Beyond Financial Support, Lee Mikyung Builds an 'Asian Ecosystem' and Secures a Place in Mainstream Hollywood
Academy Museum Director Praises Lee as a "Global Leader"
Forbes and Variety Highlight Strength of the Asian Pipeline
The head of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has named Mi Kyung Lee, Vice Chairman of CJ Group, as an inspirational leader in the global film industry.
In an interview published earlier this month in 'LA Magazine', Director Amy Homma was asked, "Which woman in LA has inspired you?" She responded, "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to receive strong support from Vice Chairman Lee, who also serves on our museum board." She continued, "She has an amazing ability to build communities and is directly shaping the landscape of the entertainment industry through her global vision and unwavering support for Korean cinema."
This praise aligns with a series of recent accolades from North America's most prestigious economic and pop culture media outlets. Forbes included Vice Chairman Lee as the only Korean on the list of '50 Over 50: 50 Women Over 50 Who Have Succeeded Globally in 2026' published in January. The selection cited her contributions to laying the foundation for the globalization of Korean content, from the DreamWorks investment in 1995 to the Oscar win for the film 'Parasite'. Previously, Vanity Fair also described her as the "godmother of the Korean Wave and Hollywood’s secret weapon," highlighting her influential role behind the scenes.
What North American mainstream media outlets are paying the most attention to is the 'Asian pipeline' that she has established at the heart of Hollywood. After securing a global network through her investment in DreamWorks, Vice Chairman Lee joined the board of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2019, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for the mainstream stage.
This elevated status has translated directly into global corporate strategy. CJ ENM has formed a three-year partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and is introducing special exhibitions, such as those featuring director Bong Joon Ho, to audiences worldwide.
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Vice Chairman Lee is also making bold moves on a personal level. In particular, last year she joined hands with Janet Yang, former President of the Academy, to launch the global label 'First Light Storyhouse', pushing Asian creators and narratives into major Hollywood studios. She is credited not only with providing financial support but also with establishing a solid global ecosystem in which Asian filmmakers can thrive independently in the American mainstream market.
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