▲ La Casa Group Chairman Lee Hyun-gu (Business '68, right) presents the development fund to President Ji-bum Yoo.

 On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, La Casa Group Chairman Lee Hyun-gu (Business '68) donated 800 million KRW in development funds at the reception room of the 600th Anniversary Hall on Sungkyunkwan University’s Humanities and Social Sciences Campus. The contribution consists of 530 million KRW for the Jungbong Academic Research Fund and 270 million KRW for the Second Business Building Construction Fund, serving as a vital catalyst for strengthening the university's research foundation and campus infrastructure.

 The ceremony was attended by Chairman Lee alongside La Casa Group Executive Director Lee Hyung-woo (his eldest son) and Team Leader Lee Ju-hee. University leadership present included President Ji-bum Yoo, Foundation Executive Director Young-su Joo, Humanities and Social Sciences Campus Vice President Hoon-seok Choi, General Affairs Director Dong-hwan Lee, Advancement Cooperation Director Jae-bung Choi, Business School Dean Jong-eun Lee, Alumni Association Executive Vice President Cha Dong-ok (English Language & Literature '76), Second Business Building Fundraising Committee Chairman Won-kap Kim (Business '72), Business School Alumni Association President Im Kyung-yun (Business '79), Business School Alumni Association Secretary-General Lee Jeung-sang (Business '74), and Alumni Association Secretary-General Ahn Sang-in (English Language & Literature '86).

 The event featured a screening of the university's promotional video alongside a special compilation of footage and interviews highlighting Chairman Lee’s long-standing history with his alma mater.

 Chairman Lee stated, "I decided to make this donation hoping my alma mater can foster future talents within an enhanced educational environment. Being an SKKU alumnus has been a tremendous source of strength throughout my life and business journey, and I hope this offers meaningful support to my junior students."

 President Ji-bum Yoo expressed, "I deeply thank Chairman Lee for pooling his precious aspirations for the university's advancement. This contribution will solidify our education and research infrastructure, empowering students to learn and grow in a superior environment."

▲ Chairman Lee Hyun-gu (center) receives a congratulatory bouquet of flowers.

(From left: President Ji-bum Yoo, Chairman Lee Hyun-gu, and Executive Director Lee Hyung-woo, Chairman Lee's eldest son)

 Chairman Lee has consistently demonstrated his deep affection for his alma mater by contributing over 4.1 billion KRW in donations to various funds, including the Jungbong Brain Science Research Fund, University Development Fund, Second Business Building Construction Fund, Jungbong Academic Research Fund, Business School Development Fund, Miscellaneous Scholarship Fund, Sungkyun Global Center Construction Fund, Business School Alumni Association Development Fund, Business Building Construction Fund, COVID-19 Mutual Hope Fund, Junior Love Meal Support Fund, Cho Byung-doo Scholarship Fund, Business School Alumni Association Happiness Fund, Yuga Arts & Culture Contents Research Institute Development Fund, Business School 60th Anniversary Development Fund, and SKKU Business Forum Fund.

▲ Chairman Lee Hyun-gu sharing his thoughts on the donation.

 Chairman Lee pioneered quality and design innovation in South Korea's furniture industry by founding the design-based comprehensive interior furniture brand "Casamia," and subsequently expanded his business domain into the lifestyle space industry through "La Casa Hotel," presenting new business models.

▲ Chairman Lee Hyun-gu (right) and President Ji-bum Yoo (left) pose for a commemorative photo in front of the Jungbong Future Foundation plaque.

 Furthermore, guided by the philosophy that corporate growth must go hand in hand with society, he has consistently practiced philanthropy and social contribution across various fields such as education, healthcare, and culture. Notably, last year he established the Jungbong Future Foundation to continue sharing and social returns in a more sustainable and systematic manner.

 The Jungbong Future Foundation focuses on arts, culture, education, and welfare, operating support programs for marginalized groups, talent development, and community initiatives to contribute to building a healthy and sustainable future society.

▲ (From left) Ahn Sang-in (Alumni Association Secretary-General), Jong-eun Lee (Dean of the Business School), Cha Dong-ok (Alumni Association Executive Vice President), Won-kap Kim (Second Business Building Fundraising Committee Chairman), Im Kyung-yun (Business School Alumni Association President), Lee Hyung-woo (Executive Director), Chairman Lee Hyun-gu, President Ji-bum Yoo, Young-su Joo (Foundation Executive Director), Hoon-seok Choi (Vice President), Lee Jeung-sang (Business School Alumni Association Secretary-General), Professor Kim Eung-hak, and Dong-hwan Lee (General Affairs Director).