Such maverick behaviour is typical of Lee. He was born into a medical family. His parents were renowned doctors in Korea, and his three elder brothers followed in their footsteps – yet he left Korea at a young age to study in Japan because he was always at the bottom of the class back home, he candidly admits.
“It was tougher than Korea,” he recalls. “I naively thought that I would get into medical school in Japan. But it was much more competitive.”
Lee decided to try his luck in the US. Once again, he did poorly because classes were taught in English and he barely knew the language. Still, his global adventures gave him a better appreciation of the world. Along the way, he even became the US representative for taekwondo in the 1988 Olympics. “I wanted to go home during the summer and Korea was hosting the event, so I got a free ride.” He also helmed DJ decks in Korean nightclubs.
His circuitous path helped Lee realise that there were many routes to success and being a doctor was not the only way. His parents, however, were initially disappointed that he didn’t follow in their footsteps. He shares that his father was even embarrassed with his first job: a sales representative selling medical devices to doctors.
This story is from the December 2021 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2021 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wear The World On Your Wrist
These watches are proudly made in Switzerland, but prouder still are their homages to other cultures.
Shaping Healthy Confectioneries Through Science-Backed Innovation
At a time when health-conscious consumers are questioning the norms of processed foods, Glico tells us why it stands firm in its confidence.
The Home Advantage
This AI-dependent reno-tech platform is cutting out the middleman for interior designing and, recently, its financing.
Financing Art
UOB, UBS, OCBC, and Bank of America are some financial institutions involved heavily in today's art world. Why is this the case?
Airing New Possibilities
Acclaimed chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb hope to inspire and spark deeper conversations and action around food and circular cooking at their idyllic concept Air in lush Dempsey Hill.
Taking Initiative
Nicole Robinson, andbeyond's chief marketing officer, shares how the luxury safari operator is accelerating its ground partnerships in a race against time to save the planet's remaining wilderness.
Tropical Modernism
In this three-storey inter-terrace belonging to a family of four, designer Ethan Lin of TE-EL sought to create a cosy nest that marries the disparate tastes of its owners.
A Symphony of Vintage
Antoine Bakhache, founder of Bakhache Jewellery, shares the story behind the brand's inception, its curated vintage collections, and the journey ahead.
Time is of the Ressence
Time is of the Ressence Independent watch brand founder Benoit Mintiens on creating unique timepieces by focusing on the user experience.
A Timeless Impact
The Rolex Awards for Enterprise celebrate innovators like Denica Riadini-Flesch, whose work at SukkhaCitta focuses on ethical craftsmanship.