Summary
Lee Mie-kyung, also known as Miky Lee, the Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, has been instrumental in propelling the Korean film and content industry to new heights. As the executive producer of critically acclaimed films such as “Parasite,” “Decision to Leave,” and “Broker,” as well as the globally recognized “Past Lives,” which garnered nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Academy Awards, Lee has solidified her position as a leading figure in the industry. Miky Lee is the older sister of Lee Jae-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group, and the first of three siblings of Lee Maeng-hee, the honorary chairman of Cheil Jedang, further cementing her influential role within one of South Korea’s most prominent business families.
Her role extends beyond production, serving as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in the United States, a board member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS), and a board member at the Hammer Museum in the U.S. Lee’s efforts in collaborating with Hollywood, the cultural arts sector, and the educational field underscore her commitment to enhancing the sustainability of K-contents, supporting talented creators to shine on the global stage, and elevating the global status of Korean culture.
In recognition of her significant contributions, Lee has been honored with several prestigious awards. In December, she was awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest grade of government cultural medals in South Korea, acknowledging her pivotal role in the growth of the Korean film and entertainment industry. Additionally, her efforts in spreading the Korean Wave globally for about 30 years have been recognized with the International Emmy Directorate Award and the Pillar Award from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Furthermore, on Feb. 3, 2024, Lee became the first Korean to receive the Abu Dhabi Festival Award, a testament to her influence and contribution to the arts and culture on an international scale.
Timeline
▲ April 8, 1958 = Born in Michigan, United States.
▲ 1975 = Graduated from Kyunggi Girls’ High School.
▲ 1981 = Graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Home Management.
▲ 1987 = Received a master’s degree in East Asian Regional Studies from Harvard University.
▲ 1992 = Earned a Ph.D. in History Education from Fudan University in China.
▲ 1994 = Started working as a director at Samsung America, the American division of Samsung Electronics.
▲ 1998 = Moved to become a director at Cheil Jedang’s Multimedia Business Division.
▲ December 1999 = Promoted to Executive Director at Cheil Jedang.
▲ 2002 = Became an executive in charge of CJ Entertainment Business Division; stayed in the USA as an expatriate executive.
▲ December 2004 = Appointed as Vice Chairwoman responsible for CJ Entertainment, CJ CGV, CJ Media, and CJ America.
▲ 2006 = Received an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from Sookmyung Women’s University.
▲ December 2004 = Appointed as Vice Chairwman responsible for CJ Entertainment, CJ CGV, CJ Media, and CJ America. GV, CJ O Shopping, etc., as a non-registered executive.
▲ 2014 = Due to health issues, effectively stepped back from active management and recuperated in the USA.
▲ June 2017 = Appointed as a new member of the Executive Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Academy Awards.
▲ 2020 = Joined the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures as Vice Chair.
