Legacy, Leadership, and Wisdom: A Vision Inspired by King Sejong Who Created Korean Language.

By Eun J. Lee ? | CEO, SI INSTITUTE | The descendant of King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty and the Shilla Dynasty.

As the CEO of the Seoul International Institute, my mission is to inspire leaders across the Global 500 to align purpose with action, legacy with innovation, and wisdom with impact. Rooted in the extraordinary leadership of my ancestor, King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897 AD), I strive to carry forward his ethos of inclusivity, innovation, and service to humanity.

Drawing from my royal lineage and experiences as a Stanford Graduate School of Business scholar, I offer this reflection on leadership, resilience, and the lessons we can all learn from ancient wisdom.

Q: How did you learn about your royal lineage?

At 33, I began to explore my family history through a conversation with my father. My last name, Lee (? 李), traces back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897 AD), specifically to King Sejong the Great (1397–1450 AD), one of Korea’s most visionary leaders. My lineage descends from his eighth son, Prince Young Eung Dae Gun, his favored child.

On my mother’s side, her lineage connects to the Shilla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD), a time of cultural flourishing. Her ancestors transitioned into the Prime Minister class during the Joseon era, celebrated for their scholarship and leadership. Together, these dual legacies have shaped my values and inspired my leadership journey.

(Family Tree of Lee ? - Jeonju)

Q. When you learnt about the Joseon Dynasty Legacy, do you ever feel any type of pressure to continue the legacy in any way??

Rather than pressure, I feel a deep passion and responsibility to honor and reinterpret the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty for today’s world. King Sejong’s creation of Hangul, the Korean language, exemplified leadership that empowered and unified an entire nation. Inspired by his inclusivity and innovation, I aim to build modern systems that foster respect, harmony, and prosperity on a global scale.

Through the Seoul International Institute, I strive to bridge the wisdom of the past with the challenges of the present. This vision extends beyond Korea, connecting ancient traditions and universal lessons to inspire a world where humanity thrives in balance and mutual respect.

Q. When you think about power in the sense of a Queen or King ruling over a country, how do you think that translates into the kind of power that people can exercise in their day-to-day life??

Power, whether wielded by a monarch or exercised in daily choices, carries the profound responsibility to act with wisdom and humility. One of the greatest lessons I’ve drawn from King Sejong’s leadership is this: the more power one holds, the greater the obligation to use it ethically, with a sense of service and purpose.

For me, power is not about control—it’s about alignment. By integrating spiritual practices like prayer and reflection, I navigate decisions with clarity, fostering growth and balance for myself and those I serve. True power lies in leading with awareness, compassion, and integrity, whether in boardrooms or daily interactions.

Power in daily life, then, becomes a balance of the spiritual and the practical—ensuring it is not only wielded effectively but also with integrity and purpose. It’s a reminder that each of us, in our own way, has the ability to influence the world around us, and that true power lies in the ability to lead with awareness, compassion, and reflection.

Q. Knowing what King SeJong stood for in history and how you’re trying to invigorate that into modern times, do you feel like you ever gravitate towards some of the things that were left behind in that era??

Absolutely. King Sejong’s creation of Hangul, the Korean language, stands as a testament to his vision of inclusivity and empowerment—a revolutionary gift that united a nation and uplifted its people. Inspired by this legacy, my mission is to build modern systems that similarly benefit humanity on a global scale. Through my network of scholars, including those at the Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD program, I aim to create frameworks that foster respect, harmony, and prosperity for individuals and communities alike.

At its core, this vision emphasizes the need for respect—respect for oneself, for others, and for the communities we serve. It focuses on cultivating self-motivation to do good, creating environments where people and societies can thrive in balance. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, this sense of balance and interconnectedness often feels lost. What’s needed now is a collective awareness of our interdependence and the recognition of our bodies, minds, and communities as sacred sanctuaries. By caring for ourselves and one another, we can co-create a global sanctuary where every individual feels dignified and valued.

This interconnected philosophy is the foundation of the Seoul International Institute’s mission: to uplift humanity through a focus on healing, spiritual awareness, wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love. By bridging the wisdom of the past with the pressing challenges of the present, we can inspire a future where individuals and societies thrive in harmony and mutual respect.

King Sejong’s work, rooted in tools that fostered connection and equity, reminds us that we, too, have the opportunity to carry that legacy forward—not just for Korea, but for the world. Together, we can build a more unified and compassionate global community, honoring the values of the past while shaping a brighter future.

Q: Once you learnt you descended from royalty, how do you feel that shifted how you viewed and showed up in the world??

Understanding my royal lineage has not been a source of pressure but a foundation of purpose. For years, I struggled with workaholism, external validation, and unresolved emotions, masking inner turmoil with relentless productivity. It wasn’t until I experienced a moment of profound clarity—an out-of-body experience during a time of emotional and physical overwhelm—that I began to realign with my purpose.

In 2015, uncovering my heritage reframed my challenges as opportunities for transformation. The resilience and vision of my ancestors taught me that leadership begins with self-awareness, authenticity, and compassion. Today, I view my personal journey not as a series of hardships but as a gift in disguise—a lesson I aim to share with other leaders navigating their paths.

Q. What’s the most impactful self-discovery tool that you’ve used and feel would help people alleviate their suffering and live a happier life??

Over the years, two transformative tools have guided my journey of self-awareness and growth:

1. Carl Jung’s Shadow Work: By confronting the hidden or suppressed parts of ourselves, we turn challenges into opportunities for healing and personal growth. This practice has taught me to take responsibility for my actions and embrace my wholeness.

2. Soul Retrieval Meditation: This meditation reconnects fragmented parts of the self, fostering empowerment and focus on what truly matters.

These tools are not just practices—they are pathways to resilience, authenticity, and joy. By integrating them into daily life, leaders can find the clarity and strength to inspire others and create meaningful impact.

Q. Are there any royal beauty traditions that have been passed down through the generations from King Sejong’s Queen, that your family still practices today??

The Hanbok, a timeless symbol of grace and dignity, remains a cherished tradition in my family. Worn during special occasions, it serves as a nod to the values of heritage and elegance. Beyond outward beauty, the traditions of respect, gratitude, and thoughtfulness remain central to Korean culture and my leadership philosophy.

These practices—rooted in humility and humanity—reflect the balance of outward elegance and inner character, inspiring harmonious relationships and fostering kindness in daily life.

Q: Lastly, what’s one piece of ancient wisdom that you’ve come to learn and feel everyone should know?

The perspective that “life happens for us” is transformative. It teaches us to see challenges as opportunities for growth, to trust in the unfolding of life, and to align with a greater sense of purpose. Through practices like prayer and meditation, I’ve learned to surrender resistance and embrace peace—not as a fleeting state, but as a way of life.

Leadership, like life, is about choosing to believe in your sacredness. When we let go of fear and trust the process, we find the strength to inspire and guide others with clarity and compassion.

A Call to Global Leaders

Leadership today requires more than strategy—it calls for wisdom, resilience, and purpose. Inspired by the legacy of King Sejong, I invite leaders to reflect on how ancient wisdom can guide modern challenges. Together, we can create a world that thrives on integrity, compassion, and mutual respect.

How do you integrate ancient wisdom into your leadership?

Let this be the beginning of a conversation that inspires transformation.

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