Lim Donghyun, Eldest Son of Lee Boo-jin, Accepted to Seoul National University
39 Years Junior to His Uncle Lee Jae-yong as a Fellow Alumnus
Lim Donghyun, the eldest son of Lee Boo-jin, President of Hotel Shilla, has drawn attention after it was reported that he missed only one question on the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test. News has now emerged that he has been accepted to the Department of Economics at Seoul National University.
According to Seoul National University and other sources on the 11th, Lim was ultimately accepted through the 2026 early admission process at Seoul National University. It is known that Lim applied to the Department of Economics at Seoul National University. The registration period for successful applicants is from the 15th to the 17th.
'Top Score on the College Entrance Exam'-Lee Boo-jin's Son Maintained Top Ranks Throughout Middle and High School
Previously, Lim garnered attention for reportedly achieving a high score on the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test. This became known when Park Sunyoung, former chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, posted earlier this month on social media, "Lim, the son of President Lee Boo-jin and a third-year student at Whimoon High School, reportedly missed only one question on this year's CSAT. He never missed first place in the entire school even during his time at Whimoon Middle School."
Lim consistently maintained top ranks in the liberal arts track throughout middle and high school. His outstanding mathematics scores even led to speculation that he might switch to the natural sciences track, but it was ultimately reported that he chose to remain in the liberal arts. In Daechi-dong, he was regarded as a "hard-working student," balancing both individual and group classes, and was also known for having very harmonious relationships with his peers.
Continuing Studies in Korea Instead of Studying Abroad... A Rare 'Seoul National University Admission' Even Among the Samsung Family
While it is common for children of major conglomerate owners to enroll in international schools or study abroad, Lim attended elementary, middle, and high school in Korea. In 2018, President Lee moved her residence from Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, for her son's education, and Lim attended Whimoon Middle School and Whimoon High School. Recently, the family moved their residence back to Itaewon, where many members of the Samsung family live.
President Lee has also shown special affection by attending all of Lim's school events, including his elementary school entrance ceremony, presentations, graduation, and even his middle school entrance ceremony. Each time, photos were released through the media or online communities.
Even within the Samsung family, admission to Seoul National University is rare, so Lim's acceptance is attracting significant attention. If Lim enters Seoul National University, he will become a junior by 39 years to Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who entered the Department of Asian History at Seoul National University in 1987.
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