their own efforts. She said, "I felt very small and became very humble, and I resolved to work even harder."

Lee shared that she learned compassion by observing director Steven Spielberg, who serves as a mentor to many young directors in the United States. Inspired by this, she decided over 20 years ago to support directors Park Chanwook, Bong Joonho, and Kim Jiwoon?who possess outstanding artistic talent?so that they could become great filmmakers.

She added, "It took years of effort and dedication for masterpieces like Park Chanwook's 'Decision to Leave,' Kim Jiwoon's 'The Good, The Bad, The Weird,' and Bong Joonho's 'Snowpiercer' and 'Parasite' to be created."

Lee concluded her speech by saying, "The way these directors respect and support each other and nurture young filmmakers all stems from compassion. I hope these values will empower you and help you create stories that move people around the world."

According to Yonhap News, after Lee finished her speech, the school dean and the graduates seated behind the podium all stood up and gave her a round of applause.

Meanwhile, CJ Group announced on April 29 that Lee had been selected as a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded by the Ellis Island Honors Society in the United States.

Established in 1986, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor is an award that recognizes leaders from various fields for their contributions to American society. It is officially recognized and recorded in the proceedings of the U.S. Congress.