Jaekeun (JK) Lee
Chief Concierge
Four Seasons Tenure
- Since 2016
- First Four Seasons Assignment: Lanai Ambassador at Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Employment History
- Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Korea; Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii, USA
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at Illinois State University
Birthplace
- Daegu, Korea
Languages Spoken
- English, Korean, Mandarin
Drawing on his experience showcasing Four Seasons hospitality from Hawaii to Seoul, Jaekeun (JK) Lee views his role as going far beyond simply booking restaurants and tours. “As Four Seasons Concierge, we are on hand to design the guest’s entire trip and to personalize the way in which they experience the destination,” he explains. “This customization and care are at the heart of the Four Seasons brand promise.”
Born in Daegu, Korea, JK was raised around the world, spending his early years in a dizzying variety of settings, including the historical city of Gyeongju, the vibrant town of Ann Arbor in Michigan, and the glittering metropolis of Shanghai. After graduating with a marketing degree from Illinois State University, he forayed into the world of hospitality by sheer coincidence. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to him.
“I started my career at Four Seasons Resort Lanai. In less than a a week, I knew this was the field and the company I wanted to stick with for the rest of my life. I got really lucky!” he says with a smile, recalling his instant connection with the world of hospitality.
The successful stint at Lanai was followed by a move to Four Seasons Hotel Seoul as a Concierge Agent. Here, he steadily worked his way up the ranks, honing his skills in guest relations and sales before finally achieving his dream designation – Chief Concierge. The assignment brought a slew of pandemic-related challenges that were handled adeptly by JK, including setting up and training an all-new team, re-establishing agreements with preferred vendors, and creating a much-needed sense of reassurance for guests.
Now at Otemachi, JK enables personalized discovery for travellers from around the world. Led by his vision, the Hotel Concierge avoids handing out standardized lists, instead preferring to get a keen sense of each guest’s preferences before offering the perfect recommendation. Take, for instance, a guest on the hunt for great sushi. Is it their first trip to Japan? Are they in the mood for local-style dining or a more refined ambience? Do they have any dietary restrictions? Once JK and his team have a better sense of what the guest is looking for, they are able to organize a truly memorable experience.
For those seeking cultural immersion, JK opens the door to hidden facets of Tokyo, arranging experiences such as Suibokuga (Japanese ink wash painting) with a celebrated ink artist, incense appreciation with a Kodo master, and a sumo wrestling session at a traditional dojo.
Even after several years in the industry, JK’s enjoyment hasn’t waned. He still gets the same rush from interacting with guests, finding immense joy in guiding them to the most memorable experiences. “Every suggestion we make, every excursion we arrange, has the potential to be etched in the guest’s memory. When they look back on their time in Tokyo and smile, that is our biggest achievement as Concierge. That’s the fun of the job!” he says.
During his leisure time, JK loves to try out local eateries with colleagues and friends. He also makes it a point to visit Tokyo’s award-winning restaurants, so he can offer tailored recommendations to culinary-minded guests. An avid sports enthusiast, he is always up for game of soccer or basketball.
