Dong Kurn (DK) Lee in 2008-09 became the first Rotary International President from Korea.
A member of the Rotary Club of Seoul Hangang, Seoul, Korea, Lee is chair of the Bubang Co. Ltd. and Bubang Techron Co. Ltd. manufacturing companies in Seoul and formerly served as a trustee of the Bank of Seoul. In 2005, he was appointed an international goodwill ambassador by the president of Korea.
Lee has also served as honorary consul to the Italian consulate in Korea since 1994 and was awarded the Order of Industrial Merit by the Korean government. He and his wife, Young Ja, have two sons and two daughters.
A Rotarian since 1971, Lee has served RI as a director, treasurer, district governor, training leader, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and membership task force coordinator in Asia. He began his tenure on the Foundation's Board of Trustees in 2003-04 and is a recipient of the Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service.
Lee's theme, Make Dreams Real, reflects the world as he would like it to be - one in which children have the best possible chance at survival and the opportunity to reach their dreams.
At the International Assembly in January 2008, Lee unveiled the 2008-09 theme and service emphases , urging Rotarians to become involved in clean water, literacy, and health and hunger projects aimed at reducing child mortality. He also encouraged them to contribute to Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge to eradicate polio.
"We will Make Dreams Real by giving children hope and a chance at a future," Lee said.