On the 9th, Book Launch for In Search of the Buried History of Joseon Royal Tombs Held at YU's Cheonma Art Center

A compilation of over 20 years of firsthand exploration and reflections on the royal tombs

"It's not about collecting, but sharing, that defines the value of life!" A lifetime of dedication to philanthropy by a successful entrepreneur

[August 19, 2024]

 "The Joseon Royal Tombs are places where one can reflect on the past 500 years of history. To me, they are the most remarkable historical sites among all cultural heritages."

Lee Jong-woo (age 85), Chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd., a successful entrepreneur who has overcome life’s hardships with a passion for learning and a steadfast belief that “sharing, not accumulating, determines the value of life,” has published a book titled In Search of the Buried History of Joseon Royal Tombs. The book reflects his exploration of the Joseon Dynasty's royal tombs and his reflections on 500 years of history.

 On August 9 at 3 PM, a book launch event for Chairman LEE's new publication was held at the LEE Siwon Global Convention Hall in the Cheonma Art Center at YU. The event was attended by notable figures including HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeongnam School Corporation, board members LEE Si-won and KIM Jin-sam, YU President CHOI Oe-chool, and former YU Presidents LEE Sang-chun, LEE Hyo-soo, and SUR Gil-soo, as well as Park Jeong-Kwan, President of the YU Alumni Association in Seoul, all of whom gathered to celebrate the release. Students from the Songam LEE Jong-woo Scholarship Foundation also expressed their gratitude and congratulations through a video message.

Chairman LEE commented, “This book is a culmination of my 20-plus years of exploration of the royal tombs, where I have gathered information and shared my thoughts on the 500-year history of the Joseon Dynasty and its royal tombs. Although I am not a historian by profession, my passion for these royal tombs led me to create this book. I hope it will serve as a small but meaningful guide for beginners interested in our precious cultural heritage, which includes the Joseon royal tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my alma mater and everyone who helped in the publication of this book.”

 In July 2021, Chairman LEE published his autobiography, Pine Tree Rooted in the Rock, which candidly recounts his life, marked by overcoming crises and challenges over more than 80 years. Chariman LEE was born in Japan in 1938 and returned to Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk in 1946 after the liberation of Korea, but then experienced the Korean War where he lived a tough and poor childhood. He did not receive official education, but had an undying thirst to learn. Thus, after being discharged from the Air Force and working as a civilian military employee, he decided to enroll at the YU Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1964 at the age of 27. Balancing work and studies, he completed his degree in four years, often bringing two homemade lunchboxes—one for lunch at work and one for dinner at school.

In 1977, LEE founded Korea Homer Co., Ltd., a company specializing in the production of lightweight steel frames and partition materials. Through continuous research and technological development, he introduced innovative technologies that had not yet been implemented in Korea, contributing significantly to the localization of construction materials and the advancement of the industry. In the 1980s, his company secured major projects such as the construction of the 63 Building and the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, which were among Asia's tallest buildings at the time, leading the company to remarkable growth.

 As strict as he is with himself, LEE is known for his generosity, particularly in the realm of philanthropy.  In 2019, he made headlines by donating real estate valued at 5 billion KRW to his alma mater, YU.  Observing the challenges faced by the university in renovating the Science Library, where he served as a board member of the Yeungnam School Cororation, LEE contributed a significant development fund, leading to the creation of the state-of-the-art LEE Jong-woo Science Library.

 To support students facing financial difficulties, LEE established the Songam Scholarship at YU in 2002 and has since donated over 1.4 billion KRW in scholarship funds. Beyond YU, he has also established the Songam LEE Jong-woo Scholarship Foundation, providing scholarship funds to high schools and universities across the nation, thus contributing to the cultivation of future leaders.  In recognition of his contributions to education in Korea, Chairman LEE was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Peony Medal, by the government in 2020.

 During the book launch, YU President CHOI Oe-chool delivered a congratulatory speech, stating, “I sincerely congratulate Chairman Lee Jong-woo on the publication of his second book, following his autobiography. As a distinguished alumnus of YU, Chairman Lee embodies the spirit of sharing and service, and he is a true hero who continually challenges himself with new endeavors. I express my deep respect and gratitude for his dedication to our alma mater and the local community. We will do our utmost to nurture talents who will contribute not only to Korea but to the global society, inspired by Chairman LEE's example of generosity and service.”