The initiative to combat infectious diseases in South Korea, sparked by a 1 trillion KRW (about 663 million USD) medical donation from the family of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, is gaining significant momentum.
From Thursday to Friday (March 26 to 27), the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will host two major events: the 2nd Lee Kun-hee International Symposium on Strengthening Research Capacity for Infectious Disease Overcoming (LISID) and the 4th International Symposium on Infectious Disease Research Institutions (IDRIC). LISID is a key component of the nationwide effort to tackle infectious diseases, funded by the Lee family’s donation. Meanwhile, IDRIC aims to bolster international cooperation and establish South Korea as a global hub for infectious disease research.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging the Lee family’s generous donation to strengthen the nation’s infectious disease response capabilities.
1 Trillion KRW in Medical Donations… To Fund Infectious Disease R&D and Infrastructure
In 2021, the Lee family made this substantial contribution to honor the late chairman’s belief that improving human health and quality of life is a fundamental corporate responsibility.
The funds will support efforts to combat infectious diseases, childhood cancers, and rare disorders.
Of the total donation, 700 billion KRW (about 464 million USD) will be invested in building infrastructure to address the growing global threat of infectious diseases. An additional 200 billion KRW (about 132 million USD) will be allocated to expanding research facilities and developing new treatments. The KDCA recently held its second annual symposium to showcase progress in these areas.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases and the National Medical Center are spearheading ten research projects focused on infectious diseases. These initiatives include establishing clinical research infrastructure for pandemic response and developing essential medical care strategies based on various pandemic scenarios. The institutions plan to continue identifying and pursuing new research opportunities in this critical field.
A significant portion of the donation, 500 billion KRW (about 332 million USD), will fund the construction of South Korea’s first specialized infectious disease hospital. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 150 beds, including general, intensive care, and high-efficiency negative pressure rooms. It will also house advanced facilities such as negative pressure operating rooms and biosafety testing labs. Construction is slated to begin in early 2025, with completion targeted for 2030.
Support for Pediatric Cancer and Rare Diseases… Nearly 28,000 Beneficiaries to Date
The Lee family earmarked 300 billion KRW (about 199 million USD) specifically to assist children battling these conditions who might otherwise struggle to access adequate treatment due to financial constraints. This decision aligns with the late chairman’s conviction that no child should be denied life-saving care due to economic hardship.
Thanks to this funding, 86 research projects targeting childhood cancers and rare diseases are currently underway. By the end of last year, the initiative had helped approximately 28,000 young patients.
One success story is eight-year-old Yuna, who was battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy left her with limited options, she received cutting-edge Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy at Seoul National University Hospital, made possible by the Lee family’s donation. Today, Yuna shows no signs of cancer. Dr. Kang Hyung-jin, who oversaw her treatment, emphasized the critical importance of this funding, noting that childhood cancer research often struggles to secure financial support due to the relatively small patient population.
Another beneficiary is 15-year-old Myung Ha-yul, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in elementary school. Thanks to the rare disease research initiative, Myung now uses a wearable robotic device that helps him perform everyday movements that were once nearly impossible.
KH Collection Captivates the World… Elevates the Prestige of K-Culture
Lee’s legacy extends beyond the business world, significantly boosting the international profile of Korean culture. The late chairman donated over 23,000 personally collected artworks and cultural artifacts to national museums. Recently, a selection of these pieces has garnered widespread acclaim during exhibitions in the U.S.
A recent showcase of the Lee Kun-hee (KH) Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., drew over 61,000 visitors between November 15, 2023, and February 1, 2024. This turnout more than doubled the attendance of comparable exhibitions previously held at the renowned institution.
To commemorate the successful conclusion of the KH Collection’s inaugural international exhibition, Samsung hosted a gala dinner in Washington, D.C., on January 29. The event drew approximately 250 distinguished guests, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, prominent political and diplomatic figures, global business leaders, and cultural luminaries.
The KH Collection’s world tour is set to continue, with upcoming exhibitions planned at the Art Institute of Chicago from March to July 2026, followed by a showcase at the British Museum in London from September 2026 to January 2027. Art experts and cultural observers anticipate that this international tour will serve as a powerful vehicle for sharing Korean art and culture across geographical, temporal, and ethnic boundaries, further enhancing the global standing of Korean cultural exports.
