Han Jong-Hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away from cardiac arrest on Tuesday at the age of 63, a company spokesperson confirmed. His death marks the end of a remarkable era for the South Korean tech titan, where his leadership shaped the global trajectory of its consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions.
Born in 1962, Han led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile businesses since 2022, ascending to the role of vice chairman and CEO that same year. His tenure followed a 37-year career with the company, during which he transformed its TV business into a worldwide powerhouse.
With Han’s passing, Jun Young-Hyun, appointed co-CEO just last week, steps into the spotlight as Samsung’s sole leader. Jun, a veteran of the semiconductor division, inherits a company with fierce competition and shifting market demands. The transition arrives at a vital moment for Samsung, a company facing unrelenting pressure in its semiconductor and memory chip sectors.
Samsung’s logic chip business lags behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), in producing next-generation chips and winning high-profile clients. Meanwhile, in the memory chip arena, long a Samsung stronghold, South Korean rival Hynix has surged ahead in high bandwidth memory (HBM) technology, critical for Nvidia’s graphic processing units. This gap has weighed heavily on Samsung’s stock, amplifying investor concerns.
Han confronted these challenges head-on. At last week’s annual investor meeting, which he chaired, he issued a candid apology for the stock’s lacklustre performance. He cautioned that 2025 would bring turbulence, citing economic uncertainties in key markets. “There are some difficulties in doing semiconductor M&As due to regulatory issues and various national interests,” he told attendees, per Reuters, “but we’re determined to produce some tangible results this year.” His pledge to pursue “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions showed his resolve to bolster Samsung’s future.
Han’s journey with Samsung began in 1988, armed with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. He first left his mark leading the display operation before driving the electronics and appliances divisions to new heights. His vision proved instrumental in launching Samsung’s LED TVs, a move that cemented the company’s reputation for technological prowess, according to a recent Samsung biography.
What set Han apart? His ability to led a “challenging business environment” while keeping Samsung competitive on the global stage. He didn’t just manage divisions, he redefined them, pushing boundaries in a cutthroat industry.
Han’s death leaves a void, both in leadership and in the company’s narrative. His 37 years of service didn’t just build a business—they shaped an institution that millions rely on daily. As Samsung mourns, the question looms: Can it turn adversity into opportunity, as Han so often did?
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