Lee Kun-hee had a deep and abiding affection for dogs. He had grown up with dogs and, later in life, decided to expand his connection to canines by promoting the development of a positive pet culture in Korea.

It was more than a simple passion for pets. His vision, always strategic, had several goals. He envisioned that in an era marked by low birth rates and an aging population, raising dogs could teach children about responsibility, empathy, and the value of life. For adults, pets can also provide companionship to ease loneliness.

One of his passions was the preservation of Korea’s purebred, called the Jindo. He had already spent a decade ensuring the purity of the breed, with the goal of promoting the excellence of the Jindo worldwide.

Thanks to Chairman Lee’s efforts, the Jindo was registered as a native breed of Korea with the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1982. Then in 2005, the Jindo was officially recognized as a distinct purebred by the prestigious UK Kennel Club.

Another one of his initiatives was to open Korea’s first guide dog school in 1993 to support people with visual impairments. The Samsung Guide Dog School is the only guide dog school in the world that is fully funded by corporate sponsorship. The school embodies Chairman Lee’s vision of creating a society that cares for people with disabilities and embraces them as equal members.

The first dog graduated in 1994, and since then the school has continued its important work to promote greater independence and self-reliance for Korea’s community of visually impaired people, helping them confidently integrate with the rest of society.

Samsung remains committed to this vital endeavor and continues to find a variety of ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities.