Im Se-ryeong: The Powerful Heiress Shaping Korea’s Food Industry
Meet Im Se-ryeong — Businesswoman, Heiress, Public Figure
Im Se-ryeong (also romanized as Lim Se-ryung) is a prominent South Korean businesswoman, executive, and heiress — a figure who straddles corporate leadership, social prominence, and media attention. Here’s a closer look at her life, career, and public profile.
📘 Background & Education
Im Se-ryeong was born on August 13, 1977. She is the eldest daughter of Lim Chang-wook, the honorary chairman of Daesang Group — one of South Korea’s top food conglomerates.
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She began studying Business Administration at Yonsei University but paused her studies. Later, she resumed her education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New York University (NYU).
💼 Career at Daesang Group
Im Se-ryeong officially joined Daesang in 2012, starting as Creative Director, overseeing brand management, marketing, design, and the food business.
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In 2016, she was promoted to Executive Director, taking more responsibility over marketing and brand strategy for the group.
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On March 26, 2021, she was elevated to Vice Chairman of Daesang Holdings and Daesang itself — a move placing her among the top leadership of the conglomerate.
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In her role, she handles marketing for Daesang and strategic planning for Daesang Holdings, focusing on expansion, brand renewal, and innovation (including home-meal-replacement (HMR) products).
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Under her leadership, Daesang has pursued international expansion, rebranding efforts, and modernization of traditional food products to appeal to newer generations and global markets.
Family & Personal Life
Im Se-ryeong previously married Lee Jae-yong — the heir to Samsung Group — in 1998. The marriage ended in divorce in 2009. They have two children together.
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Since 2015, she has been in a long-term relationship with Lee Jung-jae, the internationally famed actor (notably for his role in Squid Game). The relationship has drawn media attention due to her status as a chaebol heiress and his fame in entertainment.
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Despite her public role in business and the media interest in her personal life, she reportedly maintains a relatively private personal style.
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🌟 Public Image & Influence
As vice-chairwoman of Daesang, she is seen as a key driver of the company’s modernization and strategic repositioning. Her efforts have included brand renewals, marketing targeting younger demographics, and expansion of ready-to-eat/home meal products.
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Her background — international education, corporate leadership, and personal connections to high-profile figures — positions her as a prominent representative of South Korea’s “new generation” of business leaders blending tradition and global outlook.
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At the same time, her relationship with a high-profile celebrity has frequently drawn public and media interest, enhancing her visibility outside the business world.
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🔎 Why She’s a Figure Worth Watching
Im Se-ryeong stands out for a few compelling reasons:
She is among the relatively few female executives at the top levels of South Korea’s large conglomerates — a position that carries both responsibility and scrutiny.
She navigates the dual worlds of corporate leadership and media spotlight — a balancing act between business seriousness and social/public interest.
Through her work, she influences how traditional Korean food brands adapt to modern markets, both domestically and internationally.
Her background and life story reflect changing social dynamics in Korea: globalization, female leadership, and evolving norms around marriage, divorce, and remarriage in elite circles.