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| Lee Jong-hun |
Lee Jong-hun is the Millennium Seoul Hilton's new general manager, the first native Korean to lead the hotel in its 35 years.
The hotel announced his appointment on Jan. 19.
Speaking with The Korea Times on Monday, Lee said candidly: "I would be lying if I am not nervous."
The Millennium Seoul Hilton, which enjoyed a solid reputation for decades, sees its image dwindling amid rising competition from new hotels fitted with high-tech equipment. The hotel's restaurants, bars and coffee shops also face challenges amid an increasing number of upscale restaurants and bars.
But Lee's robust expertise in the hospitality business, built up over decades, gives him confidence and a sense of calm.
"The situation can be difficult and there will be trials ahead, but there won't be frustration," he said. "I hope we can all grow together and start a new era for all the employees of the Millennium Seoul Hilton."
Lee started his hotel career at the Shilla Hotel & Resort. He moved to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Seoul, Banyan Tree Club & Spa, Stanford Hotel Korea and Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel. Before joining the Hilton, Lee was the general manager and executive director of Chaum Life Center, a clinic known for its anti-aging, beauty and health services.
Lee's mantra for success in the hotel business is people. "Hotel service is all about people ― taking care of guests personally and enriching their experience during their stay." How to achieve this is about managing staff, he said.
When it comes to visible changes, Lee pledged to continue the renovation of guest rooms and the food and beverage sections.
Born to a diplomat father, Lee grew up traveling the world ― Japan to Belgium, England and Italy. That got him language proficiencies and cross-cultural skills that have helped him immensely in his career.
He lives with his wife and two children in Seoul. He is aware of the importance of life-work balance but the work keeps him away from home often and he feels sorry for his two teenage children.
"When I pick them up from hagwon (a Korean word for after-school institutions) in the evening, I try to make eye contact and spend time with them," Lee said. "And I treat them with snacks and desserts, which my wife doesn't like."
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