#London #United Kingdom #Samsung #Korean Art #Lee Kun-hee

Samsung Celebrates 'Korea' Exhibition

On September 30, 2023, Samsung Electronics, based in South Korea, hosted a gala dinner in collaboration with the British Museum to mark the opening of the 'Korea' exhibition. This exhibition is a significant showcase of the artistic journey of Korean art, highlighting key pieces from the Lee Kun-Hee collection, assembled by the late chairman of Samsung.

The 'Korea' exhibition represents the international tour of this significant collection, following successful displays in Washington D.C. and Chicago. Notably, it is the first large-scale special exhibition of Korean art at the British Museum in over 40 years, taking place from October 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

This exhibition aims to present 2,000 years of Korean artistic history as a continuous narrative, demonstrating the unique aesthetics, cultural heritage, and artistic accomplishments of Korea that have been passed down and reinterpreted through generations. Organized collaboratively by the British Museum, the National Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea, it will feature carefully selected works from over 23,000 pieces gifted to the nation by the Lee Kun-Hee collection in 2021.

During the gala, Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee reflected on the family's dedication to preserving and sharing Korea's cultural heritage with the world. Distinguished guests such as Hong Ra-Hee, Honorary Director of the Leeum Museum, and Lee Boo-jin, President of Hotel Shilla, were also in attendance. In his address, Chairman Lee expressed, "Our family has believed for generations that art and culture are treasures to be preserved and shared. I hope this exhibition serves as a gateway through which visitors can appreciate the beauty, depth, and resilience of Korean culture against the backdrop of a 2,000-year history of creativity."

Among the notable attendees was Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, along with 240 participants from government, business, and academia. This included members of the UK government, such as Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, and former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Oliver Dowden, as well as directors from prestigious academic institutions like Oxford University and Imperial College London.

The exhibition also attracted representation from cultural institutions, including the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, alongside contemporary artist Marc Quinn. Moreover, CEOs from firms such as ASML and Merck were present, showcasing the diverse field partnerships that Samsung has developed in recent years.

George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to host this wonderful exhibition that not only showcases the great history of Korea but also aids in our understanding of past cultures, helping to illuminate our future."

In his remarks, Maurice Lévy, Honorary Chairman of Publicis Groupe, emphasized the significance of the exhibited treasures, stating, "This exhibition is not just about the great history of Korea; it is a testament to a culture that has always valued craftsmanship, imagination, discipline, and excellence. The Lee family's commitment to sharing these treasures exemplifies their values and generosity."

Kanishka Narayan highlighted the deep ties between the UK and Korea in the fields of technology and innovation, emphasizing that this exhibition is an opportunity for the British public to engage with and appreciate priceless artistic heritage brought by Samsung.

Kim Heung-chong, the Korean Ambassador to the UK, remarked on the significance of showcasing 2,000 years of Korean history, particularly in the context of the global appreciation for K-Culture.

In a moving segment of his speech, Jay Y. Lee expressed gratitude to three Korean War veterans present at the event, acknowledging their sacrifices. He also mentioned the substantial connections between Korea and the UK that have flourished for over 140 years and described Samsung's 80-year business relationship in the UK.

The 'Korea' exhibition in London will display 100 excellent pieces, including ten national treasures and thirteen masterpieces, with more than twenty items making their overseas debut. Highlights include national treasures like the Daegu Biseongdong bronze vessels and unique contemporary artworks from celebrated artists like Nam June Paik and Lee Jungseop.

This legacy of preserving and sharing Korean culture spans three generations, initiated by Samsung's founder, Lee Byung-Chull, who laid the foundations for the collection and believed it should be passed down through generations. His son, the late Lee Kun-Hee, inherited this vision and dedicated decades to curating and preserving the collection. This journey illustrates a fundamental belief that cultural heritage must be cared for and shared thoughtfully.

The Lee Kun-Hee collection, now regarded as a national cultural asset, continues its journey across major cities worldwide, delivering the significance and historical value of Korean culture. The international tour began in November 2025 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington D.C., attracting approximately 80,000 visitors and breaking records as the museum's largest special exhibition in a decade.

With successful representations in Chicago and now London, Samsung will persist in introducing Korean cultural heritage globally, while fostering growth and innovation in its expansive global business network.