J. Julianne Lee (Jihyun Julianne Lee) is a philanthropist and contemplative practitioner dedicated to integrating the wisdom and lived practices of spiritual traditions into contemporary life, making them accessible and meaningful for modern seekers.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Julianne spent many years in the United States, where she completed most of her education. She attended Concord Academy in Massachusetts, earned her BA from Brown University, and her MA from Harvard University. Her studies also included time in France and Korea.
Julianne began her professional career as a journalist and news anchor at SBS, one of Korea’s leading broadcasting networks. In 1994, she became the first female journalist in Korea to serve as the solo anchor of a prime-time news hour.
Following her graduate studies at Harvard University, Julianne returned to Korea to enter public service, joining the Presidential Office of the Roh Moo-Hyun Administration. She served as the first and youngest Presidential Secretary and Spokesperson for Foreign Press Affairs, and also became the first Spokesperson of the National Security Council of Korea.
After her government service, she returned to broadcasting as the host of Korea Now, an English-language current affairs program on Arirang TV. She later served as Senior Advisor at RBS Bank & Securities Korea.
Across more than two decades of leadership roles spanning media, government, and finance, Julianne came to recognize that systemic reform and progress are fundamentally limited if the individuals leading those institutions remain unchanged. This insight inspired a career shift toward contemplative life and inner cultivation—supporting individuals and leaders in reconnecting with deeper clarity, meaning, and wisdom.
She is currently the publisher of Ars Vitae, a limited-edition publication series exploring what it means to live well and examining key dimensions of contemplative living. Together with her husband, Christian Krueger, she co-founded Krueger & Lee, a Swiss-based non-profit organization offering programs for leaders in philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and business, grounded in contemplative practices and wisdom traditions.
Their shared commitment extends to philanthropy as well. Through Krüger Foundation, Julianne and Christian provide emergency relief, education, and medical support for refugees, marginalized children, the elderly, and those affected by natural disasters and conflict.
In recognition of her distinctive professional path, Julianne was named a Young Global Leader and New Asian Leader by the World Economic Forum, and a Next Generation Leader by Korea Foundation. She previously served on the board of Korea Foundation, and is currently a board member of World Meditation Foundation.
Julianne and her husband Christian divide their time between Switzerland and Thailand and travel widely. She enjoys meditation, walking in the Engadin mountains, and collecting handmade crafts from around the world.